Kettering schools consider combining bus routes amid driver shortages

KETTERING — Kettering school officials are alerting parents to the possibility of combining bus routes for some students if the district is unable to fill bus driver positions.

“With the crisis we are currently experiencing in filling bus driver positions, this very well may have to begin happening yet this school year,” a letter sent to parents Tuesday read. “Because of the shortage of drivers and sub drivers, there may be delays in picking up students in the morning and dropping students off after school.”

The district’s announcement comes as they say districts across the state and national are experiencing shortages of bus drivers.

“The district’s transportation department has been working creatively on a variety of options to help compensate for the lack of bus drivers,” the letter read.

District officials are asking parents to share with family members and friends who may be interested in training to become a bus driver. Immediate interviews are conducted between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the facility, 2640 Wilmington Pike.

The district also is hiring for bus aides at the same location.

The district said it will inform parents if and when any adjustments may need to be made.