Southeast Polk reports 208 fewer bus riders; cost per rider $925 as district cites proximity and driver shortages

Southeast Polk Community School District reported a drop of 208 student bus riders and a per-student transportation cost of about $925 in filings completed Sept. 15.

A district staff member said, “Our net operating costs were actually down about 4% this year, but our cost per student was actually up by about 1%. We had 208 fewer students riding in ’25 than we had in ’24.” The staff member also told the board the district charges $100 per semester for paid riders (noted in discussion as $200 per year).

Board members and staff discussed reasons for the ridership decline. The staff member suggested a boundary change and school location may have reduced distances for some students, noting that the middle school is now within Altoona city boundaries and “maybe less traveling on the bus now that they’re closer.”

Separately, the special education discussion referenced transportation pressures: district staff said specialized routes and a shortage of drivers have increased contracted transportation costs for specialized placements. Board members asked whether the district would consider contracting out regular driving; a board member said she hoped the district would continue recruiting its own drivers and expressed concern about losing control if the district contracted out driving.

District staff said they and colleagues (named in the meeting as Mr. Kretz and Mr. Spreghettis) are increasing marketing to recruit drivers but continue to face staffing challenges.

Ending: The district said it will provide a more detailed financial update at the Oct. 2 meeting and continue internal recruitment efforts for drivers.