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Transportation director reports improved driver numbers and training; staffing and mechanics remain area of focus
Summary
Transportation staff reported improved driver counts and expanded training but said mechanics staffing and certain schedule mismatches remain challenges; the committee asked for monthly updates.
Transportation staff provided an operations update to the Student Support Services committee that reported improved driver counts, summer training results, and ongoing staffing work in the mechanics shop.
At the time of the presentation staff reported 96 drivers covering both AM and PM routes, 16 drivers covering either AM or PM only, seven substitute drivers and two buses without assigned drivers. Staff said the district has 125 drivers required to meet AM and PM routing needs. The presenter also reported 45 licensed teacher assistants (TAs), of whom 20 currently drive daily (AM and PM); the presenter said additional TAs are in training or pending licensure.
Staff described a multi‑week summer training and licensing effort that produced new licensed drivers (staff reported 11–12 drivers obtained licenses through recent training cycles) and said the transportation team ran mandatory in‑service sessions for drivers and monitors, including safety, student health and DOT topics. Staff said a separate training event for emergency care (EC) was held and that Narcan and first‑aid items were included in driver training.
Committee members raised operational questions about matching TA schedules to middle‑school start times and using TAs or staff from other schools temporarily to cover routes. Staff said they can reassign drivers and TAs as needed to cover runs and that transportation will continue to prioritize getting students to school on time.
On fleet and shop staffing, staff said five propane buses are in service with no reported issues after switching propane suppliers, but the mechanics group is short‑staffed: several mechanics were out for surgery or medical leave and the district contracted temporary mechanics from an outside staffing agency, with new hires expected to start in early September. Staff said the shop will sometimes operate on Saturdays to catch up on work while mechanics are being hired.
Staff described community suggestions for recruitment (retiree outreach and local workforce trainings) and said they will continue to pursue multiple recruitment avenues. The committee requested monthly status updates on drivers and mechanics.
