Olathe Public Schools is seeking input from all families regarding a potential shift in school start/end times at all levels beginning in the 2023-24 school year as a possible solution to help address nationwide K-12 transportation issues impacting Olathe Public Schools.
Please note that this survey is for initial feedback only and will help weigh different solutions to address the transportation issues we are facing.
Our Current Situation
Locally and nationally, school districts are facing a bus driver shortage due to competition from other industries and drivers choosing not to return to the profession.
Olathe Public Schools is not immune to this challenge. This year, our bus driver shortage has reached an all-time high, despite considerable recruitment efforts. Currently, we have a substantial waitlist of families unable to receive transportation, as well as several buses that regularly arrive up to 30 minutes late for pick up/drop off, impacting instructional time.
Many of our neighboring school districts have been forced to take steps with their transportation providers to address this challenge, from eliminating services and routes entirely to adjusting school start/end times. We know we will need to find a solution to provide timely and equitable transportation for our students.
We Need Your Input
One possible solution is to adjust our start/end times at all levels to allow current drivers to complete additional routes in a more timely manner by utilizing what is known as a three-tier bus system.
Please know that a change of this magnitude will not be taken lightly. This is an initial survey to hear our families' anonymous feedback. Please take 3-5 minutes to complete this survey by Friday, Dec. 16. (Encuesta en español). Please complete only one survey per household.
Based on the results of the survey, the district will form a transportation committee, including parent and staff representation from across the district, to further study a change to school start/end times or look at alternative solutions.
We appreciate your time and consideration in providing feedback.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up