Q&A: What you need to know about Union Public Schools' new transportation plan

Union Public Schools is overhauling its transportation system just in time for the new school year. After a challenging year marked by bus driver shortages and canceled routes, district leaders are implementing changes they hope will improve long-term efficiency.

Q: Why is Union changing its transportation system?

A: Last school year, a severe driver shortage forced Union to suspend some routes. Even mechanics and office staff had to step in to drive buses, leaving maintenance and logistics stretched thin.

“We don’t want to deny families service,” Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead said, “That’s why we invested in outside help and made changes.”

Q: What changes have been made?

A: Over the summer, the district:

1. Hired an outside consultant
2. Upgraded its routing software
3. Restructured bus routes to reduce inefficiencies

Bushyhead says these improvements will help the district operate more efficiently heading into the 2025–2026 school year.

Q: What’s different about student bus assignments this year?

A:

1. Grade Level Bus Consolidation

1. 7th and 8th grades are now combined on the same buses.
2. 9th grade (Freshman Academy) and high school students are also being combined.
3. These changes are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the number of routes.

2. Route Reductions

1. Some bus routes are being eliminated to streamline operations and reduce driver demand.

3. Updated Transportation Eligibility Policy

1. Secondary students (middle and high school): No transportation provided if they live within 1.5 miles of their school.
2. Elementary students: No transportation if they live within 1 mile of the school and within the square mile boundary around the school.
3. Some students who previously had transportation but do not meet these criteria will lose service this year.

4. Exceptions Based on Safety

1. Students may still receive transportation if their walking path presents a safety hazard.
2. Example: A group living within a mile of school must cross under Highway 169—these students will continue to be bused.
3. Each case is reviewed to ensure student safety is not compromised.

7. Anticipated Bus Crowding and Load Adjustments

1. Some buses may be overcrowded at the start of the year as the district monitors ridership and adjusts accordingly.
2. There will be load counts and adjustments during the first weeks of school.
3. Students may be asked to share seats, which could require some cultural adjustments among riders.

“We try to transport as many kids as we can,” Bushyhead said, “But picking up a student who lives four or five blocks from school just doesn’t make sense.”

Q: Will these changes impact classrooms?

A: Yes—but in a positive way. Transportation costs directly affect classroom budgets.

Reducing routes allows the district to redirect more funding back into instruction and student services.

Q: How is Union addressing the bus driver shortage?

A: The district is offering:

1. A $1/hour raise for bus drivers
2. A 2.4% raise for all staff

Drivers will begin training next week in preparation for the school year.

Q: How does the district weigh cost and efficiency in transportation overhaul?

A:

1. Balancing Budget and Staffing Priorities

1. Transportation costs directly impact classroom resources.
2. Hiring 2–2.5 bus drivers equals the cost of one classroom teacher.
3. Purchasing one bus costs the equivalent of three teachers.
4. These trade-offs have prompted the district to evaluate where investments are most impactful for student learning.

2. Expanding Transportation Demands

1. The district manages 72 daily shuttles, including services for:
2. Career Connect (job site placements)
3. Innovation Lab and other specialized programs

3. Long-Term Efficiency with Short-Term Disruptions

1. Route changes are part of a larger effort to “reset and retool” the transportation system for sustainability.
2. The district is asking for parent patience, especially in the first days of school, as student bus ridership settles.

4. Understanding, But Necessary Cuts

1. Some students who previously had bus service—particularly those within 0.7 miles of school—will lose transportation this year.
2. The district acknowledges parent concerns and emphasizes safety reviews for walking paths.

5. Community Solutions Encouraged

1. In areas where transportation is no longer provided, families are already adapting by:
2. Forming carpools
3. Exploring a “walking school bus” model, where groups walk to school together with adult supervision

6. District’s Commitment

1. The goal remains clear: to serve families fairly and efficiently without compromising educational quality.
2. While not all changes will be popular, they are necessary to ensure resources are used where they matter most.

Q: When does school start?

A: The first day of school for Union Public Schools is August 14.

Q: What’s the district’s message to families?

A: Be patient. The district acknowledges the transition may be inconvenient for some families, but says the changes are necessary for long-term sustainability and student success.

Q: When will parents get a formal letter?

A: The district says parents will get a formal letter within the next week.