Hundreds of parents, students, and community members gathered Saturday at North Carolina Central University for Durham Public Schools’ Fourth Annual “Show of Schools.” The event highlighted the district’s educational programs and underscored an urgent need for school bus drivers in the region.
Superintendent Anthony Lewis emphasized the significance of the fair, stating, “We want to show the amazing things that are happening in Durham Public Schools at a time when across the country, public schools are under attack.”
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with teachers, administrators, and other staff members, exploring offerings across DPS’s 57 schools. Programs ranged from general and special needs education to magnet, year-round, and online learning options. In addition to promoting the district’s academic excellence, the event also focused on addressing a critical shortage of school bus drivers.
Bus Driver Shortages and the Impact on Students
Durham Public Schools currently operates nearly 300 buses but faces a shortage of approximately 100 drivers, resulting in significant transportation challenges for more than 18,000 students who depend on buses daily.
Pay for drivers starts at $19.43 per hour, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Alvera Lesane shared that the district is actively recruiting. “We discuss the program with individuals. We had a number of people come and talk to us about working for us in many different places; but especially in transportation,” she said.
Superintendent Lewis added, “We have 37 [new applicants] who are at the current stage of being able to train on site. But really, we need more bus drivers.”
To mitigate the shortage, the district has implemented a “Temporary Rotational Bus Service” (TRBS), beginning December 2. This system requires parents to transport their children to and from school one day per week, with buses available the other four days.
Community Response
The TRBS initiative has received mixed reactions. Parents like Morgan Hayworth acknowledged its predictability compared to past disruptions but noted the ongoing strain on families.
“I just think about people who may not have adequate transportation or ways to get from work to pick up their kids,” said Arthur Anderson, another parent. “We also need more money to support teachers and transportation efforts in Durham.”
Students, too, are feeling the impact. Ninth-grader Jayla Ball shared, “Sometimes the bus picks me up at 8:50 and I get to school around 9:15 on a good day. But some days I get to school around 9:45, 9:30. So, you just don’t know.”
Looking Ahead
To address inefficiencies, Superintendent Lewis announced plans to review and potentially reduce underutilized bus routes. Meanwhile, students arriving late or missing school due to bus cancellations will not be penalized.
While the district navigates these transportation challenges, the “Show of Schools” served as a reminder of the positive developments within DPS, showcasing programs that prepare students for success and celebrating the commitment of educators and staff.
For those interested in joining the DPS team, particularly as bus drivers, the district encourages applications to help restore daily service and support Durham’s students.
For updates on this story and more about Durham Public Schools, stay tuned to the Bull City Citizen.
