Students Stuck at Home After Mentor Schools Cancel Over Bus Staff Outage

MENTOR, Ohio — Mentor Schools shut down all district buildings on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, citing a wave of last-minute transportation staff absences that left officials without the ability to cover bus routes. The decision, announced to families shortly after 6 a.m., drew swift criticism and confusion from parents and community members who expressed frustration at both the timing and lack of contingency options.

“We are closing all schools today due to a large number of absences in the transportation department causing us to not be able to cover all of our routes,” the district said in a message to families. “We do not have the staff available to transport all of our students to school and from school today.”

While the district acknowledged the inconvenience and thanked families for their flexibility, many took to social media to express concerns about how the decision was handled. Some questioned why no alternative solutions were offered for families capable of transporting students on their own, especially given that not all families rely on bus service.

“There should be an option for kids who can get to school to still attend,” one parent wrote. “Plenty of friends and parents could help carpool if needed.” Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the district could have allowed voluntary attendance or even pivoted to a virtual learning day, since power and internet were not affected.

Several commenters noted inconsistencies in how notifications were received, with some families learning of the closure around 6 a.m. and others not until 6:25 a.m. or later. One parent stated they received multiple calls, texts, and emails at different times, adding to the confusion.

A portion of the community speculated about the sudden nature of the absences, especially given the coincidental timing of the Guardians' first playoff game at 1 p.m. Tuesday. While no official connection has been made, the speculation underscored public skepticism about the staffing shortage explanation.

Some commenters said they sympathized with the district's position but felt the lack of foresight was avoidable. Others called for a system of backup drivers or a temporary agency to be put in place to prevent future disruptions. “This is wild,” one parent said. “Seems like a temp agency needs lined up for sub-drivers.”

Others raised concerns about the legal and safety implications of sending children to school without district-provided transportation, highlighting that transportation is a state requirement in Ohio. “If they can’t transport, they have to close,” one user wrote. “It’s not just a convenience issue; it’s a liability.”

In the comments, some parents said they applied to be bus drivers themselves or had spouses willing to help out. However, others questioned whether staff tension may have played a role. “There are other ways. Just another day of no school like always,” one user claimed, speculating that a conflict may have sparked the mass absence.

While some supported the district’s decision by comparing it to a snow day scenario (sudden and unpredictable) others pushed for greater transparency, clearer communication, and expanded flexibility. “The person making the announcement isn’t responsible,” one commenter noted. “They’re just following protocol.”

The district has not announced whether school will resume on Wednesday or if any long-term adjustments to transportation staffing will be made.

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