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Widespread disruption to Charles Co. school bus routes amid sick-out

Charles County students and parents are dealing with widespread interruptions to school bus routes Monday as drivers continue a labor action pressuring the Maryland district’s administrators for fairer wages.

In a news release, Charles County Public Schools said 157 bus routes did not have coverage as of 8:15 a.m. Monday, with 59 buses out of service — about a fifth of the system’s bus fleet. One bus may provide service for up to four different schools.

See a full list of impacted bus routes.

Monday morning’s cancellations come after dozens of bus routes were stopped Friday as drivers took part in a planned sick-out, leaving parents with short notice to get their kids to school on time. It led to a higher-than-average number of absences in the Maryland public school district’s middle and high schools.

Bus drivers plan to continue negotiations over wages and other issues with the school system in mid-November. In its Monday update, CCPS said staff are working with the 26 contractors who provide bus services to address their concerns.

Students who are late or miss school Monday will not be penalized, the school system said.

DEA seizes drugs from Waldorf pharmacy; owner awaits sentencing

A Charles County, Maryland, pharmacist accused of illegally distributing drugs and narcotics from his Waldorf pharmacy and exchanging drugs for sex will be sentenced next month. On Thursday, the Northgate Care Pharmacy at 3973 Saint Charles Parkway, owned by pharmacist Vincent Ippolito, 62, of Waldorf, was shut down by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division's Tactical Diversion Squad, and local law enforcement.
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