Bus driver shortage a regular Chandler schools topic
Independent Newsmedia/Jason W. Brooks
Ryan Heap takes his Chandler Unified School District Governing Board oath of office Jan. 15 while reading a card held up by CUSD Superintendent Frank Narducci. Heap, Barb Mozdzen (in background) and Claudia Mendoza all took oaths for their four-year terms at a meeting in which CUSD’s bus driver shortage was mentioned at least twice.
Even though it wasn’t an agenda topic for the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board at its Jan. 15 meeting, CUSD’s shortage of bus drivers was brought up more than once.
Districts nationwide have long struggled with the shortage of drivers, though Chandler seems to have it as bad as anyone. In addition to mounting parent complaints, one driver took to the podium to speak during public input.
“When I first started eight years ago, we had about 250 drivers,” the driver, who said his name is Gary, said during public input. “We down to about 150. I don’t know how many routes we’ve been forced to cancel permanently over the past several years. School districts aren’t just competing with each other; they’re competing with every agency and company that needs drivers with a commercial driver’s license.”
The driver said he believes CUSD should look into the changes made by a Tolleson district in order to reduce turnover. Tolleson Union High School District’s website said its average bus driver wage is $27.10 per hour.
“Each one of you (board members and administrators) has said we need more drivers, but all we do is talk about it,” the driver said. “We need for us, the drivers, and HR and transportation management to come up with a real solution. Get off the center and we’ll help.”
Board member Kurt Rohrs pointed out that in the personnel report the board approved as part of the Jan. 15 consent agenda, there were three new drivers hired, but four listed under “separation.”
“I know they’re struggling,” Rohrs said. “Parents are struggling. We’ve got to do something.”
Superintendent Frank Narducci has made a pitch for more driver applicants as a routine part of his reports in recent board meetings.
The district pays for the training needed for a potential driver to get their initial commercial driver’s license, though drivers must renew it every two years.
CUSD hosts weekly drop-in interviews noon to 3 p.m. every Thursday at the transportation center, 3750 S. Centre Pointe Parkway in Chandler. Potential drivers can also apply online at chandler.schoolspring.com.
The topic of bus drivers was one of many brought up at the Jan. 15 meeting and work sessions. The regular meeting included the swearing-in of newly elected board members Claudia Mendoza and Ryan Heap and fifth-term board member Barb Mozdzen.
Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
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