Mentor Public Schools Cancel Classes Due to Bus Driver Shortage

A school bus in a parking lot with parents and students nearby discussing transportation.

News Summary

Mentor Public Schools shut down classes due to a significant shortage of bus drivers, impacting students and staff. Superintendent Craig Heath expressed regret for the inconvenience. The district announced it will partner with a local transportation service and enhance recruitment efforts, including a ‘Drive the Bus’ event for potential drivers. With ongoing staffing challenges, the district aims to restore a reliable transportation system for students.

Mentor, Ohio — Mentor Public Schools canceled classes on September 30 due to a significant shortage of bus drivers. The district announced that a large number of absences within the transportation department left them unable to manage the necessary bus routes for all students. This closure impacted every student and staff member within the district, marking a disruption to the school day for families across the area.

Superintendent Craig Heath expressed regret for the closure through a Facebook post, acknowledging the inconvenience it caused to families. The school district is taking steps to prevent similar issues in the future, including partnering with a local transportation service.

Beginning Monday, Laketran will operate two bus routes for Mentor Schools, with district bus aides accompanying these routes to ensure student safety and support. Notifications about these changes have been communicated to affected families through phone calls and follow-up emails to ensure clarity regarding transportation adjustments.

Following the cancellation of classes, there has been a surge of interest in bus driver positions, with numerous applications submitted that are currently under review. The district is actively encouraging ongoing recruitment efforts for bus drivers, with applications available on Mentor Public Schools’ website. In an effort to bolster staffing within the transportation department, the district is committed to building a more reliable transportation system for its students.

To further assist in recruitment, Mentor Schools announced a “Drive the Bus” event scheduled for November 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mentor High School. This event aims to provide potential drivers with an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a school bus and learn more about the responsibilities and requirements of the role. The district aims to fully staff the transportation department to improve service quality for students who depend on school transportation.

On the day of the closure, Mentor Schools noted the challenges posed by their transportation needs, stating they typically operate 48 bus routes daily, accommodating multiple runs for various educational levels and special needs transportation. However, on the day of the cancellation, the transportation department was already facing staffing challenges with two vacant full-time driver positions. Additionally, four drivers were on extended leave, and five more were absent that day, resulting in a shortage of nine drivers to cover 29 routes. The district anticipated needing coverage for even more routes in the afternoon.

The decision to close schools was made with serious consideration for the impact on families and the logistics involved. Mentor Public Schools appreciates the patience and understanding of families during this challenging period and remains dedicated to resolving their ongoing staffing issues. They aim to restore reliable transportation to ensure all students can access their education without further disruptions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Storm Amy Causes Fatality and Disruption in Ireland and Scotland
Portland Begins Construction of New Crosswalks on 82nd Avenue
Wisconsin Governor Announces $10.3 Million Workforce Grants
Bus Route Cancellations in Mat-Su Borough Due to Driver Shortage
New Britain Parents Struggle With Bus Service Issues
Evergreen Public Schools Closure Amid Ongoing Strike
Susquehanna Township School District Cancels Classes
Cumberland Valley School District Faces Bus Route Cancellations
Bus Driver Shortage Leads to School Closures in Susquehanna Township
Labor Strike Disrupts Construction Projects in Spokane

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:​

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!