FHSD Community:

Many school buses continue to run later-than-expected. This understandably inconveniences both students and families. Having consistent, reliable and safe transportation for students is a priority for Francis Howell, and we are doing everything in our power to provide the service you expect and deserve.


Why the late buses?

Francis Howell bus drivers are responsible for transporting 11,000 students to and from school each day. Unfortunately, like many school districts across the country, Francis Howell is experiencing a critical shortage of bus drivers. Currently, 27 full-time bus driver positions and four full-time bus monitor positions are vacant and unfilled. These vacancies represent more than 10% of our total driving workforce. This does not include the number of drivers who are out on extended medical leave, or the number of drivers who call in sick to work. 

What are we doing about it?

The FHSD Transportation team has implemented a number of creative solutions to cope with the bus driver shortage and ensure all students arrive to and from school safely. Unfortunately, even with these solutions, buses often arrive late.

• On most days, qualified office staff and mechanics who hold the required commercial drivers license (CDL) are filling in as bus drivers and monitors to cover vacant routes.
• We have allowed and encouraged Francis Howell coaches to acquire a CDL and the necessary training to transport students to sports and activities. 
• Many drivers are “doubling-back” and running multiple bus routes during the same tier. When this happens, a driver drops off one busload of kids, then doubles-back to the school to pick up and deliver another busload of kids. 

Obviously, none of these solutions are ideal, but we are doing whatever we can to continue to provide transportation for all eligible students.

Our standard practice is to issue a SchoolMessenger alert (phone/text/email) when we know a bus is running late by 15 minutes or more. Sometimes, these notifications are delayed due to the number of office staff driving buses, leading to shortages in the office. 

How can you help?

First, we ask for your grace and understanding as we grapple with the bus driver shortage.

But more importantly, we could really use your help finding some great bus driver candidates.

We are always accepting applications and offer paid training to help drivers acquire a CDL.

New bus drivers start at $23 an hour, with pay increasing to $27 an hour in the second year. Drivers who have two or more years of verifiable school bus driving experience start at $27 per hour. Employees working 25 hours or more per week are eligible for paid medical and dental benefits, paid holidays, sick leave, and a public school pension. Drivers with good attendance also earn paid fall, winter, and spring breaks. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is not required, as Francis Howell will provide training. Apply online on the District’s website.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.

Jennifer Simpson

Director of Transportation