YUHSD transportation director: consortium runs 119 daily routes serving over 9,000 students

Ron Scheepers, director of transportation for the Yuma Schools Transportation Consortium, presented a department overview to the Yuma Union High School District governing board.

Scheepers said the consortium—formed in partnership with the elementary district and Arizona Western College—operates about 180 buses in total, with 119 buses assigned to daily routes that make approximately 620 individual trips and transport more than 9,000 eligible students to and from school. He reported that the buses collectively travel over 2,400,000 miles per year, and the consortium completes roughly 2,000 athletic and activity trips annually. The transportation operation employs over 230 people, including drivers, monitors, office staff and mechanics; the high school district provides an additional five drivers for out-of-town athletic trips.

Scheepers provided historical and visibility context—explaining why school buses are painted yellow—and emphasized the consortium’s role in achieving efficiencies in routing and vehicle maintenance.

Board members thanked him for the presentation; no formal action resulted from the overview.