There is a shortage of qualified bus drivers across our country. We see the same staffing challenges in every job field. You may see it at your work, too.   

During the summer of 2022, we worked with our contracted partner to reduce the number of bus routes. The intent was for our partner to have staff for every bus route. Despite that proactive work, buses ran behind schedule. They still are. That’s why this fall, we increased rates for our transportation partner to pay drivers more. Even with raises and a hiring bonus, the math doesn’t add up. There are too few drivers. 

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the drivers who are showing up every day for children. Both we and our contracted partner are hiring. At the same time, we need to take steps so students have a reliable trip to and from school.  

This fall, we listened to family concerns, thoughtfully reviewed the data, explored multiple paths forward and briefed our Board of Education.  

At the Dec. 12 meeting, our Board approved the following updates to transportation eligibility for the 2023-24 school year:  

• Adjusting the home to school distance to be eligible for transportation:  
  • Elementary: from one mile to 1.5 miles  
  • Middle: from 1.5 miles to two miles  
• Expanding the home to bus stop distance by two blocks at each grade level:  
  • Elementary: from two to four blocks  
  • Middle: from four to six blocks  
  • High: from six to eight blocks  
• Maximizing efficiency through the number of students scheduled per bus.     

It is important to note that this recommendation does not impact:  

• High school transportation zones  
• School choice through our Student Assignment Plan  
• Alternative school schedules and calendars  
• Special Education transportation  

These updates will impact some students’ eligibility for transportation in the 2023-24 school year. We know that will be disappointing for impacted families. Our hope is by communicating the changes now, ahead of school selection, families can plan and make the best decision possible for the year to come.  

While no option is perfect, these updates minimize the impact on students and families while more closely aligning the number of bus routes with available drivers. Reducing more routes impacts more students and families.  

No. 

A student’s grade level, home attendance area and selected school all impact eligibility for transportation. Once the school selection process is complete, we will know a student’s eligibility for transportation by mid-March 2023.  

We are committed to regular, ongoing communication with impacted families. If a student is no longer eligible for transportation through these updates, families will receive information by USPS mail, email and individual phone calls from district staff.   

At this time, we have shared the information we have available. For families wishing to hear the information in-person, Omaha Public Schools hosted four informational meetings in December. Upon completing the school selection process, our district will know which students are eligible for transportation by mid-March 2023. Staff will contact all impacted families by USPS mail, email and individual phone calls. 

Yes. District staff briefed Board of Education members on the recommended updates. Following informational meetings in December, Board of Education members approved these updates on Dec. 12, 2022.  

The recommended updates to transportation eligibility will take effect in the 2023-24 school year. 

No. Students still have the same choice and priority enrollment through Student Assignment Plan partner zones. These updates may impact transportation eligibility for some students. 

These updates will result in savings, however financial concerns are not what drove this change. Despite increasing pay for qualified drivers and offering hiring bonuses, our transportation vendor does not have enough staff to cover current Omaha Public Schools bus routes. These updates are to increase reliability for students and families, by more closely aligning the number of bus routes with the number of available staff.