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Holmen School District thanks bus drivers, warns of severe driver shortage
Summary
Board recognized bus drivers during National Bus Driver Recognition Week, highlighted an ongoing shortage of drivers and need for substitute drivers, and acknowledged a donor vehicle and numerous staff national certifications.
At the Feb. 10 Holmen School District Board of Education meeting, district leaders recognized bus drivers and said the district is facing a significant shortage of drivers that is affecting daily transportation and after-school activity runs.
Board member Dr. Mueller presented recognitions and thanked the transportation staff, saying, "We're so thankful for the drivers we have, but we are in dire need for more drivers." The district identified Dan Garrett and Andrea Galki as leaders in the transportation department and asked the community to encourage and support drivers and substitute drivers who fill in when absences occur.
The board highlighted that the shortage is straining the district's ability to provide regular routes and after-school transportation; however, no specific counts of unfilled routes or a quantified vacancy rate were provided during the meeting.
The board also recognized multiple staff members who recently earned national certifications. Dr. Mueller read a list of staff and thanked them "for committing your time to doing that," naming Sue Assevich, Elizabeth Dolan, Tracy Dopkowski, Theresa Forseth, Heather Franzini, Robin George, Lisonbee Grama, Anna Hagel, Angela Helget Wedul, Amanda Jensen, Erica Kollmeier, Amy Lathrop, Caitlin Leary, Deborah Lowenhagen, Bobby Joe Lewis, Wendy Malay, Amy Marcil, Amy Mather, Jamie Bridal, Caitlin Mosel, Corey Miller, Jerry Stauffer, Diana Stratton, Julie Utz Lebochen and Lynn Wilson.
Separately, Ben and Samantha Dilger donated a Honda Fit to Holmen High School for use in the automotive class, a contribution the board said will support hands-on learning. The board did not provide the vehicle's model year, value, or any information about gifts policy compliance at the meeting.
The board took no separate action on the transportation staffing issue at the meeting; the comments served as recognition and a public statement of need.
