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Board hears transportation update as district faces bus driver shortages and rising fleet costs
Summary
District leaders told the board they are short on bus drivers and are contracting with outside vendors for service; low applicant interest and rising fleet costs complicate decisions about leasing or purchasing buses for 2026–27.
Director Tom Tiede and Superintendent Dr. Wise told the board the district is currently short on bus drivers and substitute drivers, forcing use of outside agencies to cover routes for students not on the district's regular nine routes. Board members characterized the shortage as part of a national challenge in which DuPage County is not isolated.
Dr. Wise and Director Tiede emphasized the district remains one of the last in the area to operate its own transportation system and that a handful of new drivers will be needed to sustain operations. "We are one of the last Districts in the area to operate our own transportation system," staff said, and walk zone plans will be presented at the Nov. 5, 2025 Board meeting as part of broader planning for FY27 fleet needs and procurement options (leasing versus purchase).
