Board hears extensive report on athletics bussing shortages and options

District staff (S1) told the board that driver shortages have grown in the last two years and that on busy days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) the district sometimes needs multiple buses for concurrent events (track, softball, baseball, etc.). Staff said coach buses are more expensive than school buses and that recent coach bus costs were partially covered by boosters (about $31,000 returned for some trips). The district reported it recently hired four new staff (three part-time, one full-time) with licenses that should relieve some pressure.

Board members explored alternatives: offering referral bonuses or incentives for new drivers, hiring casual drivers for sports trips, asking nearby providers (LCS or NorthStar) to station buses locally to reduce coach-bus miles, and asking coaches or parents to provide transportation for short trips with a signed parental self-transport waiver to address liability.

Staff noted union and liability constraints can limit casual-driver use for sports trips and emphasized that the board could ask the activities director to require parents to self-transport occasionally, but that would require a documented parental acknowledgement. Staff offered to return with a recommendation about including a line item in the budget for additional sports-trip driver coverage and to explore local contracting options.

What's next: Staff will consider incentive/referral programs, discuss local staging of buses with transportation partners, and return with recommendations for budgeting or administrative changes to reduce coach-bus reliance.