With school bus drivers employed by First Student threatening a strike beginning Thursday morning, the Hinds County School District is urging parents to make alternate plans for getting their kids to school tomorrow.

[verbatim release] Earlier this afternoon the Teamsters Local 891 issued a press release stating that they will strike at 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning. As families plan how they will deal with this unfortunate series of events, here is what our families need to know.

1. School will be open tomorrow.

2. Families are encouraged to make alternate plans to transport their children to school beginning tomorrow.

3. First Student has indicated that they will attempt to run all bus routes tomorrow and fulfill their normal contractual obligations.

4.The previously discussed contingency plans for alternate pick up locations and times are not in effect at this time.

5. If First Student is not able to provide normal transportation for the children of Hinds County School District, a contingency plan may be required. Such a plan would likely require the temporary suspension of bus transportation for students who live closest to our schools. To view the tentatively scheduled alternate pick up locations and times go to http://www.hinds.k12.ms.us/update. Please note that at this time there is NO CONTINGENCY PLAN in place for Thursday, October 22nd. Watch the district web site and the local media for updates should such a plan become necessary. We will provide an update regarding the implementation of any contingency plan no later than 10:00 a.m. on Thursday.

We will continue to keep you updated via our web site at: http://www.hinds.k12.ms.us/update.