Parents, superintendent clash over routing errors and driver shortages in Upper Darby

Superintendent Dr. Curtis McGary apologized at the Sept. 9 board meeting for "the rough start that we've had with transportation this year," and outlined technical and staffing problems that left some students without reliable routes during the first week of school.

Dr. McGary said the district transports nearly 5,000 students to about 139 locations on more than 115 routes and that growth in special‑education curb‑to‑curb rides has risen from roughly 400 students in 2021 to more than 700 now. He told the board the district changed routing software (from Versatrans to Transfinder) and that a data‑merge error left "almost a thousand students that were supposed to be routed" incorrectly during opening week. He also said the district anticipated 88 routes and 89 drivers but lost seven drivers on Aug. 25, 2025, while the actual number of routes has climbed to 92 and may reach 94.

"We have to do better," Dr. McGary said. "We got to communicate better with our families and the community in a more timely fashion... We're going to work on improving those services and apologize to any frustrations that we've caused this year." He described steps including tighter data‑file checks with vendors, updated routing timelines and continuing in‑house driver training.

Several residents said in public comment that problems persist. "There is absolutely no excuse that September we're still having technical problems with programs," Joe Clark of 75 Houston Road told the board, listing specific issues: buses reassigned as they approach stops, excessively long home routes for short distances ("1.6 miles — 40 minutes"), GPS/app displays showing the wrong schools, and an alleged pattern of drivers trying to hand off students to adults based on appearance. "When is the district going to put someone competent in charge of transportation?" he asked.

Sadi Thomas, who said they helped test the district's 'Where's the Bus?' system, said the app briefly worked but the schedule and stop information remained incorrect for many families. Parents described having to drive to schools to pick up students or shuttle other children because official times and bus assignments were inconsistent.

Transportation leaders acknowledged high call‑out rates among drivers tied to external factors (sporting events, holidays, paydays) and described recent efforts to reengage drivers, including an outreach breakfast after a major sporting event that reduced call‑outs the following day. The superintendent said driver training takes three to five months and that the district is prioritizing rehiring and retention.

The board did not take formal action on transportation at the meeting; members directed staff to continue outreach to families, coordinate with software vendors, and return with follow‑up updates at committee meetings.

The public‑comment period closed with an emailed comment supporting the district’s pursuit of solar grants; no further transportation votes were scheduled at adjournment.