A Pinckney Community Schools bus driver was honored for using her training and quick judgment to protect six students after severe storms trapped their school bus between fallen trees, reported BWHL News.

A series of storms Sept. 3 caused widespread power outages and lengthy dismissal delays across Livingston County in Michigan. Pinckney Superintendent Rick Todd said school bus drivers were transporting students home when the most dangerous weather moved through the area.

Todd gave special recognition to a driver identified as “Ms. Sandy,” whose bus became trapped when trees fell in front of and behind the vehicle. As winds and flying debris intensified and funnel clouds began forming, she used her training as both a school bus driver and volunteer firefighter to guide the six students from the bus to a nearby field, Todd said.

“I am incredibly grateful to say that, other than being extremely wet, everyone remained safe,” Todd wrote.

Todd also praised the students for remaining calm, following directions and supporting one another during the emergency. He said their actions reflected the character the district seeks to instill in its students.

The superintendent thanked teachers, administrators, support staff, coaches, custodians and parent volunteers for reassuring students and following established emergency procedures during what he called an understandably frightening situation. Officers from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and Hamburg Township Police Department responded to Farley Hill and Country elementary schools, providing additional reassurance to students, employees and families.

Fowlerville Community Schools also experienced power failures and delayed dismissals. Superintendent Matt Stuard said Little Glad Early Childhood Center and Kreeger Elementary lost electricity, phone service and internet access for two hours, but a tornado warning forced students and athletes to shelter in place.

Downed trees and blocked roads later prevented buses from reaching elementary schools, requiring families to pick up students. Staff stayed until every child was reunited with family.

School Transportation News contacted Pinckney Community Schools for additional information but did not receive a response.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: ‘Hero’ Teacher Praised by Parent Florida School Bus Crash Evacuation
Related: School Bus Driver Recognized for Saving Students from Fiery Crash
Related: Minnesota School Bus Driver Hailed Hero for Avoiding Head-On Crash With Semi
Related: Georgia School Bus Driver Honored for Helping Students After Crash

The post Michigan Bus Driver Honored for Quick Thinking During Dangerous Storm appeared first on School Transportation News.

Rockford Public Schools in Michigan is seeking additional bus drivers as it prepares to begin classes Aug. 24, with fewer drivers than officials say are needed to operate its routes efficiently, reported Fox 17.

According to the news report, the district’s transportation department has 55 drivers but needs at least 60 to adequately serve every route. Transportation Director Matt Puett said via the article that he hopes to hire as many as 10 additional drivers to fill current and future staffing gaps.

All routes will be covered when classes begin, but the shortage has forced the district to consolidate some runs. The changes could add about 10 minutes to each trip, Puett said. “That doesn’t sound like a lot, but for a child, 10 extra minutes on a route seems like a long time to them,” he said via the news report.

Rockford buses reportedly travel more than 4,000 miles each school day. Until more drivers are hired, the district plans to rely on retired drivers and other employees who are qualified to operate buses.

Puett told local news reporters that he will drive when needed, along with two or three district mechanics and members of the transportation department’s office staff. The district is offering a starting wage of $23 an hour. Puett said some potential applicants might be intimidated by the size of a school bus, but modern buses are easier to operate than older models.

The buses have automatic transmissions and adjustable pedals that can move closer to the driver, he said via the report. Nicole Saari, who is beginning her fifth full school year as a Rockford bus driver, also encouraged people to consider applying. Many people incorrectly assume driving a bus is unusually difficult because of the vehicle’s size, she said.

“It’s very simple,” Saari said. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had as a job.”

Saari said one of the position’s rewards is getting to know students and watching them grow over several school years. The district did not provide a deadline for applications or say how many routes had been consolidated. Officials also did not indicate whether further route changes could be necessary if the department remains short-staffed after classes begin.

Written with the Assistance of AI.

Related: Michigan’s Allendale Public Schools Eliminates Bus Routes Amid Driver Shortage
Related: Go Riteway Hosts ‘Drive the Bus’ Events Amid Wisconsin Driver Shortage
Related: Driver Shortage Could Lead to Bus Route Disruptions, District Warns
Related: Technology Webinar Tackles the School Bus Driver Shortage

The post Rockford Public Schools Seeks More Bus Drivers appeared first on School Transportation News.

Allendale Public Schools in Michigan is establishing new non-transportation zones for the upcoming school year, meaning school buses will no longer pick up students living in certain areas as the district responds to an ongoing driver shortage, reported WZZM 13.

According to the news report, Superintendent Garth Cooper said recruiting and retaining drivers has become increasingly difficult, in part because of the position’s split schedule.

“It’s a very challenging position,” Cooper said. “The hours are not ideal because you work in the morning, then you go home, and then you work in the afternoon. That’s unique for this type of job.”

The district keeps driver job postings open throughout the year and pays applicants while they complete required training, Cooper said.

“We keep the posting open. It never ends. We’re constantly seeking recruits,” he added.

The shortage has also complicated transportation for extracurricular activities. Cooper said all available drivers are typically completing elementary school routes until 4:30 or 5 p.m., while many high school athletic competitions begin at 4 p.m.

The district reportedly considered using passenger vans for smaller athletic teams, but Cooper said Michigan law restricts the use of larger vans without a commercial driver’s license.

Community members reportedly expressed mixed reactions following the announcement. One commenter attributed the shortage to the district’s driver wages and said increasing pay could improve recruitment. Another parent raised safety concerns about young children walking longer distances, particularly during severe weather or when their parents are working.

The district’s new non-transportation and walk zones are reportedly scheduled to take effect at the beginning of the upcoming school year. Allendale Public Schools has not indicated how many students or existing bus routes will be affected by the changes.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts
Related: School Bus Driver Shortages Create Wider Consequences for Students
Related: Go Riteway Hosts ‘Drive the Bus’ Events Amid Wisconsin Driver Shortage
Related: Driver Shortage Could Lead to Bus Route Disruptions, District Warns

The post Michigan’s Allendale Public Schools Eliminates Bus Routes Amid Driver Shortage appeared first on School Transportation News.