Beginning January 22, hundreds of families living near elementary schools in Durham will be responsible for getting their children to school without the aid of district-provided bus transportation. This controversial plan, approved by Durham Public Schools (DPS) last Thursday, has left many parents, educators, and board members divided.
The decision introduces “family responsibility zones,” where students living within a 1.5-mile radius of their school will no longer have access to bus services. This shift, which affects approximately 180 students at Chad Haefele’s second-grader’s school alone, has sparked frustration and logistical challenges for families.
“The whole process has been frustrating—they’re rolling this out too quickly and at a difficult time of year,” said Haefele. Like many parents, he’s scrambling to find transportation solutions amid mounting concerns over safety and the feasibility of the plan.
Board Debates Implementation
During the board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lewis presented survey feedback from parents and staff, highlighting widespread concerns about safety and the lack of resources for families who may struggle with the sudden change.
“I am concerned we haven’t done enough research in these neighborhoods where we expect kids to walk to school,” said board member Wendell Tabb. Another board member, Bettina Umstead, criticized the timing of the rollout. “Families were told during the holiday break they’d need to make decisions just weeks before implementation. This puts them in a bad position,” she said.
One consensus emerged during the meeting: express school zones, a related measure, will not be implemented this academic year. However, the board upheld its decision to proceed with family responsibility zones, citing the urgency of addressing an ongoing bus driver shortage.
A Strained Transportation System
DPS Chief Operating Officer Dr. Larry Webb acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing efforts to recruit and train more bus drivers. “On January 17, we’ll end rotational coverage and resume normal schedules with new drivers stepping in, alongside existing staff volunteering to drive buses,” said Webb.
Webb highlighted the district’s push for innovative solutions, stating, “It doesn’t have to be one person’s idea to be a great idea. We’re exploring all options.”
Still, parents like Haefele remain skeptical. “Recruiting and retaining bus drivers is the only viable long-term solution. Everything else feels like a Band-Aid, and it’s frustrating to hear temporary fixes discussed as permanent solutions,” he said.
Ongoing Challenges and Solutions
The bus driver shortage is a widespread issue impacting school districts nationwide. According to the National School Transportation Association, over 80% of school districts report bus driver shortages, with many attributing the problem to low pay and difficult working conditions. In Durham, DPS has made efforts to address this issue by increasing driver pay and holding recruitment events.
The district’s next career fair is scheduled for January 21, where open positions for bus drivers will be prioritized. DPS is also offering training and incentives to attract new hires.
Community Impact
The new transportation plan raises broader questions about equity and safety. For families in lower-income neighborhoods, walking 1.5 miles may pose significant safety risks due to high-traffic areas, insufficient sidewalks, and concerns about crime. “We need to understand the specific challenges these families face before implementing such sweeping changes,” said Tabb.
The Bull City Citizen will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates on how the new transportation plan affects families, staff, and the broader community.
Your Voice Matters
The Bull City Citizen is dedicated to bringing you unbiased, in-depth reporting on issues that shape our community. If you have insights, experiences, or concerns about the DPS transportation plan, email us at newsroom@bullcitycitizen.com. Your story could help inform and influence local decision-making.
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