The school bus transportation industry has long grappled with a persistent challenge: A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. Despite the critical role these professionals play in ensuring student safety and access to education, many school districts struggle to recruit and retain enough school bus drivers to meet demand not to mention other employees.

However, with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, a new opportunity for outreach and recruitment has emerged. But this trend is not without its complications.

A New Era of Storytelling

Social media has transformed from a space for personal expression to a powerful marketing and engagement tool. TikTok, once synonymous with dance trends and lip-sync videos, is now a hub for creative content across industries. Businesses big and small use the platform for everything from showcasing products to building brands via influencers, other users who have amassed large followings. The school transportation industry is no exception.

School bus drivers have taken to TikTok to share their experiences, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a driver. Using hashtags like #schoolbusconversation, drivers showcase their passion for the job, hoping to inspire others to join the profession.

One standout influencer is Cor’Darius Jones, known by his handle Mr. Bus Driver. He has amassed over 61,000 followers to date on his TikTok channel by sharing engaging and informative content about school buses and driving them. (He is also on Instagram and Facebook.)

As an employee of Escambia County Schools, located on Florida’s panhandle and serving the Pensacola area, Jones has not only captured the hearts of viewers but also caught the attention of industry leaders, including IC Bus, which sponsors his content.

Jones’ videos extend beyond his daily routes. He attends trade shows, engages with industry professionals, and promotes the role of school bus drivers as an essential part of the education system. Notably, Jones will be speaking at the STN EXPO East near Charlotte, North Carolina, in March. He will join a panel discussion that will share insights on using social media as a recruitment and advocacy tool for the school transportation industry.

Jones said Escambia County Schools is aware of his social media work and has been supportive of the content.

“A lot of times my higher-ups give me ideas for a funny video to create,” he explained. “At first, I didn’t know how my district would take it, being that I was filming on the bus and making jokes about the job while still trying to make an informative message, but they started to follow and absolutely love the content. They look forward to every video I create.”

Jones said his journey into social media began during his second year as a school bus driver.

“I started the page going into my second year of driving and was giving everyone an inside look at what it’s like being a bus driver for different grade levels,” he recalled. “The post went viral on [Facebook], gaining over 500,000 views within the first week. People — parents, students, bus drivers, teachers, school staff, a ton of people — would message me to make more videos, and that’s what led to creating the Mr. Bus Driver page. I would just post day-to-day life. The most relatable part is that it’s very much true and has happened to me and a ton of other drivers.”

His partnership with IC Bus, the manufacturer of the vehicle he drives everyday, and collaboration with school district officials exemplifies how social media can be leveraged to address driver shortages by highlighting the job’s rewarding aspects, as well as the universal experiences that resonate with the broader community.

“When we came across Cor’Darius Jones, more widely known as Mr. Bus Driver, it was clear he was a champion of student safety and the driver community in his own right,” commented Christy Zukowski, the senior marketing manager for IC Bus. “Those who have seen Mr. Bus Driver’s videos on their social feeds know that his passion for his career as a driver is contagious. With his unique ability to educate, entertain and connect while spreading awareness of the importance of safety best practices, Mr. Bus Driver is an empowering voice in the industry and an admirable example of the dedicated drivers who keep us moving forward.”

Navigating the Challenges

While influencers like Jones have received district support and industry backing, not all school bus drivers receive the same level of oversight — or approval — for their social media activities. The integration of government property and social media monetization raises questions about ethics and compliance.

A transportation director from a school district in the western U.S. speaking anonymously to School Transportation News expressed concern over school bus drivers creating TikTok videos without the district’s knowledge.

Like many government agencies, the director noted, transportation staff does not have access to TikTok. “So, this was not something we were monitoring,” the director added. “There are issues with broadcasting on social media in uniform, using district equipment, acting as a spokesperson without authorization, and generating revenue while on paid status.”

The director revealed that one school bus driver had been filming TikTok videos while wearing a uniform with the school district logo visible despite an attempt to obscure it. This implied, the director explained, that the driver in question was officially representing the district without having prior permission to film content. Upon discovering the videos, transportation department management addressed the issue directly with the driver as well as others, instructing them to take down any content that might appear to represent the district.

“It’s important to ensure that employees don’t unintentionally present themselves as spokespersons for the district without authorization,” the director emphasized.

The challenges outlined in this scenario highlight a key tension: While these videos can inspire and educate, they also risk crossing professional and legal boundaries. School buses are government property, and filming content for personal or financial gain without explicit consent could violate district policies or government regulations. Moreover, the perception of using public resources for private profit can risk the reputations of school bus drivers and their school district or bus company employers. Clear communication and well-defined policies are essential to navigating these challenges.

STN reviewed dozens of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos posted by school bus drivers. Many of them made attempts, not all successful, to obstruct or blur any identifying district names or logos on uniforms. Videos included school bus drivers talking about their jobs and experiences while seated behind the wheel, performing pre-trip inspections, and even driving the vehicle with students on board. Any students were blurred out, and at least one post appeared to use interior school bus camera video footage.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Social media’s potential to promote the profession and recruit new drivers is undeniable. Videos showcasing the camaraderie, dedication and unique aspects of the job can counter misconceptions and attract individuals who otherwise might not have considered the role. Drivers like Cor’Darius “Mr. Bus Driver” Jones demonstrate that with proper support and guidance, social media can be a valuable tool for advocacy and outreach.

However, districts must address the potential pitfalls. Without clear policies and communication, drivers may unintentionally breach regulations or face disciplinary actions. Establishing guidelines around social media use, including seeking prior approval for content involving district equipment, could help strike a balance between creativity and compliance.

However, the future of TikTok, one of the most influential platforms for creators and businesses alike, remains uncertain. The app has faced ongoing legal battles and scrutiny, with federal and state governments questioning its data privacy practices and connections to its parent company, ByteDance, in China. These concerns have led to restrictions on TikTok’s use on government devices and recurring threats of a nationwide ban.

President-elect Donald Trump will take office a day after a Biden administration ban is set to take effect. While Trump previously sought to ban the app due to national security concerns, he now said he acknowledges the platform’s significance as a cultural and economic influencer. He has suggested the possibility of maintaining TikTok under stricter regulations to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and protect user data, offering a lifeline to a platform that continues to thrive amid legal and political uncertainty.

This past week, the U.S. Supreme Court said it will take up the case on Jan. 10 and will not block TikTok while it considers the issue.

Regardless, district leaders and transportation directors generally lack access to TikTok today, making it difficult to monitor or even be aware of the content their drivers are creating. This limitation further complicates oversight and highlights the importance of proactive communication between drivers and their supervisors.

But without access to TikTok and other social media services, district leaders may miss opportunities to guide or support school bus drivers who are using the platform to share their experiences. Additionally, the inability to monitor content means districts are often unaware of potential compliance issues, such as filming during work hours, using district equipment, or presenting themselves as spokespersons without authorization. Addressing these gaps requires clear policies and training, ensuring drivers understand the boundaries of their creative freedom while still leveraging social media to inspire and educate.

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Related: Social Media’s Influence on Student Transportation Industry Hard to Track
Related: Social Media Posts Point to Importance of School Bus Drivers
Related: South Carolina School Bus Driver Fired for Racist Social Media Post
Related: Sharing Positive Employee Stories Should be Part of Social Media Strategies
Related: You Tweeted What? Social Media Policies and Issues for Student Transporters

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Moving Forward

To fully harness the benefits of social media while mitigating risks, collaboration between drivers, districts, and industry leaders is essential. Districts should consider the following steps:

1. Develop Clear Policies: Provide written guidelines on social media use, including what is permissible when using district property or uniforms.
2. Training and Communication: Offer training sessions on responsible social media practices, ensuring drivers understand the potential legal and ethical implications.
3. Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between drivers and district officials to align content creation with district goals and recruitment efforts.

The passion and creativity of school bus drivers have the potential to reshape perceptions of the profession and address critical driver shortages. By establishing clear boundaries and fostering open communication, districts can support drivers in sharing their stories while maintaining professionalism and integrity. Social media is a powerful tool, when used responsibly or not. It can bring much-needed attention to the essential work of school bus drivers and inspire the next generation to join their ranks.

Despite the controversies, TikTok and other social media sites remain powerful tools for promoting small and large businesses and enabling content creators to connect with audiences worldwide. For school bus drivers and other professionals, it has provided a unique avenue to inspire change and attract talent to under-appreciated roles. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future highlights the need for districts to remain vigilant, crafting adaptable policies to maximize its benefits while navigating potential risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In addition to being a frequent STN contributor, S.Z. Estavillo is a social media professional and consultant with over 90,000 followers across her various channels.

The post Social Media as a Recruitment Tool: School Bus Driver Influencers appeared first on School Transportation News.

The yellow school bus might be the most iconic way for students to get to school but the industry is also increasingly utilizing alternative vehicles in circumstances where a traditional school bus may not be able or be the best option to accommodate the route or students.

“While it is always preferable that children ride on yellow school buses there are some areas and instances where this may not be possible,” reads a statement paper the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) released earlier this year and ahead of the National Congress on School Transportation in May. “In such situations, it is crucial that children are transported in the safest possible vehicles and driven by qualified, trained, and well-regulated drivers.”

The NAPT paper outlines the current emerging trend of alternative transportation and the association’s recommendations to student transporters who are using vehicles other than the school bus. It notes the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers is a contributing factor to the increase of use of alternative vehicles.

“As this trend has increased, NAPT believes it is important to clarify appropriate and necessary steps to ensure the safety of our school children when such services are utilized by school districts,” the statement says.

It comes as no surprise that safety is the top priority and consideration, which NAPT says includes driver qualifications, vehicle integrity and safety features. The statement recognizes that alternative transportation service providers have taken the initiative to set safety standards and that the NAPT has worked directly with some of these providers.

“Our purpose and interest is to create clearer and nationally applicable standards that can be employed by school districts to make appropriate decisions to meet their needs,” emphasizes the statement. “We intend to involve the alternate provider community in our efforts as partners and collaborators.”

School Transportation News discussed the statement with Peter Mannella, who is NAPT’s public policy and communications liaison. Mannella recently spoke at the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference in November, leading a panel discussion on alternative transportation services for students with special needs. He mentioned the statement and pointed attendees to it on the NAPT website. He also said the NAPT took no position in publishing the paper.

Instead, he told STN that NAPT intentionally did not set standards but chose “to identify those elements or factors for which school districts should have standards, especially in the absence of national standards or even consistent state-level standards. Clearly, standard setting rests with federal and/or state agencies with input from professional associations like NAPT and our partners.”

During the Nov. 11 TSD Conference panel discussion, Mannella noted that the industry recognizes that alternative transportation can be a good thing “but it would be better if we could shape it differently, if we could put some restrictions or regulations or requirements around it to help us be sure we’re doing the right thing.

The NAPT statement lists what it describes as “clear and reasonable criteria” to help districts ensure that the alternative transportation service providers are not only able to meet the transportation needs of the students but that they are meeting the same or similar safety standards that are required of the yellow school bus and its drivers.

“We are seeing diverse approaches to these services including entry into the market of major private school bus contractors, parental arrangements and more,” Mannella said, which he added also emphasizes the need for consistent federal and state regulations.

He also advised districts to involve legal departments and insurance providers to make sure liability considerations are addressed.

“These arrangements are legal and financial transactions and need to be handled and managed accordingly,” he said. “It is incumbent on a school district to take reasonable care and precautions in ensuring the safety of their students and to not compromise on safety in those relationships, and that of necessity applies to alternate transportation providers.”

NAPT said alternative transportation providers should ensure that all their drivers have a current license appropriate to the vehicle they are using and have systems in place to require drivers undergo criminal background checks and random drug and alcohol testing. Training is also crucial, including training for emergency situations, loading and unloading, student behavior management, bullying and bullying prevention. Transporting students with special needs will also require drivers to be aware of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) requirements and provisions that need to be made.

The statement continues that vehicle safety requirements should include “adequate signage to ensure that the public is aware that the vehicle is transporting children, and that caution is needed.” There should also be frequent maintenance inspections to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe, in accordance with state requirements.

NAPT also lists evacuation training protocol, enforcement of vehicle capacity, and ensuring that safety equipment outlined in the IEP is onboard, which can include child restraint safety systems, capacity to secure wheelchairs or medical equipment, as factors that should be present.

“The board and our CEO/Executive Director [Molly McGee Hewitt] have determined that it is important for NAPT to offer members resources to help them in the performance of their duties for their schools and the children they serve. We believe this statement sets the table for further conversations and advocacy,” Mannella added

NAPT concludes the papers aying that it will continue to collaborate with state associations, business partners, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, and the National School Transportation Association to continue the discussion, moving towards consistent, safety-centered federal/ state guidelines and legislations regarding alternative transportation.

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Related: NHTSA Releases Report on Nationwide Illegal School Bus Passing Laws
Related: Beyond the Yellow School Bus: Alternative School Transportation
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities

The post NAPT Statement Provides Recommendations for Alternative Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

School bus drivers in Bourbonnais, Illinois, will be able to earn up to $700 in bonuses for working the day before and after both a holiday in Bourbonnais Elementary School District, reported Daily Journal.

According to the news report, the Bourbonnais School Board unanimously approved a new bonus system on Aug. 20, to incentivize attendance around the holidays for bus drivers.

Transportation Director Scott Austin said the district sees a sharp uptick in drivers calling off work before and after holidays and breaks.

The district reportedly employs 18 bus drivers for its approximately 130 daily bus routes, but it could use four or five additional flexible drivers to help cover routes when others call in sick.

Austin reportedly said that over the last two years, the call-offs the day before and after the holiday increased more than 87 percent. With the news bonus system, the district will be eliminating its annual $250 bonus for drivers who miss 10 or few days per year; this was given to 14 drivers last year.

According to the article, drivers will now be able to earn a $100 bonus for each holiday when they work both the day before and the day after, for a possible total of $700. Additionally, drivers can also still receive $100 quarterly bonuses for perfect attendance.

The districts drivers will reportedly make $26 per hour this year. The seven holidays for te bonuses will include Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day.

For the extended Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, drivers who work the day before and the day after the school break receive the bonus. Austin said via the article that the desired outcome is to eliminate staffing complications for the transportation department, which is “in the same boat” as many other districts struggling to maintain a full staff of bus drivers.

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Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: New Data: School Leaders & Parents Reveal Crisis in School Transportation; Bus Driver Shortages and Budget Cuts Are Forcing Parents to Fill the Void
Related: School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts
Related: (Recorded Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work

The post New Incentives in Place to Keep Illinois School Bus Drivers Working During Holidays appeared first on School Transportation News.

Complexity is the name of the game for any school transportation operation, and challenges are compounded for districts with student ridership in the thousands.

At West Ada School District in Idaho, Transportation Liaison RD Huntley supports the transportation of 12,500 students every school day. When asked to pinpoint the difference between the challenges faced by small and large districts, Huntley said: “The simple answer is volume. More students require greater coordination between management, drivers, administration, and technology.”

Serving a larger number of students well requires more resources, including people, vehicles, and technology. Tyler Technologies’ all-in-one student transportation solutions help large districts, including West Ada SD, to connect their transportation resources and processes.

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To learn more about Tyler Technologies’ Student Transportation software and tools that help streamline the complexities of large transportation operations, watch their Student Transportation for Large Districts webinar.

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To meet the challenges large school districts face — and empower the people who make those bus trips run smoothly — there are 5 key roles technology can play in supporting transportation operations.

1. Ensuring Every Student’s Needs Are Met, Every Day

Picture a typical day in a large transportation operation: routers constantly creating routes, dispatchers making real-time adjustments, and drivers navigating their assigned runs. With so many moving parts, how do you ensure every student’s unique needs are communicated and met seamlessly? In this dynamic environment, ensuring no detail is overlooked is crucial to delivering safe and reliable service for every child.

Huntley and the West Ada transportation department use Tyler Technologies’ Student Transportation software and Tyler Drive onboard tablets to help them stay on top of every detail.

“I cannot over-emphasize the value of the software and tablet integration,” Huntley said. “The software allows unlimited users, putting a wealth of information in the hands of district personnel and school administration, including bus stop information, vehicle tracking, and student ridership.”

The system acts as a safety net, providing real-time alerts and safeguards throughout the operational workflow.

For instance, consider the critical need for a wheelchair lift on a specific bus. If a new route is created without ensuring the assigned vehicle has the proper equipment, a student relying on that lift could face significant disruption in their day, potentially missing class or essential services. By integrating safeguards, like the instant alerts in Student Transportation routing software, these crucial details are flagged before they become issues.

A missed accommodation like this doesn’t just inconvenience a student—it can negatively impact their entire educational experience. By proactively addressing such needs, we can help ensure no student is left behind due to logistical oversight. The seamless flow of critical student information, from the router at the software level to Tyler Drive for the driver, is invaluable in making sure every need is met and every student receives the service they are entitled to.

These proactive safeguards are built to ensure that no matter who is making a change, every staff member is aware and responsive to the unique needs of the students. This comprehensive approach gives large operations the tools to help them provide the highest level of service and safety every day.

2. Streamlining Communication with Families and Staff

In large transportation operations, changes are inevitable — from driver switches to bus reroutes. Keeping everyone informed, especially parents and guardians, can be a challenge. Tyler Technologies makes communication seamless, eliminating the extra steps typically involved in updating families.

Huntley said, “The use of My Ride K-12 at West Ada School District has made communication with parents simple and effective. Parents can observe the expected arrival of their bus, be notified when their student gets on or off, and receive messages from dispatch for any changes that may occur.”

When working with a large staff and complex operation, having a solution that streamlines processes without adding extra work is crucial. Tyler Technologies’ platform not only simplifies internal communication, but also provides transparency and peace of mind for families, ensuring everyone is quickly and accurately informed. “Communicating with families through My Ride K-12 has dramatically reduced incoming phone communications and given parents stronger confidence in our transportation services,” Huntley said.

3. Informing Decisions and Achieving Compliance With Robust Reporting

For transportation directors managing large operations, it’s crucial to simultaneously evaluate daily performance, ensure compliance, and maximize funding opportunities. Tyler Technologies’ software provides robust and accurate reporting tools that cover all aspects of transportation management.

“The reporting capabilities of Tyler’s software are instrumental in evaluating on-time performance, RFID usage, and required information for state reports. If you need information, the system can provide it,” Huntley said. Directors can also evaluate bus stops, route efficiency, driver performance, and student safety, gaining detailed insights to make informed decisions quickly.

Additionally, the software offers specialized reports to simplify the process of meeting state annual reporting requirements and filing for Medicaid reimbursements. Tyler’s system ensures that all necessary data is accurately tracked, recorded, and formatted for easy submission, reducing administrative burden and improving the chances of reimbursement. With precise, real-time data at their fingertips, transportation leaders can confidently manage compliance, secure funding, and continually enhance their operations.

4. Integrating Alternative Transportation Solutions

Often, transporting more students also means offering more transportation options. Large districts might transport students to special programs and magnet schools, coordinate their routes with public transportation, and serve more students with special needs or those who are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act. To provide these options and serve all their students’ needs, large districts often work with transportation contractors or third-party vendors for services including alternative transportation, RFID cards, and dispatch.

For example, districts serving a large number of students with special needs or Individualized Education Program (IEPs) might leverage a ride-share style alternative transportation vendor to provide a safe and comfortable experience for students that struggle in a typical school bus environment. But it’s important for the transportation department to keep track of students using those alternative transportation methods just as they do for students riding their own buses. Data integration between a district’s student transportation software and other transportation technology partners is critical to ensuring student safety, clear communication, and operational efficiency.

Tyler connects these solutions through Onboard Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), a one-stop data exchange that uses Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to bridge the silos of information between transportation technology providers to empower transportation leaders with more customization and flexibility to support their students. With a growing network of integrators, Onboard iPaaS securely joins transportation applications together to maximize the value of the data already being generated by the tools large districts use every day.

5. Supporting Transportation Staff

In 2021, West Ada School District saw a sharp decline in student ridership — dropping from 13,000 to 8,500. Contributing factors ranged from the impact of COVID-19 and driver shortages to inefficient routing and low parent confidence.

“The district’s decision to bring in Tyler’s Student Transportation software, Tyler Drive tablets, RFID readers, and student cards, along with returning customer service and routing to the district, has resulted in an upward trend with ridership,” said Huntley.

By providing their transportation staff with powerful and connected tools, West Ada SD rebuilt their operation. At 12,500 today, ridership has nearly returned to pre-pandemic numbers.

“The difference is the efficiency of the routes, driver confidence, and parents being supplied critical information to satisfy their previous concerns. This all could not be possible without our Tyler Student Transportation software,” said Huntley.

The driver shortage has impacted districts of all sizes, but every driver counts even more so when there are more students to transport. With chronic absenteeism on the rise, increasing ridership is not just a logistical challenge but a critical solution to getting students back to school consistently.

Reliable transportation can play a pivotal role in reducing absenteeism, ensuring students have access to the education they need. As we work to optimize routes and address the shortage, we must also focus on maximizing ridership, making every bus and every driver even more essential to the success of the entire system.

Tyler Drive tablets can help districts recruit and retain drivers by helping them feel supported. For example, drivers at West Ada SD feel confident taking on any route when their bus is equipped with Tyler Drive.

“The tablets with real-time navigation have revolutionized the insecurities usually affiliated with driving in unknown areas and the distraction of paper route sheets,” said Huntley. For new drivers, substitutes, and even seasoned drivers on an unfamiliar route, Tyler Drive empowers driver confidence and supports more efficient routing.

Bus drivers at West Ada SD are also supported with Tyler’s advanced solutions, which are designed to meet the complex needs of large districts. For example, the district uses Advanced Activity Trips to plan, execute, and invoice a trip from start to finish. And the user interface is easy for their drivers to pick up.

“Since it mirrors the routing software, drivers do not need to learn a separate system to successfully operate a trip,” said Huntley. These solutions help set drivers up for success, giving them tools to complete their routes safely and efficiently.

Tyler’s Suite of Integrated Student Transportation Tools

The data that supports school transportation operations is complex, and connecting all the technology districts use can be cumbersome. To help transportation departments put the pieces together, Tyler Technologies’ Student Transportation solutions offer a one-stop shop for everything from routing, fleet maintenance, and activity trips to parent communication, GPS, and telematics.

And when your students require more specific or custom solutions to meet their needs, Tyler is committed to supporting integrations with your other transportation technology vendors through the Onboard iPaaS network.

To learn more about how Tyler’s integrated software and seamless connections can support your large transportation operations, register for their upcoming webinar.

The post 5 Ways Large Districts Can Improve Transportation Operations with Technology appeared first on School Transportation News.

Christopher Faust said, “Do what you can,” The words Christopher Faust lives by everyday are, “Do what you can.” He started his career in transportation through the public transit industry with the City of Sheboygan, Shoreline Metro. He explained that Sheboygan Area School District has parented with the Shoreline Metro since 2018 to provide free transportation for all students and staff, and the transit agency transports many students who are not eligible for yellow bus transportation.

Faust noted that he started as a transit coordinator with Shoreline Metro before accepting the transportation supervisor position with the Sheboygan Area School District in June of 2022. Two years later, his title was changed to coordinator of transportation.

“Chris is a highly dedicated, driven and success-oriented individual,” Derek Muench, director of transit and parking for the City of Sheboygan, wrote in his nomination. “He genuinely cares for students, families and customers. He is focused on making services more reliable, safer and easier to use. He has demonstrated this during his tenure with SASD and will continue to demonstrate and progress this mission in the years ahead. He is definitely a superstar and rising star and deserves the recognition.”

Muench added that Faust remains a part-time transit coordinator for Shoreline Metro. “He dispatches and coordinates transit services, including service for students utilizing public transit,” he continued. “Chris is an instrumental link between the Sheboygan Area School District and Shoreline Metro, which has an agreement to provide free student and staff transportation on the public transit system.”

Faust said his day-to-day goal during the school year is to be an engaged partner between their school bus contractor Prigge School Bus Service (a contract that’s been in place since 1970), the schools, administration and parents, while ensuring a seamless transportation experience. He added that his day consists of following up on student behaviors on the bus and patterning with principals when incidents arise.

Each year, School Transportation News chooses 10 Rising Stars based on nominations submitted by school districts and companies around the industry. These individuals have shown exemplary commitment and dedication in the student transportation industry and continue to demonstrate innovation in their roles. This year’s Rising Stars are featured in the November magazine issue.

One of those principals, Kathryn McKillip, nominated him for the award. “Christopher has been an invaluable member of our team over the past year at Sheboygan Area School District,” she wrote. “Christopher has played a crucial role in reshaping student transportation within our district and has significantly improved our relations with our contractor and families.”

She noted that during challenging times with the school bus driver shortage and long bus ride times, Faust’s “dedication and innovative thinking have been instrumental in enhancing the technology aspect of student transportation,” she continued.

Taking on Technology

Faust said when he first came to Sheboygan Area School District, school buses were equipped with little technology. He said cameras were installed for the time in 2017, but by 2022 it was clear that the systems were outdated.

“Technology changes were needed and that was clearly defined as a goal for transportation,” Faust said. “We felt that it was critical to take advantage of some of these technology solutions for safety, efficiency, and a better driver experience.”

The first change, he said, was to implement GPS on all buses to be able to know where buses were and when they would arrive at their destination. “Within weeks of that being implemented we realized what [a] game changer that was for us and our contractor,” he said. “To go back and confirm that the drivers were making their stops and waited for students that were not present changed the conversation when calls and emails would come in saying that the bus never came.”

He said that being able to validate those instances, that drivers were doing their job, alleviated the push back from drivers on the GPS systems. As they, too, saw the value in the technology.

After implementing GPS, Faust said the district launched parent app Stopfinder through their routing software, Transfinder. “Stopfinder has been an amazing resource for our parents and is another great product that Transfinder offers,” he said.

Zach Moren, sales engineer at Transfinder who submitted a Rising Star nomination, said Faust is always dedicated in finding ways to improve student transportation and safety.

The district’s latest tech adoption has been school bus Wi-Fi. He said Sheboygan Area School District applied for and received the first round of E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi hotpots. Installation took place in August and service went live at the first day of school.

“Over the past year, Mr. Faust has positively restructured the district’s student transportation while improving the relationship with our contractor,” Clarissa Ramos, principal and mentorship coordinator at the district wrote in her nomination of Faust. “I have witnessed better communication and effective partnerships with principals and administration. Technology-wise GPS has been added on all buses, a parent app with live bus tracking. The SASD application for the FCC E-Rate Bus WI-FI was approved. … This is a huge win for our district the goal is to have reduced unwanted behaviors on the bus.”

Next for technology, Faust said the district is installing driver tablets with Transfinder’s Wayfinder, with the first one going live in October. “I’m very excited about that! Lastly next summer we will be upgrading our camera system on all bus to enhance safety and security,” he added. “We are looking at a camera that [we] will be able to view live and has a wide angle lens that we are able to see into the seats on the bus.”

City of Sheboygan’s Muench said Faust is focused on addressing the school bus driver shortage by implementing strategies that make the job more efficient and safer for drivers. “He is hopeful these changes as well as more forthcoming will lead to reliable staffing, more accountability by students and safer operations,” he wrote. “He is also focused on the parent experience giving them the opportunity to interact with school bus service and trust transportation is safe and reliable.”

Principal McKillip added that his technology implementations have not only transformed the school bus into an extension of the classroom but hold the promise of reducing behavioral issues which will create a more conducive learning environment.

“Christoper is so dedicated to our students, he will drive routes on top of all his other job duties, just to ensure they are able to get to school and engage in learning,” she wrote.

Faust confirmed that he drives part-time for their contractor. Like most, Faust said his ongoing challenge has been navigating the school bus driver shortage. “We simply don’t have enough drivers to cover all routes and get our students to and from school within the time frames we would like,” he said, adding they have tired advertising on social media, via direct mailings, billboards, the school district newsletter and even incentivizing coaches to obtain their CDL’s.

Going Forward

Faust said his favorite part of his job is knowing that he’s contributing to student success. “Making sure by what I am doing that they are getting to and from safely, that is the most important to me,” he said.

He noted that at some point in his professional career, he would like to become a director of transportation for a district that runs their own buses. “The goals I have within my current role are to keep incorporating technology into transportation, as well as using it to improve processes and procedures,” he said. “Five years from now I want the Sheboygan Area School District to be known with[in] the state of Wisconsin as a leader with technology on our buses.”

He noted that while the profession is difficult and has many challenges, it’s rewarding. “I wish more people could experience it in one [way] or another,” he said. “When I get the opportunity to be behind the wheel of a bus, it’s like everything I do comes full circle, and I appreciate what drivers do day in and day out so much more.”

Outside of work, Faust said he spends time with his two boys, 5 and 8, both who have special needs. He also has a 10-month-old daughter.

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Related: Texas Student Transporter Utilizes Technology to Improve Operations
Related: Missouri Director of Transportation Furthers Safety and Sustainability
Related: Washington Law Provides Contracted Bus Drivers Same Benefits as District Employees

The post Transportation Coordinator Uses Technology to Drive Student and District Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

Safety lessons the industry can learn from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Loading & Unloading Survey and illegal school bus passing report to Congress, as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse recommendations.

Joshua Wilson, former transportation director, national director of student transportation for Specialized Education Services, and a 2024 STN Rising Star, leverages his expertise in driver training to analyze the school bus driver shortage, alternative transportation, and more.

Read more about leadership.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

 

 

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Ohio’s school districts are facing an uphill battle to meet state student transportation requirements amid a persistent school bus driver shortage, resulting in financial penalties and a high-profile lawsuit filed by the state attorney general. 

The lawsuit and related fines levied against school districts for noncompliance with state regulations detail how the struggles in providing timely and reliable bus services for both public and non-public school students.

The compliance issues are in the spotlight after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a lawsuit against Columbus City Schools in September, accusing the district of failing to fulfill its statutory transportation obligations. This lawsuit has added to the urgency for Ohio’s school districts, which are already contending with a shortage of qualified school bus drivers, to find solutions that will ensure the safety and punctuality of school transportation across the state.

Attorney General Yost’s lawsuit claims that Columbus City Schools failed to provide transportation for students attending charter and private schools, a legal requirement under Ohio law. According to the lawsuit, Columbus City Schools labeled the transportation of these students as “impractical” and did not notify parents until days before the school year began, which left families scrambling to find alternate transportation.

“As a parent and grandparent, I understand the importance of making sure every child has a safe way to get to and from school,” Yost said at the time. “These families have a right to choose what school is best for their child, and the law is clear that transportation is to be provided.”

The lawsuit seeks a writ of mandamus compelling Columbus City Schools to resume transportation services for affected students immediately and to properly notify parents of their rights. The Attorney General’s office also issued a cease-and-desist letter to the district on Sept. 3, suggesting that the district’s failure to comply is suspected of being a deliberate attempt to circumvent legal obligations.

Last month, Columbus City Schools extended transportation service to about 100 students who were previously denied service and filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Yost in a statement said he is not convinced and remains undeterred.

“It remains to be seen whether the district will live up to its press release and really transport these children,” he said. “The state already has received some information suggesting that it is not. … Simply put, this case is far from over.”

Fines and Compliance Challenges Across Ohio

According to data from the Ohio Department of Education, Columbus City Schools is not the only district facing compliance challenges. The department has collected substantial fines from several districts over the past couple of years due to delays in meeting transportation standards, which the school districts claimed were the result of school bus driver shortages.

In fiscal year 2024 alone, over $7.3 million in penalties were imposed on Columbus City Schools for failing to meet timing and operational requirements under Ohio Revised Code 3327.021. Youngstown School District was fined $1.91 million, while the state will collect nearly $250,000 from Middleton City Schools. The total of $9.5 million was 472 percent more than the state collected for fiscal year 2023 ($1.66 million) and 70 percent more than for fiscal year 2022 ($5.6 million).

An Ohio Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that refunds received by Columbus City Schools, Dayton City Schools and Toledo Public Schools were were the result of litigation settlement agreements.

So far for fiscal year 2025, the data indicates a $2.2 million fine to Columbus City Schools.

Under Ohio law, school districts are considered “out of compliance” if students arrive at school more than 30 minutes late or are picked up more than 30 minutes after dismissal for five consecutive days or 10 total days within a school year. Additionally, if a school bus fails to arrive at all, the district may also face penalties. These regulations are intended to ensure the reliability of transportation for all students, including those attending charter and private schools.

Todd Silverthorn, the second vice president of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation and director of transportation for Kettering Local City Schools, provided additional context on the challenges facing Ohio school districts. He explained that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is conducting a timing study to assess district compliance with Ohio Administrative Code 3301-83-05. This study evaluates whether routes are practical and efficient based on the most direct path between public and non-public schools.

Silverthorn emphasized the complexities of the timing study, as fluctuating student enrollment and significant bus driver shortages complicate compliance efforts. He noted that while state regulations are meant to uphold standards, the severe staffing shortfall has left school districts like Columbus City scrambling to cover essential routes, often falling short of the required timing standards.

“While state lawmakers may argue that there is adequate funding for transportation, the core issue is not funding but staffing,” Silverthorn said. “Districts are facing increasing difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified bus drivers. This isn’t about budget limitations but about the challenges inherent in the role [of driving] itself.”

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Related: Local School Bus Seatbelt Grant a Potential Template for Ohio Program
Related: Ohio School Bus Safety Recommendations Call for Technology Funding, No Seatbelt Mandate
Related: (STN Podcast E229) October Updates: Green Funding, Cellphone Bans & Special Needs Legalities

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The Impact of Ohio’s Decreased School Bus Driver Staffing Level

The statewide bus driver shortage has intensified the transportation crisis. Before the pandemic, Ohio employed 25,706 active bus drivers. By August, that number had dropped to 18,817. This shortfall is affecting the 612 public school districts and over 1,000 chartered non-public schools statewide, many of which depend on reliable transportation services.

The role of an Ohio school bus driver requires a Class B commercial driver’s license, criminal background checks, drug and alcohol screenings, and the responsibility of managing student safety and behavior. The part-time hours and split shifts many school bus drivers receive combined with a high level of responsibility have deterred many potential applicants, creating a pipeline problem that exacerbates the staffing crisis.

As a result, school districts face challenges in meeting the compliance standards set forth by Ohio law, especially when drivers resign or retire. Schools have reported delays, cancellations and logistical obstacles that disrupt the school day and create stress for families.

In response to these challenges, school districts have implemented various strategies to optimize transportation resources. Some districts have consolidated school bus routes, modified school start times, and offered incentives such as signing bonuses and wage increases to attract and retain bus drivers. However, these adjustments are only temporary solutions to a deep-rooted problem.

“The reality is that we need a multi-faceted approach. This means not only increasing recruitment efforts but also rethinking the job to make it more appealing,” Silverthorn said.

If or until that happens, school districts like Columbus City Schools will continue to face pressure from state to provide transportation services on time and consistently.

“It shouldn’t take a lawsuit and an emergency motion to decide to follow the law. Columbus City Schools admitted the law was to transport the children. Glad these kids are finally getting the transportation they were entitled to,” Yost added last month. “But this is not the end. There are more kids who still are not receiving transportation despite the district’s clear obligation to provide it.”

The post Ohio School Districts Face Mounting Compliance, Staffing Challenges Amid Legal Battle appeared first on School Transportation News.

Two seasoned student transportation directors shared how utilizing routing technology can help build a positive workplace culture and reduce school bus driver shortages plaguing student transporters today.

Adrian Frierson, director of transportation for Hanover County Public Schools in Virginia, has been in student transportation since 2007, including serving as transportation specialist for the Virginia Department of Education for eight years.

Duane Peterson, transportation director for Jackson County Schools and past president of the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation, started his career driving a school bus in 1986.

Both transportation directors agreed during a Tuesday webinar presented by School Transportation News that efforts like providing healthy wages, social media praise for one bus driver a week, and a Bus Driver of the Year program can boost the team culture.

They both utilize banners, social media, signup referrals, and bonuses to recruit drivers.

“It all comes down to the culture of people saying, “I want to work here,’” Peterson declared.

“Everyone loves encouragement,” agreed Tammy Cook, senior transportation advisor for webinar sponsor and school bus technology provider TransAct Communications.

Frierson noted that it’s important to have adequate staff and equipment to deal with a routine day’s work as well as unexpected events.

Why Route Building is Important

Operationally, Peterson shared that route building was crucial. He said using two- or three-tiered routing and building routes that could easily be taken on by another school bus driver were effective ways to deal with unexpected staff callouts.

“We cut about 30 routes, which gained 30 drivers for other routes,” he related.

Furthermore, he said switching from door-to-door transportation to assigned stops helps improve efficiencies and provide enough drivers for regular and field trip routes. Making sure routes are full but not overloaded helps keep driver stress low and satisfaction up.

“It all comes back to the culture in your department, that you’re supporting your drivers while staying efficient,” he stated.

Frierson agreed that smart and efficient routing helps drivers feel safe and unrushed, contributing to a good workplace culture.

How Technology Can Help

Having tablets loaded with turn-by-turn directions was initially met with apprehension but has become a favorite with his school bus drivers, Peterson said. It helps the drivers confidently take over a route that needs to be covered, since the information is right at their fingertips. It also provides support for his school bus drivers if a parent claims their stop was skipped and proves that administration has the employee’s back.

With students being added to routes throughout the school year, Peterson noted the importance of families notifying the transportation department that their child needs service before sending them to the bus stop on their first day, which contributes to overcrowding and driver stress. Use the technology to everyone’s benefit, he advised.

Reevaluating routes annually can help uncover new efficiencies, Frierson said, a tactic he learned from his previous school district experience.

Cook underscored the importance of taking a step back and being creative to discover new efficiencies. TransAct’s Sandbox feature, for example, allows users to experiment with and preview changes before making them live, which Frierson said he finds helpful.

“You have to figure out a way to utilize your resources within the time you have,” he said.

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Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: Ease Your Staffing Shortages
Related: Rural Virginia Counties Move Needle on School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: (STN Podcast E213) Onsite at STN EXPO Indy: Driver Shortage & School Bus Safety Convos

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Cook also advised using software-created stop consolidation and walk zones along with review and insight from transportation staff to ensure the stops are safe. Peterson confirmed that this technique helped cut down route times and free up a driver for another route.

TransAct has multiple ways to build or upload routes, Cook affirmed, including capturing them while being driven.

Having one integrated technology platform has been helpful, Peterson added. This way, a new student can be added in the morning and show up on the parent app and bus route immediately.

Tips and Techniques

“Seconds add up to minutes, and minutes add up to being on time or being late,” quipped Frierson. He advised opening dialogue with stakeholders, including parents, teachers and coaches, to make sure any routing changes work well for them too.

In answering an attendee question about how to incentivize drivers to accept new routes, Frierson confirmed that he offers them bonuses to do so.

Cook stated that using technology to quickly determine which students are eligible for transportation makes it easier for staff to include them on bus routes.

Monthly headcounts help purge students who are signed up to ride but never do, Peterson said. That process changes to weekly after a sports season ends, as the transportation department works to avoid both bus overcrowding and overlong routes.

To deal with callouts, both transportation directors said they have implemented “floaters” to act as substitute drivers. Peterson shared that monitors are primarily on special needs routes, and several of them have their CDLs as well.

Both directors said sports team coaches are looking to drive school buses while drivers are being recruited to also work kitchen and custodial roles. But getting teachers to drive buses can interfere with their contracts and hours.

Watch the webinar on demand. 

The post Using School Bus Routing to Improve Workplace Culture, Retain Drivers appeared first on School Transportation News.

School bus seat belt legislation is back in Congress. STN’s November issue includes features on industry leadership, EV battery technology, and more.

“We find a way to make it happen.” Craig Beaver, administrator of transportation for Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, and the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, discusses the paths that led him to his current storied leadership position, as well as the knowledge and technology that goes into school bus driver retention and clean bus trailblazing.

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In an industry historically short on staff, ensuring new members are in the pipeline remains critical. One recruitment strategy at Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, was the adoption of an internship program for its maintenance operations.

One of Cliff Harrell’s first priorities when he took over as shop supervisor a little over two years ago was creating an internship program with the auto tech at one of the school district’s high schools.

During the first year of the program, Harrell said one intern was brought on for the six-month program, worked during the summer, and then became a full-time employee. School bus service technician Chris Fitzpatrick is still an employee now.

He spoke with School Transportation News over the summer about his experience working in the shop.

“I started my internship the last semester of my senior year,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that he came to the shop once or twice a week depending on his schedule.

He shared that his first impression, was that “it’s more money than I’ve ever seen before.” During the summer after graduation, one of the service techs was retiring, and Chris was asked if he wanted to stay on full-time. “I figured I would take a gap year, so it allowed me to work this year and then hopefully I can pay for college next year.”

He joined the auto tech class because he needed credits and enjoys cars and trucks. “Who doesn’t want to go work on cars all day, if you’re into cars, right?” he shared.

Because Fitzpatrick has a dream of one day becoming a firefighter, he didn’t want to take the internship experience from anyone else. However, he said there weren’t many volunteers, so he took a chance.

“I hate sitting in the classroom, and I think that some people would agree with me, sitting, learning and filling out paperwork it just sucks,” he said, adding that sitting behind a computer all day is not his ideal career.

That is why he finds the internship so beneficial, and something that should be offered for more trades like construction and manufacturing. He noted that the internship provided him with a career that he could stay in for the next 30 years until he retires. However, he will be attending the fire academy this year.

Beaverton School District has 11 heavy repair mechanics and two service technicians who perform all the service and repairs. The shop is responsible for everything from the back bumper to the front bumper, including engine transmissions, drivetrains, axles and all safety equipment. “We do it all,” said shop supervisor Cliff Harrell. Only warranty items are sent out. He added that with electric school buses, the maintenance staff perform the initial troubleshooting steps before sending the bus out for warranty service.

Fitzpatrick said he believes the younger generation has an advantage of being a mechanic right after high school because they are open to advances in technology. There are guys who have been working for 20 to 25 years that are used how things normally are,” he shared. “I really don’t know what’s normal. So, if something new pops up, then that’s normal. I can just go with it.”

The second year of the program was during the 2023-2024 school year. Harrell said at least 40 students were interested, and Beaverton had to narrow the candidate to three. He noted that process started with talking with the high school instructors to understand which students stood out, and then Beaverton staff does their own interviews with the potential candidates.

While STN was onsite last summer, two interns were working in the shop following graduation. One of those was Manuel Andrade Botello, who said he wanted to join the internship because he likes hands-on learning and wanted to home in on his auto tech skills.

He noted that while he didn’t know what the program would entail at first, he’s really enjoying it, as every day is different. For instance, he shared that Beaverton had specialists come in and teach all the mechanics of the in’s and out’s brakes.

He encouraged other school districts to offer internship programs. “This place, it’s a welcoming place,” he said. “It’s not a place where you will feel scared to ask a question.”

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Related: Craig Beaver Named 2024 School Transportation News Transportation Director of they Year

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He shared the staff is really nice and will any questions he has, without judgement. “They won’t just give you an answer. They will go on and teach you,” he added.

“We’re hoping just to keep it going,” Harrell said, adding that future plans include creating a bridge from the high school auto tech program to the community college diesel program. “Anything to keep the trades going and involve younger people to know that the trades are out there. That’s ultimately my goal.”

He explained that he feels maintenance is a lost skill on the younger generation, especially with the mentality that the job is viewed as “dirty” and that technicians will go home smelling like gasoline and diesel.

“But with the evolving technology, mostly everything we do is computer driven,” he said, adding that first they hook up a bus, pull codes and diagnose codes through a computer before making a mechanical repair. “A lot of stuff can be repaired with the computer. … But there is that stigma that you’re going to just go to work and get dirty all day long.”

As seen with electric school buses, he said there’s a lot of changes in the bus garage. “It’s causing people who are comfortable in just diesel or gas to learn a new skill and evolve with that skill as well,” he explained. “So, everything is becoming electrical. It’s just the nature of the beast.”

With electric school buses, he said the biggest concern is safety. “Are we fully at the point where we could bring in an EV bus and safely work on it? No,” he said.

Beaverton maintenance staff is able to conduct the initial diagnostic test and then touch base with the manufacturers to see where to proceed. He said in a couple of years, he envisions being able to be at the point where internal staff is able to have the high-voltage training to do the repairs themselves.

In terms of staff acceptance of electric school buses, Harrel said it’s been a mix of reactions. While some employees are thrilled to have a new tool in their toolbox, others are diesel mechanics, and that’s all that they want to work on.

“The more knowledge that we have with it, the more comfortable we’ll get,” he added.

In August, Beaverton hosted an electric school bus class with other districts in the state and had representatives from Blue Bird, Western Bus Sales and others to spread more information throughout districts.

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Related: (STN Podcast E150) Making Informed Decisions: Clean Bus Evaluations, Fleet Maintenance Assistance
Related: Garage Star Recognition Shines Light on the Importance of School Bus Maintenance Professionals
Related: School Bus Technician Shortage Not a Passing Problem

The post Oregon School District Maintenance Internship Program Yields Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

In August, I was contacted by a writer for Slate magazine to comment on school startup challenges. Inevitably, the conversation turned to the school bus driver shortage.

The writer and I spoke about a number of issues for over 30 minutes. We could have talked for three days. Only one of my comments made his article, “School bus drivers have not been at the top of the payscale, and the work has traditionally attracted a lot of older folks.”

The reporter followed with a summary of my explanation about the impact COVID-19 had in causing some transportation employees to retire or otherwise leave the industry prematurely. He reiterated what I told him about the increased competition for drivers from the likes of not only Amazon but also Uber, Lyft and the increasing number of student-focused, alternative transportation companies. Even from neighboring school districts and school bus contractors.

What didn’t make the article was the efforts the school transportation industry has been making to attract and retain drivers, like increasing salaries and bettering workplace culture.

As to the latter, he alluded to what I referred to as the top one or two challenges facing school bus drivers: Student and parent behavior. In a subsequent interview with a Bloomberg News reporter, I expanded on this topic, discussing the demoralization of school bus drivers who feel they are not adequately supported by school district administrators and principals because of a lack of understanding about the vital role transportation plays in a child’s educational day. That importance is illustrated by the ongoing issue playing out in Chicago Public Schools.

There, special education advocates have filed the latest complaint against the third-largest school district in the U.S. for a lack of required transportation for students with disabilities. Months after it emerged from special monitoring by the Illinois State Board of Education, with a grade of “sufficient progress” on solving unreliable school busing, CPS once again finds itself in the crosshairs as the ongoing school bus driver shortage had resulted in over 2,200 students with IEPs awaiting routes at this report. The school district did increase, by 5 percent, the number of students with disabilities on school buses from the start of school on Aug. 26 through the second week of September.

A district spokesperson noted for Chalkbeat Chicago that the number of certified school bus drivers also increased over last school year. But as special education advocates noted in their complaint, the lack of bus service amounts to “widespread denial” of a “free and appropriate education.”

There is no simple solution to ongoing school bus shortages, which have been an issue for decades. Certainly COVID-19 played a large role in exacerbating them. So, too, have elongated delays between new driver applicant training and them receiving their commercial driver’s license. As I explained to the Bloomberg News reporter, few people outside of transportation circles comprehend the time necessary to train, background check and certify school bus drivers. The slightest delay could mean losing the applicant to another job and starting the entire process over again.

Meanwhile, students and their parents are losing out. I often hear that the school transportation model is “broken.” I prefer to say it is unsustainable in its current form. It’s not for a lack of trying, but evolution is necessary, and it’s fixable. This comes via fresh ideas and continued hard work. Student transportation, traditionally speaking, is well-versed in the former, not so much the latter.

Today, more than any other time before it, new solutions are required as are new leadership perspectives. The industry will also take increased funding from state legislatures and voters, but that requires transparency and efficiency like never before. For example, non-traditional school bus services, when done correctly, which contributor and special needs expert Linda Bluth discusses this month. Student ridership verification and school bus location apps promote goodwill with parents. Increased public-private partnerships, like what school bus contractor Alltown Bus Service in Chicago is doing with Wilber Wright College, develop streamlined career pathways for commercial driver’s license holders.

Necessity is the mother of innovation. And student transporters and their operations have a lot of needs to fulfill, the most important being the services their students and parents rely on. Keep an open mind to the possibilities and strive to be a solution.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the October 2024 issue of School Transportation News.

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Related: Rural Virginia Counties Move Needle on School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: What would solve the school bus driver shortage?
Related: Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: (Free Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work

The post Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities appeared first on School Transportation News.

An Economic Policy Institute study shows that school bus driver employment is still far below pre-pandemic levels. This means almost every district will likely face a driver shortage at some point. But the good news is that there are several strategies districts can try, either on their own or by combining different approaches, to tackle these challenges.

Join us to explore practical approaches for dealing with a driver (or bus) shortage, including:

• Student eligibility management
• Route tiering/bell schedule alignment
• Route/stop optimization

Brought to you by TransAct

REGISTER BELOW:

 

Presenters:

Duane Peterson
Transportation Director
Jackson County Schools
–
President
Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation (GAPT)

Peterson started driving a school bus in 1986 while he was still in high school, where he drove for several years in the Athens, Georgia, area. After completing secondary school, he did his student teaching at Alps Road Elementary. He entered the private sector for several years before joining Oconee County Schools in 2005. He was Route Coordinator for a year before moving to Director of Transportation. He stayed there before joining Jackson County Schools in March of 2023 as Transportation Director, where he is still employed. Peterson is currently on the Executive Board of GAPT and a member of NASDPTS. He is married with 3 children and one grandchild with one more on the way.

Adrian Frierson
Director of Transportation
Hanover County Public Schools

Hanover County Public Schools has approximately 17,000 students and 24 schools operating within 2 tiers. They employ 190 bus drivers and 70 other support staff & administrative staff. Hanover County is located within the Greater Richmond Region.

Adrian Frierson is also an appointed board member, by the Governor, to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. He has 20 years of experience in the public safety and school transportation combined.

Previous experiences include:
– Supervisor of Bus Operations for Prince William County Public Schools
– Assistant Director of Student Transportation, Special Education, Chesterfield County Public Schools
– Transportation Specialist at the Virginia Department of Education
– Transportation Supervisor for Henrico Public Schools
– Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer, VA State Police.

Tammy Cook
Senior Transportation Advisor
TransAct Communications

Before joining the TransACT team, Cook founded the App-Garden and led her team to create the Travel Tracker field trip product. She has worked extensively with K-12 school districts for over 30 years in finance and school transportation.

“I love helping school districts solve their daily challenges with the use of our technology and experienced personnel. Each district has their own challenges and helping to navigate those challenges Is the favorite part of my job,” Cook says.

The post (Free Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work appeared first on School Transportation News.

Updates on the catastrophic Hurricane Helene’s impact on lives and business in the Southeastern U. S. Additionally, see how Virginia is tackling the school bus driver shortage.

Waterloo Central School District in New York won a Top Transportation Teams award at STN EXPO West this summer. Transportation Supervisor D’Allah Laffoon discusses recovering from COVID-19-era operations, fostering teamwork, planning for electric school buses, starting school, and dealing with the driver shortage.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

 

 

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The post (STN Podcast E230) Ingredients for Success: Driver Retention & N.Y. District Teambuilding appeared first on School Transportation News.

Like many districts across the U.S., Virginia’s public schools have long struggled with a shortage of school bus drivers. However, state and local efforts are making strides to tackle this issue head-on.

According to data from alternative transportation provider HopSkipDrive, a staggering 91 percent of school districts reported facing driver shortages this year. These shortages significantly impacted operations, with 28 percent of school districts saying they are severely constrained by the lack of drivers and 62 percent stated they are somewhat constrained.

The shortage of school bus drivers is decreasing in Virginia, at least. Virginia Department of Education data from the past three school years shows about 700 fewer school bus driver vacancies out of a possible 13,000 positions statewide. That equates to an overall 5 percent improvement from the 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 school year.

Improving School Bus Driver
Vacancies in Virginia

 

According to Virginia Department of Education data obtained by School Transportation News, unfilled full-time school bus driver positions during the 2023-2024 school year were 1,090, or just under 11 percent of the 10,108 required positions. That figure fell from over 12 percent for the 2022-2023 school year, 1,203 vacancies for 9,772 required drivers. The 2021-2022 school year recorded 16 percent full-time driver vacancies (1,628 openings out of 10,209 required positions.

Meanwhile, vacant substitute driver positions came in at 225 for 2023-2024, equating to 10 percent of the number of part-time drivers required. The data also shows ver 11.5 percent of the required number of the 312 required sub drivers for 2022-2023 went vacant, and over 13.5 percent of the 421 required sub driver jobs in 2021-2022 went unfilled.

To better understand how Virginia schools are managing the ongoing bus driver shortage, School Transportation News spoke with Shannon Grimsley, the superintendent of Rappahannock County Public Schools, located about 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Known locally as the “Superintendent Cheerleader,” Grimsley brings a unique perspective, balancing her administrative duties with hands-on experience as a part-time school bus driver.

Grimsley chose to take on the part-time role to “lead by example,” aiming to ensure reliable student transportation while gaining firsthand insight into the challenges drivers face. She described the experience as “incredibly rewarding,” noting how it deepened her understanding of recruitment and training barriers. Her time behind the wheel has also allowed her to advocate for meaningful changes within the system, making her a stronger voice for transportation improvements.

Her decision also had a ripple effect throughout the community. Grimsley’s involvement, she shared, “sparked conversations about the critical role of school bus drivers.” This hands-on approach inspired others to step up and fill much-needed positions. As a result, the district now boasts a fully staffed team of school bus drivers and substitutes, marking a significant improvement from previous years. More than just filling vacancies, her work helped open the door to broader discussions about changing bus driver training protocols—conversations that, she believes, will need to take place at the federal level to truly create lasting change.

According to Grimsley, Rappahannock County is fortunate to have stabilized its school bus driver shortage, but she remains cautious. “We still face challenges, particularly with updating our fleet,” she said, citing limited state funding and the rising costs of buses.

This issue is compounded by the lack of infrastructure for green alternatives, which poses a unique dilemma for rural areas like hers.

When asked about the broader situation across Virginia, Grimsley described it as a “mixed picture.” While some districts are making progress, thanks to financial incentives such as sign-on bonuses, others continue to struggle with recruitment. However, she highlighted that community engagement and the recognition of school bus drivers as essential workers have had a positive impact in some areas.

Looking toward long-term solutions, Grimsley emphasized the need for competitive pay and streamlined training. The current CDL requirements, she explained, include elements designed for tractor-trailer drivers, which present unnecessary barriers for those looking to become school bus drivers. This issue, she pointed out, often leads candidates to pursue higher-paying jobs in with trucking companies after receiving training paid for and provided by school systems, creating an ongoing retention problem.

For rural districts like Rappahannock, the challenges are even more complex. “Our geography plays a big role,” Grimsley explained, noting how the mountainous terrain leads to greater wear and tear on buses.

The lack of access to public transportation, coupled with the high costs of upgrading to alternative-fuel buses, creates further complications.

“We need more targeted support and innovative solutions,” she concluded, advocating for policies that address the unique transportation needs of rural communities.

When asked, whether the district currently has teachers splitting their time between teaching and driving school buses, Jim Ellis of Henrico County Public Schools, located downstate near Richmond, Virginia, responded with a firm, “No.” The director of transportation explained that while some districts might consider implementing such a program to address shortages, Henrico is not likely to follow suit.

“Unless they are volunteering to help out, I would not want them if they didn’t want to do [drive],” he clarified, emphasizing that this type of solution would only be effective if it was truly voluntary for educators.

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Related: School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts
Related: Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Indiana Leader McKinney Discusses Alternate Fuels, School Bus Driver Shortage

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As for the recent improvement in driver shortages reported statewide, Ellis confirmed that Henrico County has experienced some positive movement as well.

“Yes, we increased the starting wages to $25 [per hour],” he said, acknowledging that while the pay raise helped attract new drivers, other complications remain. “We still have a lot of compression, which is the next hurdle to retaining what we have.” .

Ellis pointed out that while offering higher wages has been an effective strategy for Henrico, sustaining these salary levels is an ongoing concern. “Maintaining that high salary and other staff also needing help, like in child nutrition, is a challenge,” he stated.

Balancing competitive compensation across multiple departments is necessary to prevent shortages from simply shifting from one area to another.

On the question of whether teacher-drivers will continue to play a role in solving these issues long-term, Ellis was unequivocal. “Not an option in Henrico,” he reminded. For now, he shared his focus remains on addressing the issue through wages and retention efforts rather than turning to temporary or stopgap solutions.

Ellis was also asked if resolving transportation issues could improve student attendance. He hesitated to draw a direct line between the two. “It would help, but I feel it has a lot of other factors combined. Unfortunately, I don’t know what they may be,” he explained.

This sentiment underscores the complexity of the issue, with many variables impacting overall attendance beyond transportation alone.

For rural school divisions still struggling, Ellis offered straightforward advice: “Without the ability to raise wages, it will be difficult in rural areas.”

The post Rural Virginia Counties Move Needle on School Bus Driver Shortage appeared first on School Transportation News.

Learn more about what it takes to create a Top Transportation Team in this month’s cover story. Read articles about transportation technology implementation, how to address school startup and routing challenges, how cell phone bans can affect student transportation, analysis of the ongoing driver shortage and more. 

Find a full conference preview of the upcoming TSD conference with session topics, speaker information, exhibitor lists, registration and hotel details, unique experiences and more in the October magazine.

Read the full October 2024 issue.

Cover Story

A Triangle of Support
Organizations that follow the upside-down triangle model of supportive, pillar-based leadership—like this year’s Top Transportation Team Award winners—could have better results in retaining staff through collaboration and communication.

Features

The Perfect Fit
The latest innovations aside, transportation directors share the important requirements of cost, ease of use and customer service when deciding on when and how to update and install GPS or video security systems.

TSD Conference Preview
Understanding and providing service for challenging student behaviors is a main focus of the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference in Frisco, Texas. The planned session, events and Trade Show will provide attendees with information on all things related to transporting the industry’s most precious cargo.

Special Reports

Avoiding False Starts
School startup is a recurring exercise eagerly or anxiously anticipated by educational professionals, as forseen and unforeseen obstacles await.

Changing, Correcting Bell Times Can Have Positive Effect on Routing
Selecting and ensuring bell times that benefit all students and especially those with disabilities can be a moving target. Directors share their secrets to optimizing routes and tiers amid back-to-school operations.

States Ban Student Cell Phones in Class: What About in School Buses?
The social norm is to constantly check or use cell phones and other communication devices. But when the technology is in the hands of school-age children, problems can ensue, leading to states and school districts limiting their use in classrooms and school buses.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities

Thought Leader by Linda Bluth
Beyond the Yellow School Bus: Alternative School Transportation

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Why Professional Development Matters

The post October 2024 appeared first on School Transportation News.

The ongoing school bus driver shortage has impacted schools across Central Florida with some districts offering bonuses to attract new bus drivers, reported Daytona Times.

According to the news report, around 100 bus drivers were still needed in Orange County with the current drivers having to double up on routes. The district is offering bonuses up to $16,000 over the next two years.

Stetson University education professor Rajni Shankar-Brown said that Volusia County Schools where she teaches is also experiencing a bus driver shortage. She said these shortages were driven by COVID-19 retirements, low pay and poor work conditions.

Shakar-Brown told local news reporters that “low-income families are the ones impacted the most by the shortages as they do not have alternative transportation nor the privilege of being able to leave a job and pick up their child.”

Jude Bruno, the president-elect of the Florida PTA, reportedly added that without higher wages for bus drivers, schools will continue to have these problems.

Additionally, along with the school bus driver shortage, the Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teacher’s union, said there are almost 10,000 teachers and support staff vacancies throughout the state at the start of the school year.

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Related: Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: What would solve the school bus driver shortage?
Related: New Data: School Leaders & Parents Reveal Crisis in School Transportation; Bus Driver Shortages and Budget Cuts Are Forcing Parents to Fill the Void
Related: (STN Podcast E216) Right Tools & Right People: Driver Shortage, Electric Buses & More in NY

The post School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts appeared first on School Transportation News.

The Real Young Prodigys, a rap group consisting of Jefferson County School District students, dropped their latest music video in response to a policy to cut school busing in Louisville, Kentucky.

The district was covered extensively by the national media last year for a rough start to the school. Problems with new AI-enabled routing and school bus driver shortage caused school to be canceled while transportation navigated thechallenges. This year, the district responded by cutting transportation to magnet and traditional schools.

But problems remain. The students released their video to “Where My Bus At?” on Aug. 8 to spread awareness of the current bus issues their community is facing.

The rap song highlights the urgent transportation issues addressed by James Craig of the Jefferson County Board of Education. Due to the ongoing school bus driver shortage certain routes have been eliminated, a decision that sparked criticism among parents and the community.

Hip Hop N 2 Learning, a nonprofit organization that mentors and supports African American youth, helped students create the music video, in response to the school board’s decision.

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Related: New Data: School Leaders & Parents Reveal Crisis in School Transportation; Bus Driver Shortages and Budget Cuts Are Forcing Parents to Fill the Void
Related: What would solve the school bus driver shortage?
Related: Families Look for Transportation as School Districts Face Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Kentucky House Bills Call for Changes to Student Transportation

The post Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage appeared first on School Transportation News.