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District approves transportation plan; officials highlight driver recruitment and expanded field trips
Summary
The board approved the district's 2026–27 transportation plan required for state reimbursement, with staff citing a partnership with First Student, an estimated $5 million expenditure, a 40:1 applicant‑to‑hire ratio improving from 50:1, and plans to expand field trip and after‑school transportation.
The Santa Maria‑Bonita School District board approved the district's transportation service plan for 2026–27 after a presentation from district transportation staff.
Mister Cavazos said the plan is required for the district to claim 60% reimbursement of transportation expenditures and that estimated transportation spending this year is roughly $5,000,000. The district contracts with First Student for bus services and noted the partnership as an operational strength.
To illustrate hiring challenges, Cavazos said the district received 282 bus‑driver applications; 93 advanced to interviews, 52 completed a five‑day classroom training, 26 began behind‑the‑wheel training, and 7 completed CHP and driver tests — a progression that yields about a 40:1 applicant‑to‑hire ratio that has improved from roughly 50:1 the prior year. Cavazos said the district provides paid training and has a parallel white‑van driver program that can serve as a pathway into yellow‑bus driving.
The presentation said the district currently operates 26 special‑education routes, about 18 general‑education routes, and uses white vans to supplement McKinney‑Vento transportation for about 180 students. Field‑trip service has enabled close to 12,000 student trips, and staff said they are on track to offer about 130 field‑trip opportunities.
Board members asked clarifying questions about routes that cross Stowell and whether two full‑time buses dedicated to day‑long field trips would change scheduling constraints; Cavazos said day‑long trips would become possible with dedicated buses. Following discussion the board moved, seconded and approved the transportation plan on a roll call vote.
