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USD 437 reviews school-transportation options amid driver shortage; recommendation expected by April
Summary
District staff told the Auburn-Washburn USD 437 board on March 3 that a shortage of bus drivers has prompted a review of transportation policy, including possible changes to routes and increased before- and after-school programming; a recommendation is expected for the March 24 or first April board meeting with potential adoption in April.
District staff and board members discussed transportation services and a possible revision to district policy at the Auburn-Washburn USD 437 Board of Education meeting on March 3. The discussion focused on a sustained shortage of bus drivers, sidewalks and student safety, timeline for a recommendation and potential operational impacts.
A staff member leading the update said the district has held seven meetings with parents and school communities to collect feedback. The district’s subcommittee aims to present a recommendation to the full board at either the March 24 meeting or the first meeting in April, with the board’s goal to adopt a plan by April, if needed.
Staff and board members said the district is examining options that could require more families to provide transportation if routes change, and that the board should consider expanding before- and after-school programming for families who need childcare earlier or later in the day. The staff member said, “We have a crisis in terms of bus drivers in our district,” and added that transporting every student may no longer be feasible under existing staffing levels.
The board discussed safety infrastructure: several neighborhoods lack sidewalks, and the district is coordinating with Rich (staff) on a Safe Streets to School report. Staff noted that across similarly sized 6A districts, most no longer transport all students; the district currently transports all students but other districts have changed policy because of driver shortages.
Jeremy Wilts, who spoke during the update, said it was encouraging to see parent engagement and that bus drivers attended meetings to provide feedback.
Board members asked who sets the legal requirement for transportation; staff said state law was cited in discussion as applying to students living 2.5 miles or farther from school (transportation required beyond that distance), while districts may choose to provide service inside that radius.
No formal vote was taken on policy changes during the March 3 meeting; staff were directed to continue stakeholder engagement and return with a formal recommendation for the board to consider.
Ending: Staff and the subcommittee will continue public meetings and aim to present a recommendation by late March or early April for board consideration.
