LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bad bus behavior is still a problem on some Jefferson County Public Schools buses.
As the Board decides what to do about busing and transportation next school year, some bus drivers want to see more support including bus monitors.
JCPS said that's not an easy solution.
"We need monitors like retired police officers, retired service people to come in and have a stricter voice," said JCPS bus driver Denise Miller. She said there's not just a shortage of those behind the wheel but more monitors are also needed on buses.
"They kind of rotate on buses that are having a little bit of issues, but the kids don't really pay attention. What the kids say. What the monitor tells them. They don't pay attention," she said.Â
During this week's State of the District, Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said a decade ago JCPS had 950 bus drivers. He said the district is now down to about 550.
And JCPS is working on what to do for getting kids to and from school in the fall.
"It is not a paradigm that can continue. We're going to have to make tough choices. And none of those choices have great answers or might have unintended consequences with them," Pollio said.
He said there aren't easy solutions.
"Well, if I could hire 500 bus monitors we would do that. But we cannot hire 500 bus monitors," Pollio explained. At his State of the District address, Pollio also addressed the shortage of education workers nationwide, not just bus drivers, but teachers too.
As of now, there are three options for board members looking at transportation possibilities next school year:
- Transportation for resides only -- meaning no longer providing buses for students at magnet and traditional schools
- Creating busing hubs for students to get to magnet and traditional schools
- No changes
Pollio said they know this is a priority. "Clearly, we know the major issue that we are dealing with is transportation."
A vote is expected at one of the school board meetings in March. WDRB reached out to board members Wednesday. Those that responded by our deadline said they were waiting on a recommendation from Pollio.
Related stories:Â
- JCPS superintendent Pollio against splitting district, discusses challenges and highlights at 'State of the District'
- Traffic jams caused by JCPS car-rider lines also impacting those who don't have students
- Long car-rider lines at JCPS schools causing traffic jams on Louisville streets
- JCPS in conversations with TARC to offer alternatives if transportation limited next school year
- Possible solution to JCPS transportation issues raises concerns about equity
- JCPS board continues weighing transportation options amid concerns over limiting students' access to magnet schools
- JCPS says only 1 plan will solve its bus driver shortage next year. Here's how it would work.
- JCPS bus delays much worse under new start times, data shows
- JCPS board will consider these options to fix bus debacle in February, superintendent says
- Bill would allow Kentucky public school employees to drive students to and from school in passenger vehicles
- JCPS says transportation not guaranteed for all students next school year
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