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District proposes "second‑run" drivers to reduce canceled bus routes; board asks for pilot, stronger parent notification
Summary
Superintendent presented a plan to post extracurricular driver positions who would run delayed second routes when substitutes are unavailable. Board members supported exploring the option but requested a pilot, clear parent communications and headcount data to measure effectiveness.
At the Oct. 13 Preston County Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Mr. Martin outlined a proposal to reduce canceled bus runs by posting extracurricular "second‑run" driver positions who would complete a delayed second route after finishing their regular morning or afternoon run.
Mr. Martin said the postings would be extracurricular opportunities; drivers would be drawn from the affected attendance areas to limit travel time. "What we're proposing is simply to post positions from an extracurricular nature that drivers could potentially bid upon," he said, adding that interest from drivers is being gauged and pilot areas may be necessary.
Board members supported exploring the approach but emphasized two operational requirements: clear parent notification (so families do not wait outdoors for a bus that will arrive late) and data collection on actual ridership to determine whether families instead deliver students or rely on the second run. One board member recommended starting with a pilot area (the Brewton area was discussed) and collecting head counts for each late run to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
Concerns and logistics
Questions focused on communication and compensation: board members asked how the district would inform families by automated message and school‑level calls or texts; how drivers would be paid; and whether a driver who proceeds to a second run but finds no riders would still be compensated. Administration said compensation would reflect extracurricular hours and that logistical details (posting language, pay and overtime implications) would be clarified before implementation.
Next steps
The board asked staff to post the extracurricular positions where feasible, pursue a small pilot (area to be determined), develop a parent‑notification protocol (automated message plus direct contact), and collect headcount data on each pilot delayed run. The board did not vote to adopt a systemwide policy at the meeting; instead it authorized further planning and a pilot study to report back with data and recommended roll‑out steps.
Sources: Mr. Martin (Superintendent) and board discussion at the Oct. 13, 2025 meeting.
