The Crossville Chronicle reports that the Cumberland County Board of Education convened its initial budget session to address the ongoing bus driver shortage, a critical issue for the school system. Director of Schools Rebecca Farley outlined a strategy to tackle budget discussions by breaking them into manageable topics, with the bus driver shortage slated for September’s focus.

Kathleen Martin, the Department of Transportation Director, presented data showing that since the 2018-19 school year, the district lost 75 bus drivers, with annual losses ranging from six to 18 drivers. Reasons for departures included retirement (24 drivers), resigning for better jobs (16 drivers), health issues, relocation, terminations, and, in 2024-25, three resignations due to student behavior.

Chief Operations Officer Kim Bray noted that the transportation department has never been fully staffed despite various efforts.

Board member Jon Matthews suggested adding assistants to buses to manage student behavior, but Farley highlighted the existing difficulty in staffing attendants for special education buses. The board also explored incentives for teachers to take on transportation roles, with Bray noting one teacher currently assisting on a special education bus.

The topic will be further discussed at the full board meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Central Services building in Crossville.