August 30, 2021

Good Evening Granite City Families, 

Illinois Central, our contracted bus company, is facing a severe shortage of bus drivers. This is an unfortunate situation for our district. We are working with the bus company to re-evaluate our current routes and considering any and all solutions that enable us to safely transport our students to school. However, despite these efforts, we anticipate this problem to continue and possibly grow.

At this time, we have no assurance that transportation will be available for all of our students tomorrow. We are not willing to risk our students waiting for buses that may not arrive. 

From Tuesday, August 31st through Friday September 3rd, transportation will only be provided for all K-4th grade students and K-12 Special Education door-to-door students. All 5th-12th grade students without transportation will be granted an excused absence and will be allowed to make up any and all work.

We will continue to work with the Illinois State Board of Education, our Regional Board of Education, and our bus company to find a long term solution.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Respectfully,                                

Ms. Stephanie M. Cann, Ed.S.                    

GCSD9 Superintendent of Schools