Bus driver shortage creates significant challenges for schools, parents: superintendent

A shortage of bus drivers is disrupting school transportation, causing delays and inconvenience for families, according to School Superintendent Tim Forson.

“Our most critical position right now is not teachers; it’s bus drivers,” Forson said. “We have buses sitting in our maintenance depot that we don’t have drivers for.”

Forson noted that the district could hire 50 additional drivers and add 50 more routes if applicants were available. However, the nature of the job makes recruiting difficult. Many drivers are required to work split shifts, with long breaks between morning and afternoon routes.

“You get to the bus at 5 a.m., work until about 10, then take a midday break before starting again at 1 p.m. and working until 5:30. That doesn’t have a lot of appeal,” he told The Citizen.

The shortage is causing disruptions, with some drivers having to make multiple runs, which delays pickups for students and creates logistical challenges for parents.

“Kids are then waiting for the second pick up or parents are waiting on two sets of times in the same neighborhood for their kids to be picked up,,” Forson said.

The buses service elementary and middle school students first so the impact is greatest for high schoolers, who are often picked up the latest.

“Our service declines immensely, and that affects families—moms and dads who are waiting on their children,” he added.

To resolve the issue, Forson said the district must offer better compensation to attract and retain drivers.

“We have to have the right resources in front of them,” he said. ‘We have to be able to pay what we need to be able to pay to be competitive.”