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Kiona-Benton board: driver shortage forces route consolidations, extracurricular trips curtailed
Summary
Superintendent Pete Peterson told the board that recent bus driver departures have forced the district to combine routes and suspend many extracurricular trips; staff are pursuing CDLs and a prospective driver has been contacted.
KIONA-BENTON CITY — The Kiona-Benton City School District board discussed a persistent shortage of bus drivers on Oct. 27, with Superintendent Pete Peterson saying recent departures have already forced the district to combine routes and reduce extra-curricular trips.
Peterson told the board that the district "has lost another driver," that routes have been combined as a result, and that some district employees are working to obtain commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). He said Transportation Supervisor Mr. Craigo met with one prospective driver "today," and that once permanent drivers are hired for budgeted routes, those routes will be restored. Peterson added that if the district levy passes, extra-curricular trips would resume "right away."
Director Gina Warner praised drivers during the discussion, saying bus drivers "are saints," and the board noted the operational strain created by fewer drivers. The board did not take any formal action on transportation at the meeting; the item was discussed as New Business and remained an operational update from district staff.
