The Providence School Department says it will excuse all absences for students with disabilities or other special needs, as school bus drivers continue their strike.
The announcement follows complaints from parents and the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island. They said the schools are legally required to provide transportation for students with special needs.
School department and city officials said they looked but, were unable to find alternatives for the 1,000 students who are entitled to transportation.
The school department said it will reimburse those families for the cost of getting their children to school during the strike.
Providence school bus drivers are entering the sixth day of their strike Thursday.
