DPS Transportation Troubles Return This Week

It’s not entirely clear why at least 25 school buses weren’t available for their routes in Durham Public Schools on Monday, except that officials described it as the result of a staffing shortage.

The district announced throughout the day on Monday that more than two dozen buses wouldn’t be running in the morning and afternoon, leaving parents once again coping with the prospect of arranging transportation for their children.

Southpoint Access asked the district whether this shortage was due to drivers calling out sick, mechanics calling out sick, staffers calling out in continued protest over the classified pay situation, or mechanical issues with school buses.

“We’re experiencing staff shortages due to a number of reasons,” replied Crystal Kimpson Roberts, director of strategic communications for DPS. “The issue is staffing, not mechanical.”

It appears the shortage is expected to persist into the week. Monday night, DPS Senior Executive Director of Public Affairs Sheena Cooper sent parents a message:

“First, Durham Public Schools would like to thank families for their ongoing support and cooperation during our staffing challenges. We are working to address the matter and will keep you informed with the latest information. Our transportation situation continues to change, and we ask that you continue to assist in transporting your students to and from school. We will post impacted bus routes on our website, dpsnc.net, and on our social media channels each morning so that you have the most current information. You may also use the Edulog Parent Portal App for real-time updates. Our ultimate goal is to educate our students and we know their safe and successful transport is essential to fulfilling our mission.”

The DPS Board of Education last week found a way to pay classified employees through January at “stepped” rates determined in a 2023 salary study and implemented in October. The district had grappled with upset staffers – including bus mechanics, custodians, and cafeteria workers – whose calling out to work led to transportation problems and teachers and administrators taking out trash or serving food to students.

The board is expected to meet sometime this week to begin sorting out how to move forward with classified staff pay, with the assurance that workers won’t see their pay knocked back below 2022/2023 levels.

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