Chandler, Portland schools face bus driver shortages

The Chandler Unified School District is facing a significant shortage of bus drivers, requiring an additional 20 to 25 drivers to meet demand and causing stress for parents who must often drive their children to school. District officials acknowledge the crisis level of the shortage, with discussions about combining routes and sometimes canceling them due to driver absences. In contrast, Portland, Maine, is addressing its own bus driver shortage by training new drivers through a 12-week program offered by Portland Adult Education, allowing participants to obtain their commercial driver's licenses. The program is open to anyone interested in becoming a driver and aims to alleviate staffing issues by preparing individuals to take on routes. Both districts reflect a broader trend of bus driver shortages impacting school transportation across the country, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to attract and train new drivers.