Bus Driver Shortage Could Put Comal ISD Parents Behind the Wheel
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A serious shortage of school bus drivers could mean Comal ISD students will be crammed three to a seat or even arrive late when school begins next week.
According to an email Tuesday from Supt. Andrew Kim, the district is 29 drivers short despite actively recruiting qualified drivers. Before the pandemic, that number was 12 to 15 at the beginning of each school year.
“With fewer drivers, we will need to consolidate some of our routes,” he said. “That means there may be as many as three students to a bus seat for elementary routes. Social distancing will be difficult. Buses may be delayed, at least through the first few weeks as we make adjustments to meet the demand.”
Kim asks parents to consider driving their children to school or look into carpooling arrangements.
Other suggestions include asking kids to walk or ride their bikes to school.
He said Comal ISD isn’t alone in its bus-driver woes.
“Like many other school districts, we also find it a challenge to identify and recruit qualified drivers to fill these important roles,” he said.
To check bus routes, click here to view Comal ISD’s online bus finder.
