News Summary
The Cumberland Valley School District has canceled five bus routes due to a shortage of drivers, affecting families across multiple schools. Simultaneously, the Susquehanna Township School District closed two elementary schools for similar transportation issues. Both districts are grappling with the broader challenge of driver shortages in Pennsylvania, prompting school administrators to seek long-term solutions to ensure reliable transportation for students.
Cumberland Valley, PA – On August 26, 2025, the Cumberland Valley School District announced the cancellation of five bus routes, impacting students across multiple school buildings. Families were notified of these cancellations at 1:30 PM, prompting them to make alternate arrangements for their children. This disruption was part of a wider bus driver shortage that has significantly affected not only Cumberland Valley but also the nearby Susquehanna Township School District.
The Susquehanna Township School District faced its own challenges that same day, as it had to close two elementary schools, Anna Carter Primary and Thomas Holtzman Elementary, due to what it described as “unexpected transportation issues.” The driver shortage is not isolated to these districts; it is part of a growing problem that many school districts in Pennsylvania are grappling with this academic year.
Both school districts have cited ongoing shortages of bus drivers from their contracted transportation providers, leading to heightened concerns regarding reliable transportation for students. Cumberland Valley School District is home to over 10,500 students across its 13 schools and has faced disruptions that affect not only families but also the overall educational experience. Though the district has made efforts to communicate any delays or cancellations by the previous evening at 8 PM, it recognized that last-minute changes are sometimes unavoidable.
Superintendent Mark A. Blanchard acknowledged the challenges families are facing and expressed gratitude for their patience as the district cooperates with transportation providers to navigate this ongoing situation. Additionally, families have been reminded to verify that their contact information in the district’s Skyward system is up-to-date. They have also been encouraged to fill out the Transportation Survey to improve route efficiency.
In response to the transportation crises, Susquehanna Township School District’s Superintendent Dr. Tamara Willis highlighted the importance of dependable transportation, and the district’s efforts to find long-term solutions are underway. Families within the district were informed that updates regarding transportation for the remainder of the week would be communicated through their Campus Messenger System.
Shultz Transportation, which services both Cumberland Valley and Susquehanna Township, has been struggling to maintain an adequate number of bus drivers. The company is actively trying out various strategies aimed at retaining drivers to alleviate the impact of the shortage. Another transportation provider, Rohrer Bus, has ramped up its recruitment efforts and is modifying its training processes to combat the ongoing driver shortage.
The issues faced by these school districts are not unique; many areas throughout Pennsylvania are experiencing similar shortages which has resulted in delays, cancellations, and increased difficulty for families regarding school transportation. The Cumberland Valley School District has also addressed these concerns by sharing letters with families about the impact of the bus driver shortage.
The combination of last-minute cancellations and the need for clear communication has spurred many districts to seek collaborative efforts with transportation providers. As issues persist, administrators are working diligently to explore sustainable solutions that may help stabilize school transportation systems in the long run.
The impact of the bus driver shortage is being felt statewide, prompting school districts to think critically about their transportation needs as they strive to ensure that students can rely on safe and timely means of getting to and from school. With ongoing coordination between school administrations and transportation providers, stakeholders hope to bring more stability to school transportation as the academic year progresses.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 27: Cumberland Valley School District Experiences Bus Cancellations
- WGAL: PA School Bus Driver Shortage – Classes Canceled
- PennLive: Bus Shortage Shuts Down Dauphin County Schools
- CBS News: Winter Storm Delays and Cancellations
- Google Search: Bus Driver Shortage
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