DEER PARK, Wash. — The Deer Park School District is currently facing a significant shortage of bus drivers, leading to the cancellation of bus routes.
The shortage is attributed to ongoing illnesses and several drivers being on medical leave. This issue comes on the heels of a failed levy in November, which sought $14.6 million for land acquisition and improvements to the district’s bus barn.
Drivers have expressed concerns about the current bus facility, citing a leaky roof, muck-covered parking lots and inadequate restroom facilities. One driver mentioned the lack of security cameras and lighting, stating, “it’s scary, and something has to change.”
With many buses not running Tuesday, parents are left wondering how their children will get to school.
Kerri Leliefeld, the transportation supervisor for the Deer Park School District, made the tough decision to cancel eight of the 24 bus routes.
“It’s all or nothing so, it was nothing. There was no other thing to do besides cancel. It hurt my heart,” Leliefeld said.
Leliefeld explained that the bus driver shortage has been an ongoing issue, exacerbated by the current cold and flu season.
Jenna Phillips, a school bus driver for Deer Park, emphasized the challenges of driving in a “petri dish” environment, where illnesses spread easily among drivers and students.
“It’s interesting because, if you were to be a bus driver, you actually want to be a bus driver. This isn’t a desired job for a lot of people, because the pay isn’t that great. I do it because I love it,” Phillips said.
With two substitute drivers out sick and three main drivers on medical leave, Leliefeld has even taken the wheel herself. However, she noted that becoming a bus driver requires testing and training, making it difficult to fill positions quickly.
“We’re not like teachers where they can fill in for each other. You have to go through testing and training and a third-party tester, it isn’t something that you do overnight,” Leliefeld said.
Both Leliefeld and Phillips stressed the importance of having enough drivers to ensure students can attend school and receive their education.
“If we can’t get them there to school, if they can’t get to school, they can’t get their education. So, the education really starts with us and ends with us when we take them home,” Leliefeld said.
The bus driver shortage is expected to be a topic of discussion at the next school board meeting, scheduled for January 26. Leliefeld mentioned that they are fully staffed for the next few days, but the issue will be addressed at the district meeting.
