Shortage of substitute drivers disrupts bus routes at Hempfield Area

Hempfield Area School District’s bus contractor is facing a shortage of substitute drivers.

The district’s primary school bus contractor, First Student, is struggling to field substitutes to fill in for four regular Hempfield drivers who are out sick, according to a letter sent to parents Monday. The lack of substitutes has disrupted at least three bus routes.

Busing struggles began two weeks into the school year, according to Superintendent Tammy Wolicki.

“We were covered for the first week of school,” she said. “We had two good weeks, and from what was shared with me, we have four bus drivers who are experiencing some health issues, so they are off for a short period of time addressing those health needs.

“Hopefully, once those drivers return, we’ll be in a better position. It’s a matter of finding those substitutes at this time.”

Last week, drivers of two buses called off without enough time to find substitutes, according to Wolicki. Students on those routes were picked up by other drivers returning later in the morning, after they dropped off students on their main routes to school.

Three bus routes were affected Tuesday morning. The affected students were added to other bus routes during regular pickups.

Wolicki confirmed there is communication to the school and teachers about any late arrivals, and students are not penalized if their bus is late.

First Student staffs 44 full-sized buses and 15 smaller buses at Hempfield. Average ridership at the district is 46 students per bus, Wolicki said, though the number varies based on whether the bus is for elementary or high school students. The district also contracts with DMJ Transportation, mostly for special education buses.

The district letter to parents apologized for any inconvenience and encouraged families to check the First View bus app for notifications of route changes.

A spokesperson for First Student said the company “received several applications from potential drivers” in response to the letter that went out to Hempfield Area families. The letter ended by highlighting the company’s recruiting efforts and open positions.

“Depending on daily staffing levels, we are having to adjust some bus routes for the Hempfield Area School District,” the spokesperson said. “There is still a need for school bus drivers nationwide, including in the Greensburg area. First Student continues to actively recruit drivers, offering paid training and recently raising starting wages to $20 an hour with a $3,000 sign-on bonus.”

Those who are interested can apply at workatfirst.com, she said.

Wolicki said she is glad the district was able to get students to school, even with a delay.

“It’s the district’s desire to have children come to school.” she said. “We are happy that we’re able to at least get them here, even if it is late. We are going to continue to work with First Student to try and find additional drivers.”