Bus driver plan shows results in district covering parts of Tempe, Phoenix, Chandler: Kyrene

An incentive program launched this school year to increase daily attendance for Kyrene School District bus drivers is showing  results, district officials said.

The Kyrene district governing board approved in July an attendance stipend for bus drivers aimed at encouraging consistent attendance throughout the school year. Eligible drivers can receive a $750 quarterly stipend if they are absent no more than one day during the quarter, for a total of up to $3,000 annually, according to a district release.

Since the stipend was introduced, the district, which has schools in Tempe, Phoenix, Chander and Guadalupe, has seen “a substantial improvement in driver attendance,” officials stated in the release.  During the 2024–25 school year, the transportation department averaged more than eight driver absences per day. In the 2025–26 school year, average daily absences have decreased to 2.4 per day.

A growing number of Kyrene drivers are participating in the incentive program: 76% of eligible drivers received the stipend in the first quarter, 69% in the second quarter, 78% in the third quarter, and Kyrene reports 93% of drivers are on track to earn the stipend in the final quarter of the school year.

“Reliable transportation plays an important role in supporting student learning and helping families maintain daily routines,” Superintendent Laura Toenjes said.

“We are proud of the commitment our transportation staff has shown this year, and these results demonstrate the positive impact of recognizing employees for consistent attendance and service.”

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