Shreveport, La. – Caddo Parish Public Schools is acting quickly to mitigate ongoing transportation challenges caused by a shortage of qualified school bus drivers. Superintendent Keith Burton told a press conference on Monday that the district operates 248 bus routes, with roughly 12 routes currently uncovered. While more than 95% of routes run each day, Burton said the level of service is not sufficient for families who rely on timely bus arrivals.
Utilizing Certified Staff and Raising Compensation
Effective immediately, the district will identify district employees who already hold the necessary commercial driver’s license and certifications to operate a school bus. Potential candidates include coaches, paraprofessionals, mechanics, administrators and other staff members. In addition, the district is increasing compensation for both existing employees and substitute drivers who take on extra route coverage, acknowledging that many drivers can earn higher wages in the private sector with the same credentials.
Improved Communication With Parents
Burton emphasized a renewed focus on keeping parents informed. Families will receive more consistent updates about route disruptions through text messages or email, with notifications sent as early as possible. The district urged parents to verify that their contact information in the JCampus system is current so they can receive these alerts promptly.
Real‑Time Bus Tracking for Parents
Caddo Parish already uses GPS technology to monitor buses in real time. The district is now working to make that data accessible to parents. Once the system is fully implemented, parents will be able to view a bus’s location on a map, track its progress, see estimated arrival times, and receive alerts when a bus reaches or leaves a designated stop.
Continued Recruitment Efforts
The superintendent said the district will keep recruiting new drivers, targeting retired drivers and individuals with commercial driving experience. While acknowledging that the driver shortage will not be solved overnight, Burton stressed that transportation is an instructional and family‑service issue, not merely an operations problem.
Support for Students Affected by Delays
The district confirmed that students will not be penalized for tardiness caused by significant transportation problems. Caddo’s transportation call center will remain open to assist families with any concerns, and the district aims to notify parents earlier when an afternoon route cannot be covered, reducing last‑minute calls from schools.
How to Become a Driver
Caddo Parish officials invited anyone interested in becoming a school bus driver to contact the district directly. Drivers receive a salary with benefits that include health insurance and retirement plans.
These actions reflect the district’s commitment to making student transportation reliable and transparent, recognizing the essential role that safe, timely bus service plays in supporting families and the educational mission of Caddo Parish schools.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
