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District transportation official says hiring progress is easing double-back routes but shortages remain
Summary
District transportation reported hiring a CDL driver and several van drivers, scheduling a training class, reworking routes and adding stand-alone vans for specific programs to reduce route double-backs; board members pressed for timetables and clarification on compensation and parental burdens caused by earlier shortages.
An ADT/transportation representative updated the board on ongoing efforts to address persistent driver shortages and route disruptions. The representative said the district has "made significant progress" in hiring and training: a CDL driver was hired to reduce a double-back of a large-bus route, multiple people passed clearances and began orientation, and a new training class is scheduled for Oct. 21–25 to increase the pool of drivers.
The representative said the district is adding stand-alone van routes for Swickley Academy and St. James and reworking route sheets and times to provide better information to families. The district has also been using sign-on bonuses and is exploring more-affordable health-care benefits to improve recruitment and retention.
Board members and commenters pressed for specifics: how many additional large-bus drivers are needed (the transportation representative said a full staffing level would require roughly five more large-bus drivers, with at least one dedicated CDL driver for Ambridge), how many van drivers are required for coverage, and whether drivers are moving to higher-paying districts. The transportation representative said some hires are site-specific and that staff-sharing across neighboring districts has been limited this year.
The district stressed safety and a staged approach to avoid pushing incomplete hires into service before clearances and training are complete. The board did not take further formal action but requested continued updates.
