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Danvers schools pilot in‑district vans for special‑needs students as driver shortages persist
Summary
The committee heard that the Danvers Public Schools transportation director is piloting district‑operated vans for special‑needs students and working to expand the program to six vans while districts struggle to hire drivers.
David Pulsipher, identified at the school committee meeting as the new director of transportation for Danvers Public Schools, told Human Rights and Inclusion Committee members that the district is piloting in‑district vans to transport special‑needs students and is working to expand that fleet.
Pulsipher described plans to renovate three vans already in district use and to add three more, creating a six‑van capacity to improve reliability and oversight for students who require additional attention. Committee members said local and national driver shortages remain a constraint: many contractors advertise for drivers and monitor staffing challenges.
Isaiah Slater and committee members raised concerns about vendor reliability and the need for standard operating procedures for monitors and drivers. Pulsipher said he is developing SOPs so district monitors and drivers have consistent procedures to follow. Isaiah also encouraged outreach to recruit experienced, caring community members to serve as drivers or school monitors.
Committee members said improved district control over special‑needs transport could reduce incidents caused by inconsistent vendor performance and increase oversight. The committee agreed to follow up with the superintendent’s office and to request the school committee’s transportation presentation for a future HRIC meeting.
