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District updates: bus driver hires, AI cameras and timeline for contracted bus provider RFP

Natchitoches Parish School Board · January 13, 2026
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Summary

Transportation director reported two new drivers and AI cameras installed on buses; superintendent outlined a bus‑service RFP (vendor applications due Feb. 3) and staff said they will score proposals by rubric and present a recommendation for the Feb. 10 meeting. Named vendors include Durham, First Student and EchoRide.

The district’s transportation report on Jan. 13 described December as a stable month with recent hires to address driver shortages and route coverage. Transportation staff said two new drivers were added and that three routes had been covered by substitutes; two additional drivers have since been hired to move those routes to regular drivers. The director said staff emphasized winter driving training and noted industry adoption of onboard AI cameras, which he described as oversight tools and "not punitive."

Board members raised concerns about routes left unserved when a driver calls off, overcrowding on buses and whether AI cameras would be used punitively. Transportation staff said late calls and extended rural routes sometimes require ad hoc adjustments but that additional staffing and rostering improvements are reducing those gaps.

Later in the meeting the superintendent described an RFP process for contracting bus services: four vendors attended the RFP meeting and applications are due Feb. 3; staff will grade proposals against a rubric, check references and produce a recommendation and full application packets for the board ahead of the Feb. 10 voting meeting. The transcript names Durham, First Student and EchoRide among the applicants and references a fourth vendor (transcribed as "DS"/"DS Busing"). Staff said financial proposal weight is high in the rubric and safety plans, bus specifications and references will be verified as part of the evaluation.

The board discussed whether a small board committee should review applications; staff said board members will have access to all application materials and may accept or reject staff recommendations when the item comes to the voting meeting.