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Magnolia ISD staff propose three-tier bus routing to address driver shortage, cite $800,000 savings
Summary
Chief Support Services Officer Joe Dives told trustees a three-tier routing plan tied to new campuses could save about $800,000, eliminate roughly 10 routes and reduce overtime while better aligning routes with campus bell times.
Magnolia ISD presented a proposed three-tier transportation model aimed at reducing the operational impact of a continuing bus driver shortage and the district's opening of two new campuses this August.
Chief Support Services Officer Joe Dives, IV briefed the trustees that the three-tier plan — with high school as tier one, intermediate and junior high as tier two, and elementary as tier three — could "Save $800,000 in the operating budget," eliminate approximately 10 routes, reduce mileage and time on routes, and lower overtime costs. The plan is tied to opening Magnolia Parkway Intermediate and Magnolia Parkway Junior High in August 2025.
District staff portrayed the proposal as a potential cost-saving and efficiency measure while noting it would change how student transportation is scheduled across campus levels. Trustees received the presentation as part of the Superintendent's report; the minutes do not record a formal vote on implementation at the March 17 meeting.
The proposal will require follow-up analysis to confirm routing details, driver staffing projections, and any impacts on student travel time and family schedules before the board considers formal adoption.
