During a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing issues surrounding school transportation and the construction of a new K-8 school in Pender County. The meeting highlighted significant challenges in bus driver shortages, maintenance records, and traffic management related to the new school.

Transportation officials reported that while the district has sufficient buses to cover current routes, a lack of drivers remains a critical issue. Currently, the district is operating at about 80% staffing capacity, which has led to some buses running late and parents being advised to arrange alternative transportation for their children. Officials acknowledged the need for more drivers and discussed potential solutions, including increasing pay and combining bus driving with custodial roles to create full-time positions with benefits.

The conversation also touched on the discipline issues on buses, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both drivers and students. They noted that cameras installed on buses could be utilized to address any allegations of misconduct.

In terms of the K-8 school project, project manager Ben Warren provided an update on construction progress, stating that the project is currently on schedule despite delays caused by a recent hurricane. However, discussions with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) revealed concerns about traffic patterns and safety, particularly regarding the school's location on a two-lane road. NCDOT has suggested a staggered bell schedule to alleviate traffic congestion during peak drop-off and pick-up times, a recommendation that has sparked debate among officials about its feasibility and potential impact on families.

The meeting concluded with a call for further evaluation of the transportation and traffic management strategies, as officials seek to balance safety, efficiency, and community needs in the face of ongoing challenges.