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District reports improvement in bus coverage after pay increases and discipline matrix; three routes remain uncovered
Summary
Transportation director reported a reduced number of unassigned bus routes from 414 to 3 after raising starting pay, step increases and implementing a discipline matrix; district plans additional CDL training cohorts and will continue addressing stop-arm violator camera options with the sheriff—s office.
Mr. Bishop, the district—s transportation representative, told the board that steps taken since last year have meaningfully reduced unassigned routes. At the same point last year the district had 414 routes without assigned drivers; the district now has three unassigned but covered routes.
The district raised starting pay for bus drivers from $16.86 to $20.09 per hour and implemented an average step increase (about $3 per step), Mr. Bishop said. The board and transportation staff agreed that student behavior on buses had been a major factor in driver attrition; the district developed and implemented a discipline matrix last summer and has been working with schools and bus staff to operationalize it. Mr. Bishop said the matrix appeared to be contributing to a decline in behavior incidents, though he described rollout as imperfect and still in progress.
To increase driver availability, the district held CDL training with bus endorsements last summer and certified two athletic coaches; a new cohort of seven trainees began training on Feb. 3 and the district plans another cohort in summer 2025. Mr. Bishop said the district expects those steps to cover the remaining three routes.
Board members asked about day-care stops and were told those remain a priority; staff said they reassign buses or adjust routes to ensure day-care students are served. The board also discussed pursuing stop-arm violator cameras; staff said they will approach the sheriff—s office to coordinate that effort when the sheriff—s office leadership is ready to discuss.
Separately, Superintendent Dr. Hebert announced that beginning March 1 the district will again accept cash for regular-season athletic events in addition to online ticketing. He emphasized cash sales are not allowed for state-series playoff games under FHSAA rules and that complimentary admission for district employees using school-board ID remains limited to regular-season contests.
