SWANVILLE, Maine (AP)   A Maine elementary school has canceled classes over a shortage of school bus drivers.

Officials canceled classes at Kermit Nickerson Elementary School in Swanville Monday after several bus drivers were unable to work.

Buses were also unavailable for students at Belfast High School and Troy Howard Middle School, but students could attend classes if they were dropped off and picked up.

Superintendent Mary Alice McLean says the district is lacking substitute bus drivers. She says school officials are working on an alternative plan so they don’t have to cancel classes again.

Many schools in New England are experiencing a shortage of bus drivers this year.

Bus contractors and school districts say low unemployment rates, poor pay and benefits and the lengthy licensing process all affect hiring.