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Marshwood board: driver shortages force consolidated routes; district asks community to apply
Summary
Board members said an ongoing statewide shortage of school bus drivers forced the district to consolidate runs and adjust pickup times; the district is paying for driver training and gave a phone number for interested applicants.
Board members and administrators told the board that a shortage of school bus drivers — described as a statewide problem — has forced the district to consolidate routes and change pickup and drop‑off times.
"Transportation is a nightmare statewide," the chair said as the board described calls, texts and combined routes families experienced last week. Ryan from the transportation office told the board that training and certification take time and that the district is paying for the ramp‑up process so new drivers can begin serving routes.
The district asked community members who might be interested in driving to contact the transportation department at 384‑4681. Administrators warned that some consolidated runs will remain in place while hiring continues and that driver vacancies can change daily.
Board members also raised safety concerns related to a dangerous intersection near the high school and encouraged parents and community members to contact the Maine Department of Transportation after the DOT completed an engineering survey; the board said additional traffic work in the Town Center has been delayed until 2026 due to funding timing.
No formal action was taken beyond directing staff to continue recruitment and route adjustments; the transportation update was part of committee and superintendent reports.
