Like many other schools nationwide, State College Area School District is facing a shortage of school bus drivers.
SCASD has started the 2023-24 school year needing to eliminate five bus runs through consolidation because of the shortage, according to the district. That has meant longer travel times and, in some cases, late arrivals for students (who still receive breakfast and are not marked tardy when they get to school).
Despite increased advertising and a new contract last year that raised wages, the district is still struggling to replace drivers who retire or otherwise leave. It follows a nationwide trend that has been growing for years and exploded when many drivers left the industry because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Axios reported in August.
“We’re actively seeking drivers,” Randy Brown, SCASD finance and operations director, said in a statement. “Right now, we’re facing a real crunch that could make transporting students more challenging this year.”
The district employs 40% of its drivers and contracts with local companies for 60%. With the help of licensed and trained substitute drivers who have required clearances, SCASD is currently able to provide transportation for all students who need it.
But, the district warned, if the shortage continues, the impacts could be more extensive. Further changes to routes may be needed, or SCASD may expand how far students must live from their school to be eligible for bus transportation.
The district’s eligibility distances are 1 mile for elementary students and 1.5 miles for secondary students, shorter than the Pennsylvania standards of 1.5 and 2 miles for secondary students. The district could enact the state standards, resulting in fewer students eligible for bus transportation and likely more student walkers. SCASD also suggested it could allow families to opt out of district transportation.
Though substitute drivers have been helpful in ensuring routes are covered so far, the district says it needs full-time drivers who are able to become familiar with their buses, routes and students over time. For the first time, SCASD sent mailers in August to households to highlight job openings in the district, including for bus drivers.
“Safety for our students is of the utmost importance at all times,” Brown said. “We ensure that our drivers are trained in order to provide safe transportation. This training is provided to our employees as well as our contracted bus drivers.”
Anyone interested in can apply online or contact the district human resources office at hr@scasd.org.
