Bus Driver Shortage Creating Challenges For Mustang Schools

A bus driver shortage impacting Mustang Public Schools is affecting students' capability to get to class safely and on time, district leaders said.

Mustang Superintendent Charles Bradley said administrators are getting behind the wheel, the district is combining bus routes and still some students are running late to class.

Bradley also said the bus drivers they do have are going the extra mile.

“The bus drivers are the real heroes by showing up everyday," Bradley said. "They are delaying doctors' appointments because they know if they miss, then their kids can't go to school.”

Bradley said Mustang is a growing district, which only adds more routes with less drivers.

School buses are essential for some families, such as the family of Mustang resident Erica Abbey, who has a medical condition preventing her from driving her son to school.

"We rely on this transportation back and forth to help my son get his education,” Mustang parent Erica Abbey said. “It means everything. If it wasn’t for the bus drivers, then my son would have to be homeschooled."

According to a Mustang student, he frequently misses half of his first period, and has been dropped at home hours after school has ended.

Bradley said it's not just about driving a bus, but making meaningful connections with students.

Mustang Schools offers health insurance and CDL license reimbursement for drivers. Click here to learn more.