During a recent board meeting, transportation coordinator Bridal Overton provided a comprehensive update on the current state of the school district's transportation system. The district operates approximately 94 bus routes daily, serving around 67,100 students in both morning and afternoon sessions. Overton highlighted the importance of bus drivers in shaping students' daily experiences, noting that the district currently has a fleet of 95 yellow buses, with 15 additional spare buses available for maintenance needs.

Despite the robust infrastructure, the district is facing a significant driver shortage. Initially, the district was short 13 drivers at the start of the school year, a number that has since decreased to 8. This shortage has led to the implementation of double and even triple routes to ensure students reach school on time. Overton explained that while double routes help manage the shortage, they can complicate scheduling for staff and students.

To address the driver shortage, the district is actively recruiting new drivers and has several candidates in training. Overton mentioned that the training process can take several months, largely due to the limited availability of DMV trainers. The district is also exploring ways to improve driver retention and working conditions, including enhancing bus cleanliness and discipline.

In addition to staffing challenges, Overton provided insights into the maintenance protocols for the bus fleet, which includes regular inspections and repairs to ensure safety and reliability. The district plans to conduct a study to compare pay scales with surrounding districts to remain competitive in attracting and retaining drivers.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and proactive measures being taken to maintain an efficient and safe transportation system for students.