At a recent board meeting, Superintendent Dr. David Toth noted the district’s pressing need for bus drivers. Crestwood isn’t alone in this need, as schools across the state are in the same situation. Several factors contribute to this issue, according to WOSU public media. Bus drivers are required to earn a commercial license, and competition from companies like Amazon and UPS is fierce. There are also strict background checks for drivers; backlog and delays for this, as well as delays in BMV skills testing make it hard for potential drivers to move quickly though those processes.
Since the State of Ohio requires public schools to transport all eligable students, Ohio offers more school bus service than any other state. As a result, many Ohio districts are experiencing driver shortages, with some resorting to having other transportation staff, like mechanics, operate buses to transport students. For more information about becoming a school bus driver at Crestwood, contact the Transportation Department at (330) 357-8207 x 6000.
In other news, Treasurer/CFO Katie Hoffmeister noted that the district was prepared to make the final payment on the HVAC system at the High School. That project is expected to be completed as school concludes for the year. In similar news, Hoffmeister noted that an updated five-year forecast would be presented at the May board meeting.
In similar news, the district accepted several donations. The first, from Lakeside Sand & Gravel for $500 was accepted to provide free breakfast to K – sixth graders during National School Breakfast week. An anonymous donation of $100 was provided to help students with negative lunch fee balances.
The next regularly scheduled school board meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 9th at 7 pm in the district’s Administration building on John Edwards Drive. The community is welcome to attend in person or view the proceedings online at crestwoodschools.org/departments/board-of-education.
