Colstrip schools warn route cuts possible as bus-driver shortage deepens

Colstrip Public Schools administrators and trustees warned at a work session that a shortage of bus drivers may force the district to limit transportation to legally mandated routes.

Board members said the district is operating with two regular drivers and is scrambling to cover routes with substitutes. As one trustee put it, "we will fall back on what we have to do by law," describing a plan to prioritize students who live more than three miles from school if drivers cannot be found.

Staff and coaches explained the operational strain: several buses are at or above capacity, some student trips already require parents’ help, and chartering outside transportation for tournaments is expensive. Administrators urged a district-wide messaging campaign — led by the superintendent and central office — to inform families that nonrequired routes or out-of-district pickups could be curtailed until staffing improves.

District staff said they will advertise for CDL holders with passenger endorsements, offer to pay for testing and coordinate practical ride-alongs so new drivers can qualify. Board members discussed temporary measures (redesigned routing, shared pickup hubs, recruiting part-time drivers) and acknowledged the equity concerns and logistical complexity of midyear changes.

Next steps: the board asked district leadership to prepare clear messaging to families, accelerate recruitment and report back on responses and any planned route reductions.