The Syracuse City School District spends nearly $25 million a year transporting students to and from classes, but it may not be enough to lure the bus drivers it needs to keep schools open for in-person learning.

Syracuse City Schools confirm that three-quarters of First Student buses are running behind schedule, some by more than an hour.

First Student is in charge of picking up and dropping off more than 11,000 of the district's 20,000 students.

The district presently needs 190 routes covered. So far this year, they are running 160 routes.

District officials say this is causing them to consider changing start and dismissal times, or look at shifting to remote learning again. But the district is now working with First Student, along with seeking assistance from other bus companies.

First Student has nearly 50 people who have applied to the company for work, but it is a lengthy application process to become a school bus driver.

To help recruitment efforts, New York State provided a list of local CDL drivers who are available.