Student busing in Plum School District no longer guaranteed

A shortage of bus drivers has prompted Plum School District officials to warn parents that transportation for their children can no longer be guaranteed.

The district sent out an alert about their transportation issues Friday.

District chief financial officer Ryan Manzer said they had tried to offset the driver shortage with substitutes or other district employees with commercial driver’s licenses.

“Unfortunately, those additional resources are limited and we continue to reach our capacity to accommodate those needs,” Manzer said via district message. “In addition, covid-related absences and quarantines are further reducing our capacity to staff bus routes on a daily basis. If necessary, on a daily basis, if we are unable to provide a driver for your student’s route, you will be notified that transportation will not be provided. This notification will occur as soon as the shortage is known for your route.”

Manzer said cancellations will be rotated to minimize impact on students, and student attendance “will not be negatively impacted” if parents are unable to transport their children.

Superintendent Brendan Hyland said the district has not missed any bus routes yet, and “we are being proactive with our communication just in case.”

Board member Mike Devine said the district is doing all it can to make sure students make it to and from schools safely.

“There are worker shortages across every industry, (and) school districts are no different,” Devine said. “On top of a shortage, we’re getting into the holiday, cold and flu season. We will do everything we can to staff routes. There just are no guarantees right now.”

District officials are also asking anyone who would like to become a school bus driver to apply via the district’s website, or call director of transportation Scott Mergen at 412-798-6388 for more information.