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Board told Franklin County is seven bus drivers short; district exploring hybrid positions and audits
Summary
Superintendent and staff told the board the division is short seven drivers, causing canceled or delayed routes, and outlined possible measures including hybrid positions, consultant audits, staggered start times and temporary contracting to stabilize transportation.
Franklin County Public Schools officials told the board the district currently lacks roughly seven bus drivers, producing cancelled routes and last-mile service disruptions, and said they are exploring a mix of short- and long-term responses.
Dr. Sears described the problem as acute: "We are still 7 drivers short," he said, and staff outlined options to recruit and retain drivers, including creating hybrid positions that would allow paraprofessionals or cafeteria workers to obtain certification and operate routes with some overtime. The district also plans to contact a state-contracted transportation company to review services and consider an audit for efficiency recommendations.
Officials warned the current practice—assigning nonmechanic office staff and mechanics to driving shifts—reduces maintenance capacity and is not sustainable. The board discussed possible operational changes such as route consolidation, staggered school start times, or joint busing arrangements as contingency measures. No immediate budget decisions were made; staff said they will return with options after consulting potential vendors and assessing hybrid staffing proposals.
