SPECIAL REPORT
Growing School Districts Seek More Buses, Drivers
Written by David Volz
Wentzville R-IV School District in Missouri is one of many fast-growing operations nationwide turning to increased pay and benefits to attract and retain school bus drivers.
G
rowing school districts face challenges find- ing more resources, vehicles and drivers. School districts always look for innovative ways to provide students with more efficient
and cost-effective transportation. However, a significant challenge is finding enough qualified bus drivers in a competitive market clogged by other school districts, trucking companies and delivery services. The Wentzville R-IV School District in Missouri serves
a rapidly growing population of students, and the trans- portation department is committed to meeting the needs of the students and community. “We typically purchase buses over seven-year, lease-purchase agreements. We are in the process of analyzing our fleet and developing a strategic bus replacement plan,” said Brynne Cramer, a spokeswoman for the school district that serves the St. Louis suburb. Finding willing and qualified bus drivers is another
story. The Wentzville district has gotten creative by using floating drivers, office staff, coaches and teachers with CDLs as well as loopbacks and leased vans. It has found
18 School Transportation News • MARCH 2024
ways to combine athletic trips and is always looking for ways to be more efficient. “We recruit and hire drivers through Drive the Bus
events over the summer, on-the-spot interviews year- round, and targeted marketing,” said Cramer. “We prioritize a positive work environment, providing health benefits year-round. We also implemented equalized pay for all drivers, aides and support staff and conducted safety meetings for our team. We have accommodated alternate stop requests and implemented a Transporta- tion Assistance Form to streamline communication.” Cramer added that bus routes are established based
on recommendations from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the school district’s board of education policies. All in-district students residing one mile or more from their school are eligible for transportation services. To improve efficiency, the average distance from a second- ary student’s home to their bus stop is about one-half mile, and the average distance from an elementary student’s home to their bus stop is about two-tenths of a
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