Bus driver shortage at Kalamazoo Public Schools causes rolling cancellations to routes

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A shortage of school bus drivers is forcing Kalamazoo Public Schools to make some tough choices.

Starting Wednesday, a rolling cancellation of bus routes in the district takes effect. This means that students and parents will have to provide their own transportation to and from school on certain days. School officials hope to limit the cancellation of bus routes to only affect students once per week. They say they will notify those in the affected routes the evening before, but that some routes could be canceled with little to no notice if the shortage gets worse.

If a student is unable to get to school due to their bus route being canceled, parents should notify the school. Officials say teachers will be able to provide access to missed lessons through virtual options.

Here’s a detailed explanation of how Kalamazoo Public Schools is trying to mitigate the bus driver shortage:

• The routes KPS will not be able to cover will be identified the evening before. If additional shortages occur in the morning, more routes will be canceled with little to no notice.
• The impacted schools will notify families of this route cancellation using our robocall system. It is important that you know your child’s bus number as this is how we will identify which routes have been canceled.
• Every effort will be made to limit cancellation of the same route to only once a week.
• When you receive a phone call stating the bus is canceled for the day, that includes both the pick-up and drop-off.

Meanwhile, the district is asking people to spread the word to anyone looking for a job who might consider becoming a bus driver. Drivers are paid during training and can earn benefits and bonuses. KPS has a number of other part-time and full-time positions available.

You can see the complete list of positions by CLICKING HERE or you may contact the KPS Human Resource Department at (269)-337-0177.

Below is the official statement from Kalamazoo Public Schools regarding the bus driver shortage, which is affecting many districts not just in Michigan, but across the United States