District reports gains from home‑to‑school transportation; driver shortages remain a constraint

Transportation staff presented a mid‑year update on May 5 showing measurable attendance benefits from the district’s home‑to‑school transportation program, while outlining operational pressures and plans to increase reliability.

Staff said 775 students districtwide are currently registered for bus service (TK–8). Data shared with the board indicated elementary students who ride district buses had about 27% fewer tardies than non‑riding peers and that middle‑school riders had a lower absence average, preserving roughly 74 instructional days in aggregate for the cohort measured. Staff also presented targeted outcomes for small pilot stop expansions; seven added students to an Ellis route showed improved attendance and eliminated chronic absenteeism for that subgroup.

Operational challenges included a period this year when three drivers were out on extended leaves coupled with regular call‑outs, leaving only 2–4 drivers available on some days and creating significant late deliveries to middle schools. Staff said they will pursue continued recruitment, certify two district staff as backup bus drivers, and explore contractual supplemental support. The department projects state reimbursement of roughly $781,000 (program growth since 2022) that will be used to reinforce staffing and systems.

Trustees asked about late‑bus service, outreach to families about availability, and stops in the northern attendance areas; staff said registration opens in early May for qualifying families and that they will expand outreach and posting of routes and schedules.