Holmen transportation faces driver shortage; district proposes expanding walk zones and eliminating a route

District transportation leaders told the Holmen School Board that a sustained bus-driver shortage has forced service adjustments this school year and prompted staff to propose expanding non‑eligible transportation zones for next year.

The issue: Director Dan Garrett and Assistant Director Andrea Galki said driver retirements, illness, and fewer applicants have left the department relying on mechanics, coaches and substitute drivers. Garrett said the district had to cancel three routes this year and on occasion delayed buses: "We have had to this year, we've had to cancel 3, not trips, but 3 routes... because we cannot provide the transportation," Garrett told the board.

Proposal and reasoning: staff proposed enlarging the district's non‑eligible (walk) zones around Evergreen, the middle school and portions of the high school attendance area, and pointed to specific neighborhoods and walking-path suggestions. The presentation said the expected outcomes are elimination of at least one route, lower rider counts per bus, and improved driver workload and flexibility in emergencies.

Safety and equity concerns: presenters emphasized proposed zones exclude Unusually Hazardous Transportation (UHT) areas and would continue to provide specialized transportation and 4K service where required. Board members asked about impacts on families, how many students actually ride vs. register, and whether public sidewalks or village action could improve walkability. Garrett acknowledged equity tradeoffs and said vans used for specialized transport are heavily used; using them for additional students could jeopardize specialized funding.

Next steps: staff said maps and detailed routes will be developed and the transportation eligibility update will appear on the May 27 consent agenda for board action. No formal board vote occurred at the May 12 meeting.