The ongoing school bus driver shortage in Durham County is becoming a hot mess, leaving parents scrambling to adjust their routines. Starting in December, Durham Public Schools (DPS) will require parents to take on the responsibility of driving their children to and from school one day each week.
This unprecedented change comes as the district struggles to fill driver positions, a challenge fueled by low wages, long hours, and increased competition for CDL-certified workers. While the shortage is not new, this new change is just letting parents know how severe the situation has become.
Why the Shortage?
DPS officials cite several factors contributing to the shortage:
- Driver Retention: Many drivers have left for higher-paying positions in private sectors like delivery services and trucking.
- Hiring Challenges: Despite recruitment efforts, the pool of candidates with the necessary qualifications remains small.
- Pandemic Impact: The pandemic shifted workforce dynamics, leaving school transportation departments nationwide short-staffed.
Parent Pickup Plan
The district’s temporary plan require parents of students in grades K-12 to arrange transportation one day per week for December. The specific day will vary depending on the school and bus route, with parents notified through school communication channels.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis addressed the changes on Friday afternoon, stressing that ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all students remains a top priority for the district. He reassured the community that this plan is temporary and that efforts are ongoing to restore full bus service as quickly as possible.
How Parents Are Reacting
Please know that the parents in the Bull City are reacting but it’s mixed. Some express frustration at the additional burden on them, particularly for working families or those without reliable transportation – that depend on the bus transportation for their child.
“This puts a lot of pressure on families who already have tight schedules,” said Rebecca Miller, a Durham parent with two children in middle school. “It’s hard to believe we’ve gotten to this point.”
Others, however, are more understanding of the district’s predicament.
“We’re all in this together,” said Carlos Ramirez, a parent of a high school sophomore. “If driving one day a week helps keep the system running, I’ll do my part.”
What’s Next for DPS?
The district is struggling but trying to address the shortage, offering sign-on bonuses, increased wages, and flexible schedules to attract new drivers. DPS has also partnered with local workforce agencies to recruit CDL-certified individuals and launched training programs for those willing to obtain the required certification.
Still, the challenge remains daunting. State funding limits and competition from private companies continue to hinder efforts to fully staff routes.
