Student transportation, rural internet access are challenges for Somerset Co. schools

SOMERSET CO., Md. – As districts plan for the upcoming school year, Somerset County’s Superintendent says their two main challenges involve transportation and internet connectivity.

Superintendent Dr. John Gaddis tells 47 ABC over 90 percent of the county’s students ride a bus to school. About 58 people are usually on each bus but they’re hearing guidelines that recommend restricting that to anywhere from 10 to 22 people on a bus. In addition, only about 25 to 30 percent of students have internet connectivity so they aren’t able to transition everything online like other districts can.

“Hot spots won’t work in a lot of our areas. So if we do have to start with some students at home, we need to make sure we are able to address that whole connectivity issue,” says Somerset County Superintendent Dr. John Gaddis.

Gaddis says about a month ago the district decided not to do big formal summer school program. However they’re still doing a virtual migrant program, some credit recovery and small group activities through out the summer.

The district will also be surveying parents in the coming weeks about how alternating fall schedules may impact their families.