By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
As Piedmont Public Schools joins a nationwide trend in the shortage of bus drivers it now has to deal with one bus shy of a full fleet.
On Monday afternoon, a bus erupted in flames near Waterloo and Richland Road just after the last child had been dropped off. The bus was a total loss.
“No kids (were) on board,” Fire Chief Andy Logan said by text message Monday night.
“Driver was not injured. Cause is undetermined.”
A message from the district to parents indicated the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine. The bus had been serviced this summer, Piedmont Assistant Superintendent Lisa Campbell wrote in an email Wednesday. It will be replaced with the proceeds of an insurance policy.
SAFETY ISSUES
Parents have taken to Facebook to express concerns over safety issues as more students than ever are packed onto buses.
“Four kids to some seats,” wrote Lisa Boice after both of her boys had to be put on a different bus following a full load. “Is that safe? He said most all had three (to a seat) and some were in aisles. I get it. We are packed. But safety first? Not complaining. Just concerned.”
Other parents reported their children were sitting in the aisle of the bus.
Campbell said students are “never instructed to sit on the floor. When buses are at capacity an additional bus is sent to transport the remaining students. We appreciate our families’ patience as we work out the challenges of a new school year, new routes, and our continued growth.”
Another parent said her daughter’s bus skipped her stop three days in a row, but a school staff person did pick her up.
“It has been difficult finding enough drivers,” Campbell said, “but our incredible staff of bus drivers, teachers, and staff have been working together to get the job done. Our Superintendent, Dr. (James) White, has also driven a few routes.”
Campbell added that the district provides training for drivers who do not have the necessary credentials when they apply.
