Anchorage, Fairbanks school districts short of bus drivers

Students return to school soon, and Alaska’s larger districts are facing a shortage of school bus drivers.

The Anchorage School District was short 75 bus drivers less than two weeks before classes begin on Aug. 18. The shortage could lead to some bus routes being suspended, the superintendent said.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District contractor was short bus drivers last month to cover 115 routes, and as of last week was advertising: “We need bus drivers and attendants!” The district last week announced reduced service when classes start Aug. 17.

The Fairbanks bus contractor was a...