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Penncrest faces bus driver shortage; board discusses communication app to alert families of route changes
Summary
District officials said one contracted bus driver shortage has required rerouting of students; the board discussed using a GPS/app-based system to notify families and ease logistical burdens.
District administrators told the board at the Jan. 13 meeting that Penncrest is operating with a reduced pool of contracted bus drivers and has rerouted some students while the district works with bus companies to cover routes. Administrators said one carrier is down a driver and that the district has had to adjust assignments to make routes work.
Officials said the district uses Messenger, Facebook and phone calls to notify families about route changes and that principals have sometimes been calling families directly to confirm pick-up and drop-off. A board member suggested exploring a bus-tracking or notification app to provide real-time updates on route changes and arrivals. Administrators said they have looked into options and are mindful of connectivity issues across the district and the cost and logistics of implementation.
An administrator said, "We can definitely use some drivers for sure," and encouraged anyone interested in driving to contact the district. The discussion did not produce a binding procurement decision; staff said they would continue researching GPS and notification platforms and report back with cost estimates and feasibility.
