West Buffalo Charter students and families are dealing with a recurring transportation problem that has left an eighth‑grader without a regular afternoon bus for three days this week. Jaime Hodge, whose son Zander is preparing for high school and a future in engineering, said the lack of reliable bus service threatens his son’s ability to attend critical math classes.

Repeated cancellations and a delayed replacement

On Monday and Tuesday, Hodge and her husband had to pick Zander up themselves after school. On Thursday the school issued a pre‑recorded message stating, “Unfortunately, the bus contacted us to let us know a driver is unavailable again for bus 458 today. After working with them to find a solution, they’ve offered to send a bus at 2 p.m.” The offered time is an hour earlier than the normal dismissal, creating a scheduling conflict for many working parents.

District and contractor response

Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) contracts with private transportation provider First Student to serve charter schools, including West Buffalo Charter. A BPS spokesperson said the district will reach out directly to First Student to address the ongoing concerns. Parents are encouraged to monitor bus status through the First Student app and to call the company’s hotline at (716) 816‑4895 for immediate assistance.

First Student acknowledged a nationwide shortage of qualified bus drivers and said it is actively recruiting to fill vacancies. The company emphasized that it remains committed to restoring full service for all affected routes.

Financial context and parental concerns

Hodge noted that Buffalo Public Schools are already operating with a funding deficit. “With the district already in such a deficit, I would think they would want to re‑examine the contract and hold First Student to the lines in that contract because they aren’t fulfilling what we’re paying them for,” she said.

She added that reliable transportation is especially important at this stage of her son’s education, as missing classes could hinder his preparation for college‑level engineering programs.

Impact on families and next steps

For families relying on school transportation, the driver shortage creates uncertainty and added logistical burdens. The district’s decision to contact First Student directly signals a willingness to address the contractual performance issues, but concrete timelines for restoring regular service have not been provided.

Parents are advised to stay in close contact with both the school and First Student, use the mobile app for real‑time updates, and explore alternative pickup arrangements when necessary. Community members and local officials may consider reviewing the terms of the transportation contract to ensure accountability and to protect the educational progress of students like Zander.

Broader implications

The situation reflects a larger national challenge: a shortage of qualified school‑bus drivers that is affecting districts across the country. While First Student is working to recruit new drivers, the immediate priority for Buffalo families remains securing reliable transportation for their children’s afternoon classes.

Original reporting: WKBW 7 Buffalo (Buffalo section) — read the source article.