Transportation issues delayed Penn Hills students' return home on first day

Students in Penn Hills School District returned to school on Aug. 29, and the day had its ups and downs, according to superintendent Dr. Nancy Hines.

“Transportation was more challenging than we had expected, particularly for younger students. Several bus routes had to be combined, and that was confusing to many students and their families,” Hines said. “When you consider the cumulative effect of a three-tiered system, several groups of Penn Hills Elementary students did not arrive home until about 6:00 pm yesterday. Of course, that is completely unacceptable, and we trust that Krise Transportation is taking appropriate measures to bring these routes back into line.”

Additionally, Hines said that the phones at Penn Hills Elementary School went down during the afternoon storm.

She also noted that the new district initiative to prohibit cell phone use during school went well. “(High School principal) Mr. Kostic and his team reported that most kids were extremely cooperative in the morning, and perhaps fewer than 20 students total raised any type of objection to accepting and using a Yondr bag to stow away their cell phones while school was in session.”

Hines said that students at Linton Middle School also had a wonderful first day. “I can attest that Linton has really become a well-oiled machine. It has become a very friendly place but also provides the structure necessary for students of that age,” she said.