Virgin Islands Department of Education officials are advising parents and guardians of public school students on St. Croix that bus service will continue to be offline throughout the district until further notice.
Education was notified approximately two weeks ago by Abramson Inc. that it was behind on its payments to provide school bus service on St. Croix. Officials said Monday that it is hoped the balance will be paid by the end of the week. Services such as bus transportation are paid for with general funds, which have continued to dwindle in the wake of the ongoing economic recession, according to a press release issued Monday by the V.I. Department of Education.
Education Commissioner Dr. LaVerne Terry said Monday that the department has worked aggressively to identify the money needed to take care of the remaining balance.
“We looked in all budget categories to see what we can identify,” Terry said. “We are also trying to work with the bus company to get services back online as soon as possible.”
Until then, parents and guardians are asked to continue picking up and dropping off their children. Special Education bus service has also been affected. The department regrets and apologizes for any inconvenience caused, and will continue to send updates throughout the week.
