School Transportation Committee discusses new tiered bus schedule for efficiency

In a recent meeting of the Caswell County Schools Board of Education, discussions centered around the upcoming changes to the school transportation system, aiming to enhance efficiency and save costs. The meeting, held on July 15, 2025, highlighted the district's commitment to optimizing bus routes and schedules to better serve students.

The conversation began with a focus on the tiered bus system, which is designed to accommodate both elementary and high school students on the same buses but at different times. This approach is intended to streamline operations and reduce the number of buses needed. For instance, an elementary student might be picked up at 6:00 AM, arriving at school by 7:20 AM, while a high school student would be picked up later, around 8:00 AM, ensuring they arrive by 8:45 AM. The goal is to have all buses at their respective schools 20 minutes before the start of classes, a shift from previous years when this was not consistently achieved.

However, the implementation of this new system faces challenges, particularly in staffing. The district is currently experiencing a shortage of bus drivers, which complicates the ability to execute the tiered schedule effectively. Despite efforts to recruit drivers through job fairs and community events, turnout has been low, and the timeline for onboarding new drivers remains uncertain. The administration expressed optimism about a few potential hires but acknowledged the difficulties in meeting the transportation needs of all students.

Board members also discussed the importance of communication with parents regarding the changes. They emphasized that while start times for the 2025-2026 school year will remain the same, students may need to arrive at school earlier than the official start time. This adjustment aims to create a smoother transition for students and ensure they are adequately supervised upon arrival.

In addition to transportation logistics, the meeting touched on the financial implications of the new routing system. By improving efficiency, the district hopes to reduce local funding requirements, potentially saving taxpayers money. The administration provided data showing that increased efficiency could significantly lower the district's financial burden.

As the meeting concluded, the board members reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively to address the challenges ahead. They acknowledged that while the new transportation plan aims to benefit students and families, it will require careful planning and cooperation among staff to ensure its success. The discussions underscored a shared goal: to create a more effective and responsive school transportation system that prioritizes the needs of students while being mindful of community resources.