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CCR-1 Faces School Bus Driver Shortage

bus on new road 2

The Clark County R-1 school district is facing a shortage of bus drivers. Almost every day, school principals, coaches or administrators are called on to fill in on a bus route, or to drive for a school activity. The problem was discussed at the Wednesday, October 14 school board meeting.

“We have a real problem finding and replacing drivers,” said CCR-1 Superintendent Ritchie Kracht. “And when the principals have to drive a route, they are not available in before or after school.”

Bus drivers are needed before and after school, and for activity trips. The district transports about 675 eligible students daily, running about 1372 miles per day on 16 routes.

“I don’t know if more money will do it, and it just isn’t fun work,” Kracht said. The board discussed higher pay, increased insurance availability, and longer bus routes. No action was taken.

“We don’t want to have to start picking up kids at 6:15am,” he added.

He also noted that several drivers are approaching retirement.

Also in the transportation report, Kracht noted that strengths of the program include Karl Hamner, and good, caring drivers. Bus cameras have reduced discipline issues greatly.

Concerns expressed included drivers, state funding, replacement buses, fuel costs, and the condition of county roads.

In other business, the board discussed problems with its copier contractor, RTD, and the district’s problems getting supplies.

“It’s always one excuse after another, and we aren’t the only ones having problems.

After discussion, the board approved having ProTech look into taking over the contract for the copy machines.

Kracht reported that the sale of contents at the Luray School brought in about $4700, much more than the Revere School sale.

The board also approved the purchase of new doors, hardware and installation for the double doors on the south side of the Middle School, and a new lock and repairs for a door on the north side of the building. Doors And More will be the contactor at a cost of $8250.