New Britain, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Parents in New Britain are voicing concerns over transportation issues for special needs students, including late pickups and incorrect school drop-offs. Incidents have caused distress among children, raising worries among families and school officials. Superintendent Dr. Tony Gasper acknowledged persistent communication problems and First Student’s lack of preparedness for the school year. In response, the bus company has announced efforts to improve service through recruiting out-of-state drivers and implementing incentives. The school district is contemplating financial penalties and demands for corrective action to ensure safe and timely transportation.
New Britain Faces Frustrations Over Student Transportation Issues
Parents in New Britain are expressing significant frustration just one week into the school year regarding transportation for special needs students. The city contracted bus company, First Student, has reportedly failed to deliver timely transportation services, leading to complaints about late pickups and drop-offs, as well as transporting students to incorrect schools.
One alarming incident involved Somers McCray and her son, who has autism. After her son’s school day ended at 3:30 p.m. in Waterbury, he did not arrive home as expected. Upon contacting dispatch, McCray was informed that the GPS tracking on the bus was lost. Utilizing iPhone locator technology, she discovered that her son had been taken to Danbury, nearly 40 miles away from his intended destination. McCray faced the urgent challenge of coordinating with both the dispatcher and the bus driver to ensure her son’s safe return, culminating in a reunion at a 7-Eleven in Southington. Her son reported feeling scared, tired, hungry, and in pain due to the extensive travel away from home.
Another parent, Lilly Reyes, shared a similar experience with her nonverbal son, who uses a wheelchair. Due to a lack of proper paperwork, her son was taken to the wrong school, arriving late at 10:45 a.m., instead of being transported to a school in Killingly. Reyes highlighted the emotional toll these transportation issues have taken on her son, including experiences of self-harm and distress. Additionally, she reported that her son was left at school for two hours after his bus broke down on the highway.
School Superintendent Dr. Tony Gasper acknowledged ongoing communication issues as well as First Student’s unpreparedness for the beginning of the school year. Late buses have resulted in students returning home hours later than scheduled, causing concern among parents and school staff.
To address these issues, Dr. Gasper emphasized the need for effective communication to inform parents about potential delays proactively. In response to the growing dissatisfaction, First Student issued an apology while acknowledging the challenges related to timely deliveries and driver availability. The company announced plans to bring in out-of-state drivers and vehicles, and implement incentives aimed at attracting qualified drivers to improve service.
In an effort to hold First Student accountable, the school district is contemplating financial penalties and has demanded a corrective action plan following repeated incidents of late or incorrect drop-offs. These issues have been ongoing since the company took over the contract for specialized transportation services in June.
As the school year progresses, parents and administrators alike remain hopeful for a resolution that will ensure safe, punctual transportation for special needs students, minimizing distress for families and contributing to a positive educational environment.
FAQ Section
What specific transportation issues are parents facing in New Britain?
Parents are experiencing late pickups and drop-offs, and in some cases, children are being taken to the wrong schools.
What actions has First Student taken in response to complaints?
First Student has issued an apology, acknowledged challenges with timely deliveries, and is implementing measures such as recruiting out-of-state drivers and offering incentives for qualified drivers.
Is the school district taking any steps to address the situation?
The school district is considering financial penalties against First Student and has demanded a corrective action plan to improve transportation services.
How have the transportation issues affected special needs students?
Parents report that the transportation problems have caused emotional distress for their children, including feelings of fear, anxiety, and, in some cases, episodes of self-harm.
What has the Superintendent said about the situation?
Superintendent Dr. Tony Gasper acknowledged the communication issues and First Student’s lack of preparedness, emphasizing the need for better proactive communication with parents regarding delays.
Key Features of Transportation Issues in New Britain
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Late Pickups | Students frequently picked up late from home or school. |
| Wrong Drop-offs | Students sometimes taken to incorrect schools, causing distress. |
| Response Actions | First Student is recruiting out-of-state drivers and offering incentives. |
| School District’s Stance | Considering financial penalties and demanding a corrective plan. |
| Emotional Impact | Transportation issues causing anxiety and distress among special needs students. |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Connecticut
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- WFSB
- Google Search: School Transportation Issues
- WTNH
- Google Scholar: School Bus Service Issues
- NBC Connecticut
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation Services
- CT Insider
- Google News: New Britain School Bus Problems
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