Sheridan School District works to fix bus driver shortage, impacting routes and frustrating parents

SHERIDAN, Ark. – Many shortages have come about since the COVID-19 pandemic, and one kind of shortage is impacting school districts nationwide.

A bus driver shortage is impacting the Sheridan School District.

Deputy Superintendent Lincoln Daniels says the bus driver shortage in their district started post-COVID-19. He also says almost daily there is a route that must be doubled impacting the time it takes to pick up students.

“We are having to run doubles just simply because there are not enough substitutes available to jump in at a moment's notice,” Daniels said. 

Daniels goes on to say they have seven positions for drivers open, however, that has still put a strain on their routes. He also says it’s been challenging to hire and attract drivers. 

“It is a part-time job so if you need full-time money you really have to pair something up with that to get the maximum benefit,” Daniels said.

Daniels said they have routes in Saline and Grant County with around 1,800 thousand students they pick up as they cover 630 square miles. 

Daniels said the bus drivers that they do have are working hard to make up f...