Putnam City Students Experience Bus Delays Due To Sleet, Freezing Temperatures

The winter weather did not cancel class on Monday for most metro school districts. However, it did make for a slow commute, which was the case for the Putnam City School district. 

Putnam City school officials said a number of bus drivers called in due to the weather. Many other districts had the same issues.

“It was really good this morning until about 8, 8:30 when the freezing rain and sleet started coming down,” Randy Dirrim, a Putnam City School District bus driver, said.

Dirrim said he took on double routes to get students to school Monday morning. He said thankfully a lot of students stayed home.

“My elementary route I usually have 40 or 50 [students],” said Dirrim. “I had like 25 [students] this morning.”

Dirrim said his routes were about 10 to 15 minutes behind because of the weather.

“This morning I tried to get as close on time as I could,” Dirrim said. “Because I didn’t want them standing out in the cold.”

However, some PC students had to wait an hour or longer for a bus due to the driver shortage.

Oklahoma City Public Schools urged parents to drive students to school rather than waiting in freezing temperatures at bus stops. While Edmond school officials notified parents that absences on Monday will be coded as "inclement weather," so it does not count against a students' total absences.

Many districts across the metro have already canceled evening activities.

Dirrim said to stay patient if winter weather causes more bus route delays this week.

“It’s not ever about speed,” said Dirrim. “It’s about getting them safely even if it takes an extra 10 or 15 minutes.”

The district said all schools will be closed and extracurricular classes are canceled for Tuesday.

Click here for a full list of closings.