Palmer Bus Service COO addresses media at press conference concerning Austin Schools moving to distance learning model until March 19th

Austin Public Schools announced Wednesday that the district will be moving to a distance learning model until March 19th, with in-person and hybrid learning to resume on March 22nd.

In a letter to parents in the district, Superintendent David Krenz stated that a significant level of COVID-19 is occuring in Palmer Bus Service, the district’s contracted bus service, which is significantly impacting the district’s ability to transport students, and because of that, all in-person learning needed to be suspended.  Palmer Bus Service COO Shane Johnson spoke with KAUS News during a press conference from Austin Schools Thursday and gave a timeline as to what transpired leading up to the decision that was made late Wednesday afternoon…

Johnson went on to address the question if other people were put into a potential situation where they could have contracted the virus from the affected drivers and then brought it back to their families…

Krenz went on to state in the letter that extra-curricular transportation guidance will be provided by coaches and advisors, and he added that the district will be in contact with families about acquiring the necessary materials for this distance learning period.

Superintendent Krenz went on to state that Kids Korner will be closed, and the district’s emergency childcare plan will be communicated, with a start date of March 15th. He went on to note that grab and go breakfast and lunch will be available to students in the district for pickup at every site from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Pacelli Catholic Schools also issued a Facebook post Wednesday that Palmer Bus Service would be suspending service until March 22nd, but that the school would remain open.