Highland bus driver shortage reflects nationwide driver shortage

by Chris Studor

March 20 school board meeting

“When it comes to bus driver shortages, the Highland School District is in the same boat as other school districts nationwide,” Highland School Board President Chris Wolny said.

The comment was made after a resident complained of his son getting home late from school due to a bus driver shortage in the district during the March board meeting.

“When we are short drivers, another driver has to take on that route after doing his assigned route,” explained Wolny. “This means that the students on the second route are going to get to school late or come home later than usual. The board is sorry that this is happening and some of us have children in the district experiencing the same thing. In the end, we are doing the best we can with the resources we have.”

This school year, as well as last, school officials have taken measures to attract drivers such as higher pay and allowing drivers to split their routes, with one driver doing the morning run and another performing the evening run.

“We are commensurate with other districts in regard to bus driver salaries,” said Wolny. “This is a nationwide shortage. We hear you and want you to know that we understand how you feel. We will continue to try and obtain more drivers and if you know of anyone looking for a job driving a bus please have them contact the district.”

In other business at the board meeting, the board approved allowing students to take an out-of-country trip. A group of students will be taking an education trip to Costa Rica March 30-April 6. ∞