November 8, 2021
On a typical weekday, only one or two employees will be present in the transportations office, which manages all transportation throughout the district. Due to the current labor shortage, most of the office staff joins the bus drivers to help cover all bus routes, according to Operations Manager Steve Jones.
“It’s hard. We’re really working our office staff. They’re trying to keep up with their job and also driving buses. There’s some challenges with them because they get frustrated,” Jones said. “Our challenge is letting [the office staff] know how much they’re appreciated because they’re really stepping up and helping. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to give the service we’re giving right now.”
Jones says the first day of school was especially difficult for the transportation department this year, as all buses were filled to full capacity. The entirety of the department was driving buses for the first day.
“It’s tough [to manage]. It was so short-staffed and everyone was out driving the first day. It was extremely tough. It took a couple days for everyone to get used to the buses being full. It took an adjustment and reassurance. It took training to get them rolling. It was challenging to start up, but we got through it,” Jones said.
It’s very challenging to not have a full staff. We remind [the bus drivers] every day that they are appreciated. I thank them every day, every single day. Without them, we don’t run.
— Operations Manager Steve Jones
The transportation department currently has eight open positions and is working to recruit drivers across the St. Louis area. Throughout the shortage, Jones says the importance of the department has been underscored.
“You have to have bus drivers or the operation will not run. No matter what you do you have to have drivers. When you’re short, it is very tough. It is very challenging. It’s a situation that we’ve been in a lot,” Jones said. “You just have to continue to work and do the best that you can. It’s very challenging to not have a full staff. We remind [the bus drivers] every day that they are appreciated. I thank them every day, every single day. Without them, we don’t run.”
The issue is on the upswing, as a few drivers are currently in the hiring process and several drivers are training.
“We will continue to work hard and make sure the students get to and from school safely. We will continue to improve. We will get better and get fully staffed. We have to be patient, and we will get there. Eventually, we will get back to where we were. We’re on the right track,” Jones said.
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