ST. LOUIS — Families in the St. Louis Public School District (SLPS) could get some cash back into their pockets for driving their kids to and from school.
Less than 24 hours ago, parents were sent a letter from the district saying they could earn a $75 gas card this week if they take their kids to school instead of letting them ride the bus.
It all comes after multiple drivers were absent Monday, leading the district to tell families whose students planned on participating in afterschool activities to arrange alternative transportation.
The district said parents affected by the issues have already been notified of the incentive because they experienced "chronic bus absenteeism".
This incentive also comes after months of severe transportation issues this year. The district has 60 schools across the city for 20,000 students, a majority of them identifying as African-American.
Starting this week, families who've experienced chronic bus absenteeism throughout the school year can get monetary relief.
The qualifications to get that gas card:
- Students must attend at least four days a week
- Students have to arrive on time
- Gas cards are limited to one per family regardless of multiple students or schools
5 On Your Side has followed this year's issues closely.
Two of the bus company's technicians found a noose in the bus garage.
"No matter what color you are if you have knowledge and insight into making their job safer and better then your knowledge and insight should be greatly appreciated no matter what color you are," Ellis said.
In early March the St. Louis NAACP released the results of its investigation into the Missouri Central Bus Company.
Leaders of the local chapter of the NAACP also said they found significant issues impacting the safety of students and drivers.
To top things off, in late March Missouri Central Bus Company chose to terminate the contract with the district, with termination coming as soon as July 12.
District Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett says they will have a long-term transportation solution before the next school year.
Instead of just one transportation provider, Dr. Scarlett said, "We expect to have multiple transportation providers to pull together to have enough buses and routes for students."
Dr. Scarlett says as a parent, she resonates with these families.
"These two weeks we're just trying to show a gesture. I don't know if there's enough that we can pay or give back to families to compensate them for the inconvenience that has been caused by the transportation issue. But this is just a gesture to let them know we see you," Dr. Scarlett said.
In the meantime, parents who don't qualify for this week's gas cards can through the Chek app on their phone. Which would allow them to receive $75 a week starting May 13-23.
Parents must install the app because there is an opt-out of transportation survey feature that parents have to do. They only have four days left to do so. That option to opt-out ends May 6.
That money is putting a smile on parents' faces at Compton Drew ILC Middle School.
"I'm excited about that because gas is high. I bring my son to school every day at 6 o'clock and pick him up every day at 2 o'clock. So, that's great. That'll help us every week. It's some good lunch money," said SLPS parent Darrell Standard.
Valiere Laususe a grandparent at Compton Drew said, "I think its a good thing they are reimbursing the parents and the grandparents, and whoever is picking up because gas is very high."
Parents must sign up to receive the Chek weekly gas card for the specified weeks:
- Week May 13 – May 17: [Parent Gas Card Sign-up Form] (must be completed by Tuesday, May 14)
- Week May 20 – May 23: [Parent Gas Card Sign-up Form] (must be completed by Tuesday, May 21)
The district also said in their letter to parents this week they're in the process of finding one or more vendors to replace Missouri Central Bus Company. The district's Request For Proposals (RFP) ended on April 26. Now the transportation department for the district is currently reviewing applicants.
Looking ahead to the fall, another SLPS parent, Michelle Morgan, said "I hope everything is resolved by next school year."
The district did not immediately let people know when they plan to have a solution in place for next year's school year.