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Belgrade board approves 24 bus-route changes as driver shortage persists
Summary
Trustees approved 24 proposed bus-route changes for 2025–26 after transportation staff described declining registrations and driver shortages; board members discussed regional pay pressure and recruitment steps before a unanimous vote.
The Belgrade School District Board of Trustees approved 24 bus-route changes for the 2025–26 school year amid ongoing driver shortages and lower student registrations.
Transportation staff (speaker 9) told trustees that after outreach they reduced the number of routes and miles, and that registrations are lower than last year — roughly 130 students remained unregistered in the presentation — prompting consolidation of routes and renaming of a route. Trustees and staff discussed driver recruitment, noting neighboring districts have raised pay and that short-term fixes may be necessary until recruitment improves.
Board members raised pay equity concerns and asked committees (budget and transportation) to evaluate whether driver pay should be increased to be competitive in the region. One trustee referenced a Bozeman news report about driver pay and asked whether the district needed to respond; staff said the district will evaluate options but noted that even higher pay does not always attract drivers.
After discussion, the board voted 7–0 to adopt the 24 route changes. Transportation staff indicated that if additional students register midyear, the district will add mileage or restore routes as needed and make adjustments during the year.
Trustees directed staff to continue recruiting drivers and to involve the transportation committee and budget committee on any pay adjustments.
