Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky is warning families to prepare for possible school bus route disruptions as the district continues recruiting staff amid a driver shortage ahead of the 2026-2027 school year reported, WDRB News.

In a letter sent to families last week, the district said canceled routes remain a possibility if substitute bus drivers are unavailable. The district reminded parents that they are responsible for ensuring students get to school if a route is canceled.

“Families are responsible for student transportation and attendance,” the district said. “If a bus route is canceled, absences will not be excused.”

To help minimize disruptions, the district reportedly said elementary and middle school students may be dropped off as early as 6 a.m. through its Right at School before-school program and remain until 6 p.m. High school students will also have access to designated community pickup locations, where buses will provide transportation to campus.

The district reportedly noted that parents have up to six excused absences for their children each school year to use for unexpected emergencies.

District Short on Sub Drivers

Superintendent Jesse Bacon said the district expects to have enough full-time drivers to cover all regular routes when school begins but continues to face a shortage of substitute bus drivers. “Our problem is that there are not enough people who want to drive a bus,” Bacon said in a statement. “We have raised pay considerably over the last five years.”

According to Bacon, the average bus driver reportedly earns $25.44 per hour over a 179-day work year and receives benefits including health insurance, retirement, paid sick leave, personal leave and emergency leave. He added that the district’s most experienced drivers earn $30.20 per hour.

Some parents say canceled routes have already affected student attendance. Parent Chelsea Stanley said her first-grade daughter missed multiple days of school last year after repeated route cancellations. “It’s actually been a nightmare,” Stanley said, adding that without reliable transportation, her family was left with few safe alternatives for getting her daughter to school.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Sarah Reece, a driver trainer for Barren County Schools, was named the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky (STAK) Driver Trainer of the Year, an honor recognizing her commitment to preparing school bus drivers and promoting safe student transportation.

Reece received the award during STAK’s annual conference. The association recognized her for her dedication to training new drivers and helping maintain high standards for school bus safety.

As Barren County’s driver-trainer, Reece mentors and prepares new school bus drivers as they earn their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and develop the skills needed to safely transport students. District officials said her focus on thorough instruction has strengthened the transportation department while reinforcing a culture centered on safety.

“We’re proud to see Sarah recognized by her peers across the state,” Superintendent Amy Irwin said in a statement. “She approaches her work with professionalism and a genuine commitment to making sure our drivers are well prepared. This award is a reflection of the important role she plays in serving our students.”

Driver-trainers play a critical role in pupil transportation by preparing prospective school bus drivers through classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel coaching and evaluations before they begin transporting students.

Former Transportation Director Scott Chapman, who worked closely with Reece for many years, said her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made her an effective trainer.

“Sarah cares deeply about doing the job the right way,” Chapman said. “She takes the time to make sure new drivers are ready before they ever get behind the wheel with students. She’s a great trainer and very deserving of this recognition.”

STAK is a professional organization that promotes excellence in pupil transportation through professional development, training and advocacy for school transportation professionals throughout the commonwealth. District officials said Reece’s recognition reflects not only her dedication to training future school bus drivers but also the district’s broader commitment to providing safe, reliable transportation for students each day.

Barren County Schools concluded its announcement by congratulating Reece on the statewide honor and thanking her for the care, professionalism and dedication she brings to the district’s transportation program.

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