District reports successful 'Drive the Bus' hiring event; route opt-in form and existing community stops to be preserved

District officials reported at the April 21 meeting that a recent "Drive the Bus" recruitment event yielded a substantial number of applicants and that the transportation supervisor was confident many hires are progressing through certification.

Transportation staff said the district expects to maintain the same level of service next year that it provided this year, while continuing to recruit because staffing needs remain. The superintendent encouraged community members who are interested in bus driving to apply online; the district is offering paid training, competitive wages and benefits.

Nut graf: The immediate hiring boost reduces short-term risk to bus-route coverage but the district continues to recruit because schedule changes and retirements mean staffing needs persist; accurate early routing depends on families completing an opt-in form by May 30.

Administrators explained that an opt-in form (due May 30) helps staff plot routes for the coming school year by confirming which students will require bus service; the district has already carried forward this year’s student data into its routing software. Officials said existing stops used for community activities such as the arts center and after‑school programs will be maintained for the upcoming year, but new stops are not being added through the opt-in process. A question about whether musical instruments must be left at off‑site lessons was raised; staff did not have a definitive answer at the meeting and said they would provide a follow-up communication clarifying instrument procedures.

Ending: Transportation officials said they will continue hiring, finalize routing after the May 30 opt-in deadline, and issue clear guidance on instrument transport for students who attend off-site lessons.