On Tuesday, 90 Guard staff members will begin training to help with school transportation services to address staff shortages in certain school districts across the state, according to the statement.
“Safe and reliable transportation to school every day is critical to the safety and education of our children,” the governor said. he said in a tweet.
The statement says staff will be trained to drive 7D vehicles, vans that can carry up to 10 passengers.
“As with any school transport worker, all activated Guard personnel will complete vehicle training to ensure the safety of children and families,” the governor’s office statement said. “Drivers will comply with all legal requirements for 7D drivers. Throughout the mission, the Guard will comply with all safety and health measures.”
The first four school districts are in the cities of Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell and Lynn.
Districts across the nation have seen a more than normal shortage of bus drivers. Some have offered signing vouchers for new drivers, others have paid parents to drive buses, and at least one has said buses will not be available to all students each week.