Bus drivers in short supply at Butler County school districts
With the closing of Butler Middle School, Butler Area School District has one less destination to transport students to and from this school year.
Routes are shorter. It’s a little easier to manage. But it’s still challenging to staff the buses.
The transportation staff is able to just maintain “smooth operations,” said Tabitha Scutt, transportation director at Butler Area School District.
“As of now, we have enough drivers, but our routes are very full. Ideally, we would have about 10 more daily drivers,” she said.
John Demkowicz, director of transportation at Seneca Valley, said the school district uses two providers, Valley Lines and ABC Transport, to convey the 8,500 students who ride buses throughout the district.
Despite the two providers, Demkowicz described the bus staffing situation in the district as “critical.” Route planners work to optimize drive times every year, but this year, it’s especially important considering the shortage in drivers.
A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. Subscribers can read the full story at the link below. To support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.
