District racing to certify bus drivers as playoffs approach; costs, logistics top discussion

District officials told the board they are accelerating efforts to certify in‑district drivers so teams can travel without hiring outside drivers, a change they say would reduce transportation costs during playoffs and other away events.

Chris Dodson, who gave the detailed athletics update, outlined achievements across sports and the coming playoff calendar, and highlighted the practical pressures that come with travel: “Every varsity sport has qualified for the playoffs,” he said, noting schedule, seeding and hosting uncertainties for baseball and softball and spelling out the logistics for first‑round hosting.

Superintendent Daniel Crockett and Miss Wells then reported progress on CDL certification for coaches and staff: one coach has obtained a DMV permit and three others have completed DOT physicals; the district has budgeted roughly $12,500 annually for transportation-related costs and officials estimated about $9,500 had already been spent so far on contracted drivers this year. Crockett said the administration set a May 13 target for a group of coaches to have DMV permits in hand so they can add state testing as needed later.

Board members pressed on the pace of certification, noting the initiative was discussed months earlier and expressing concern that continued delays would increase travel costs as the teams advance in postseason play. Members also raised the practical point that not every coach will be suited to the safety responsibilities of operating a bus and urged management to focus certification efforts on those who can reliably perform the role.

No formal action was taken beyond requests for progress updates; the board asked the administration for another CDL update next month so it can assess cost implications before postseason travel expands.