No Major Bus Problems In Wilmington: Superintendent Brand

WILMINGTON, MA —Wilmington Public Schools has not had any "major issues with busing" to start the school year, Superintendent Glenn Brand said, in stark contrast to nearby districts where shortages have resulted in rampant delays.

"Aside from ordinary transportation adjustments at the start of the school year, Wilmington Public Schools has not had any major issues with busing," Brand said in a statement. "The District is working closely with its transportation contractor, North Reading Transportation, to meet the needs of our students."

The shortage across the state is bad enough that the Massachusetts National Guard has been activated to assist nearby districts with the same issue.

Hundreds of guard members will drive 7D vans in nine districts, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday. 7D vehicles carry up to 10 people, plus the driver.

Those districts include ones using the same contractor as Wilmington, NRT, and nearby communities like Lowell and Lawrence.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.