available, it can be a genuine game changer in getting qualified drivers behind the wheel faster.” For Columbus City Schools


in Ohio, preparation of pro- spective drivers remains an ongoing challenge. “Our largest problem is getting enough applicants ready to train, which is why we are doing rolling con- stant hiring,” said Michael Brown, chief of communi- cations and engagement. As of last month the dis-


trict had about 30 trainees in various stages of the process. The average time to train a new driver is six to eight weeks based on their


ability to learn the details. At the same time, delays


Our largest problem is getting enough


applicants ready to train, which is why we are doing rolling


constant hiring. -Michael Brown, Columbus Public Schools in Ohio


are not a universal prob- lem. That’s so in Nebraska, where enough instructors are currently available that state requirements can be met without undue delay. “If a driver and/or school


district needs a driver quickly, they can usually move through our process in approximately two to three weeks,” said Bryce Wilson, finance officer with the Office of Finance and Administrative Services, Nebraska Department of Education. “Any delays in Nebraska would come from either the driver’s ability to


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36 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2026


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