Solving the School Bus Driver Shortage: A Call for Immediate-

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Microsoft Notes > Dictation > @s.a.g._307 / @jpr1975

Credit: @s.a.g._307: nobody wants to drive buses because kids act so horrible, they aren't taught to be respectful anymore.

Credit: @JPR1975: many jobs that pay crap for what you do.

Solving the School Bus Driver Shortage: A Call for Immediate Action

The school bus driver shortage has reached crisis levels across the U.S., with 91% of school districts reporting driver shortages in 2024. This severe lack of drivers has forced many districts to reduce or eliminate bus routes, affecting students, parents, and the entire education system. As families scramble for transportation solutions, school districts struggle to recruit and retain enough drivers to ensure safe, reliable student transportation.

The Consequences of the School Bus Driver Shortage

School districts are seeing increased absenteeism due to unreliable transportation, and many parents are left to fill the gap. According to recent reports, 44% of school leaders acknowledge that transportation challenges contribute to chronic absenteeism. In fact, 60% of districts have had to cut or shorten bus routes due to the shortage, impacting both students’ education and family routines​

School Bus Fleet ​ HopSkipDrive . For many working parents, this burden is significant. They report missing work or even turning down job opportunities to drive their children to school, with 79% of surveyed parents saying they’ve taken on this responsibility due to service reductions​ National Education Association | NEA .

Several factors drive this shortage:

- Low Wages and Split Shifts : Most bus drivers work part-time, split shifts, with average wages far below competitive levels, making it hard to recruit and retain drivers.

- High Stress Levels : Beyond driving, bus drivers face early, cold mornings, harsh weather conditions, and the difficult task of managing large groups of students without additional help​ National Education Association | NEA .

A Note of Thanks and Acknowledgment

To the bus drivers across the country: thank you for your dedication to our children’s safety and well-being, often in challenging conditions. Your concerns are valid. As noted by @s.a.g._307 , it’s true that disrespectful behavior on buses is a growing issue that many drivers must navigate daily. And as @JPR1975 pointed out, many driving jobs come with “crap pay” considering the hard work required. Your voices matter in highlighting these issues, which need addressing on a broader level.

What Can Be Done?

The federal government could implement policies aimed at addressing the school bus driver shortage by:

- Increasing Funding for Driver Wages and Benefits : Allocating federal funds to help districts offer competitive wages, recognizing the critical role school bus drivers play in the educational system.

- Incentives for Full-Time Employment : Encouraging full-time bus driver positions with benefits would make the role more sustainable and attractive.

- Training and Recruitment Support : Grants for driver training, including alternative testing options for non-native English speakers, could improve recruitment​ HopSkipDrive ​ National Education Association | NEA .

- Investing in Technology and Aides : Adding onboard technology and assigning aides could support drivers and reduce stress on high-demand routes​ Transportation ​ School Bus Fleet .

A Presidential Commitment to America's Students and Families

Addressing the school bus driver shortage should be a national priority. The current administration has yet to make this issue a focus, leaving school districts to tackle these challenges largely on their own. Recognizing drivers as essential workers, increasing wages, and improving working conditions could make a meaningful difference. Reliable, safe transportation is foundational for educational success, and a commitment from the next administration could ensure students everywhere have access to the transportation they need.

This is what a president can do:

Executive Order to Establish the National School Transportation Task Force

Office of the President of the United States

Executive Order #XXXXX

Date: January 1, 2025

SUBJECT: Establishment of the National School Transportation Task Force to Address School Bus Driver Shortages and Improve Student Transportation Safety with Public Participation

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of this Executive Order is to establish a National School Transportation Task Force ("Task Force") to investigate the root causes of the ongoing school bus driver shortage, address operational and safety challenges, and recommend actionable solutions. This initiative aims to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable transportation for students across the United States. Public participation will be central to these efforts.

Section 2. Establishment and Composition of the Task Force

A. National School Transportation Task Force

The Task Force shall operate under the joint oversight of the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation.

B. Composition

The Task Force shall be composed of:

- Representatives from the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation

- School district leaders representing diverse geographic regions and demographics

- School bus drivers and union representatives

- Parent organization representatives and community advocates

- Transportation safety and behavioral experts

- Representatives from state and local governments

- Experts in technology, workforce development, and behavioral management

C. Chairpersons

The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Transportation, or their designees, shall co-chair the Task Force, facilitating interagency collaboration.

Section 3. Task Force Objectives and Deliverables

A. Objectives

Within the 30-day timeline, the Task Force shall:

- Assess the Current Shortage : Examine the causes of the bus driver shortage, such as compensation, working conditions, licensing requirements, and recruitment practices.

- Investigate Student Behavior and Support Systems : Review how student behavior and the absence of support staff, like bus aides, contribute to driver retention challenges.

- Evaluate Technological Solutions : Identify potential technologies, such as incident reporting tools and live monitoring, that support driver management of student behavior and enhance safety.

- Explore Funding and Policy Options : Recommend funding sources and policy adjustments to boost recruitment and retention, including wage incentives, training grants, and benefits enhancements.

- Engage Parents and Communities : Develop strategies to engage parents and communities, emphasizing positive behavior, respect, and the critical role of transportation staff.

B. Deliverables

The Task Force shall submit a comprehensive report within 30 days, detailing:

- Findings : A summary of insights from stakeholder discussions and public input on the key factors behind the shortage and transportation challenges.

- Recommendations : A set of actionable recommendations, with proposed policy adjustments, funding requirements, and implementation timelines.

- Pilot Programs : Suggestions for pilot programs to test solutions at the local level before broader implementation.

Section 4. Public Engagement and Transparency

To ensure public engagement and accountability, the Task Force shall:

- Hold at Least Two Public Forums : Conduct forums within the 30-day period to gather feedback from parents, school district representatives, and transportation staff.

- Publish Interim Findings Online : Release findings for public review on a dedicated website, allowing for community and stakeholder feedback.

- Engage the Public via Email and Feedback Portals : Provide a secure platform where citizens can submit additional comments, experiences, and recommendations.

Section 5. Implementation and Next Steps

Following the Task Force's report submission, the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation will:

- Review Recommendations : Formulate a federal response plan within 60 days of receiving the report, incorporating Task Force recommendations and public input.

- Submit a Budget Request to Congress : If necessary, submit a request for additional funding to support recommended initiatives.

- Provide Biannual Progress Updates : Offer biannual updates to the public, Congress, and other stakeholders on the progress of implementation steps.

Section 6. General Provisions

- Funding Authorization : This Order does not impact existing funding allocations but authorizes the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation to reallocate internal resources to support Task Force operations.

- Termination : The Task Force shall dissolve 60 days after submitting its report unless further action extends it.

Signed,

The President of the United States

or

Executive Order to Address the School Bus Driver Shortage and Enhance Student Transportation Safety

Office of the President of the United States

Executive Order #XXXXX

Date: January 1, 2025

SUBJECT: Strengthening School Transportation Infrastructure by Addressing the Nationwide School Bus Driver Shortage

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose

Recognizing the significant nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, which jeopardizes students’ access to education and increases burdens on families, this Executive Order establishes immediate actions to address recruitment, retention, and support for school transportation staff. This order aims to ensure that students nationwide have reliable, safe transportation by providing critical resources to school districts.

Section 2. Immediate Actions and 30-Day Timeline

A. Establishment of the School Transportation Support Fund (STSF)

Deadline: January 31, 2025

Within 30 days, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, shall establish a $500 million fund, the School Transportation Support Fund (STSF), dedicated to:

- Increasing Bus Driver Wages : School districts may apply for grants to raise school bus driver wages to a minimum national standard.

- Enhancing Driver Benefits : Funds will be available for healthcare, retirement, and additional benefits to incentivize driver retention and recruitment.

- Expanding Full-Time Bus Driver Positions : Districts shall receive priority funding for creating full-time bus driver roles with benefits.

B. Incentive Program for School Bus Aides and Technological Support

Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Department of Education shall introduce a program providing $100 million in grants to support the recruitment of bus aides and implementation of incident reporting technology. This program will:

- Allow districts to apply for grants for employing bus aides to assist with managing student behavior.

- Equip buses with real-time monitoring and reporting technology to support driver safety and facilitate communication with school administrators.

C. National Training Standards and Language Accessibility Support

Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall:

- Develop standardized training programs on behavior management, crisis intervention, and student interaction.

- Implement training and licensing support in multiple languages, removing language barriers that currently impede qualified drivers from entering the workforce.

D. Parental and Community Engagement Program

Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Department of Education will establish a parental and community engagement program to:

- Increase awareness of the challenges school bus drivers face, promoting positive behavior among students through school-based and community outreach.

- Work with districts to communicate transportation policies and encourage parents to participate in behavior management initiatives, supporting a respectful and safe environment on buses.

Section 3. Oversight and Reporting Requirements

- Quarterly Reporting : All relevant departments shall report back on the implementation progress and district engagement quarterly, starting April 1, 2025.

- Public Transparency : The Department of Education will publish biannual updates on STSF distribution, program success metrics, and student transportation safety outcomes, accessible on the Department’s website.

Section 4. General Provisions

- Funding Authorization : This Executive Order shall not be construed to affect existing funding allocations, nor shall it interfere with state or local sovereignty regarding school operations and transportation policies. Federal funds granted under this Order shall be supplemental and contingent on adherence to program criteria.

- Termination : This Order shall remain in effect until December 31, 2025, unless extended by further order.