Hatboro-Horsham Buses To Stay Stalled After COVID Outbreak

HORSHAM, PA — Bus rides to Hatboro-Horsham School District schools will be suspended again next week, after a coronavirus outbreak hit members of the district's transportation department.

System officials announced Friday that, while students scheduled to attend in-person classes next week will still do so, bus and van service won't be provided Monday through Thursday, Feb. 8-11.

Superintendent Scott Eveslage said the suspension is due to "an increase in the number of transportation staff significantly affected by COVID-19 and currently quarantined."

Early this week, Hatboro-Horsham officials said more than 20 employees, about 25 percent of the department's staff, were out of work after either testing positive for the coronavirus or needing to quarantine because they were exposed.

Bus and van service was similarly canceled on Wednesday through Friday due to the outbreak.

"We understand the burden this has placed on our families and appreciate your support," Eveslage said in a letter to families. "Schools will continue to be flexible with potentially delayed arrival at school, as well as with students who cannot attend in-person, ensuring they can connect remotely."

The transportation department is expected to reopen on Tuesday with limited staff, he said.

Families "in critical need" of transportation are asked to fill out an online request form by 8 a.m. on Monday.

"As our ability to meet the transportation needs of the community will be extremely limited next week, please complete this form only if there truly is no other way for your child to attend school," Eveslage said.

The superintendent said school buses and the district's transportation department are being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.