COVID-19 complicating Osceola County schools’ busing with lack of drivers, uptick in homelessess

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The coronavirus is affecting the Osceola County Public Schools’ transportation department in more ways than one.

Officials said they aren't only down drivers, but the district is having a hard time getting to all the children because of COVID-19.

The department said the spike in unemployment means some families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

READ: Florida Department of Health starting to track COVID-19 cases at day cares for the first time since pandemic began

“Those students tend to be very mobile, and they live in areas that aren’t necessarily where they go to school,” said Arby Creach with Osceola County Public Schools Transportation.

In the district's eye, they're considered homeless. Approximately 80% of students qualify for free or reduced meal plans. Some are living in extended-stay motels along the 192-corridor in Kissimmee.

Without a paycheck, many families are forced to move frequently, which the district said makes getting students to school a challenge, because the district doesn't know where they live.

“We have to bring the students out and pick them up on the side of the road,” Creach said. “We aren’t happy with that, but we can’t physically get the buses in there.”

Cox Media Group