Racine students sent home after bus company cancels routes because of icy roads

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Students in the Racine School District got on busses Tuesday morning, Jan. 23, only to be dropped right back home. The bus company, First Student, Inc. says icy conditions were the reason why routes had to be cancelled.

Connor Capwill got on his school bus like any other morning, but the Horlick High School senior says it wasn't an ordinary day.

“Bus driver got an alert over her radio. The said, 'Hey pull over. All busses stop, pull over,'" said Capwill. 

Capwill's mom, Christina, says RUSD never canceled classes, leaving families without answers. 

“I woke up for work and I had numerous texts and a missed call from my son," said Christina. 

She was just one of many parents left frustrated and confused by Tuesday morning's incident -- the only answer for hours being a message from the district on this Facebook page. 

The district wrote on Facebook:

"First Student should be communicating with you and all other families impacted by this soon. If you don't hear from First Student and can't get your child to school in another manner, please call your school and the absence will be excused. Thank you for your understanding."

“You know, we got an automated message from Racine School District, but it was basically the same message that was on Facebook that we would hear from the bus company," said Christina. 

She says many parents were scrambling to get in contact with their children. 

"Thankfully, my child is 17, has house keys, and I work from home. Not every parent in RUSD has that situation," said Christina. 

In a statement sent to CBS 58, First Student, Inc. wrote, "Road conditions were challenging this morning in Racine. Some of our drivers were unable to complete their bus routes, which affected service for RUSD. We recognize and regret the inconvenience and concern this caused the district and their families.

“The only reason she knew that was happening was because I was texting her the entire time. Like, what was going on, what was happening," said Capwill. 

Christina says there needs to be more communication between the bus company and RUSD. 

"I think First Student has a huge responsibility, and liability and dysfunctionality with today’s mess," she said. 

In an updated Facebook post, RUSD says it's working on improving communication. The post reads in part "...First Student is currently working to ensure buses and drivers are ready for this afternoon’s routes. We do anticipate some delays related to a driver shortage, however, expect all routes to run. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience."

The district says students who were unable to attend school because of this situation will have their absences excused as long as parent notify the school.