In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical transportation issues affecting students in Durham Public Schools, focusing on bus routing, driver recruitment, and communication strategies.

One of the primary concerns raised was the routing of school buses, particularly regarding siblings. Officials confirmed that efforts are made to place siblings on the same bus routes to ensure their safety and convenience. However, challenges arise due to the precision of routing systems, which can sometimes separate siblings based on address discrepancies. Immediate adjustments are made when such issues are identified.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing recruitment of bus drivers, with 37 candidates currently in training. Officials emphasized the need for full-time drivers and discussed the importance of providing both classroom and online training options. However, the lack of built-in overtime pay for drivers remains a significant hurdle, with any additional compensation needing to come from local funding.

Concerns about communication were also addressed, particularly regarding how families are informed about bus route changes or cancellations. Officials outlined the process of notifying schools and parents through various channels, including emails and push alerts. There was a consensus on the need for standardized communication templates to ensure clarity for non-English speaking families.

The board discussed several tactics to improve transportation services, including establishing a 1.5-mile family transport zone and implementing express stops for magnet schools. While there was support for exploring these options, some board members expressed caution about implementing changes mid-year without adequate community input.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep transportation issues at the forefront of discussions, recognizing the urgent need to address the ongoing transportation crisis affecting student attendance. Board members agreed to continue exploring solutions and to engage with the community for feedback on proposed changes.