News Summary
A significant shortage of bus drivers has led to the cancellation of multiple bus routes in the Cumberland Valley and Susquehanna Township School Districts, affecting hundreds of students. Families were notified of the disruptions as districts struggled to manage transportation due to a statewide driver shortage. Efforts are underway to recruit and retain drivers while keeping families informed about ongoing transportation challenges.
Bus Driver Shortage Causes School Transportation Disruptions in Cumberland and Susquehanna
Clearfield, PA — On August 26, 2025, multiple school transportation services within the Cumberland Valley School District and Susquehanna Township School District faced significant disruption due to a nationwide shortage of bus drivers. The shortages resulted in the cancellation of several bus routes, affecting hundreds of students and prompting urgent communication from district authorities.
Multiple Bus Routes Canceled Across Districts
The Cumberland Valley School District canceled five bus routes that serve students across its 13 schools, which collectively enroll more than 10,500 students. These cancellations impacted students waiting for transportation to various campuses. Families were notified around 1:30 PM on the day of cancellations and advised to arrange alternative means of transportation for their children. The district endeavors to notify families by 8 PM the evening prior to scheduled school days but acknowledged that last-minute changes can sometimes make timely communication challenging.
Impact on Susquehanna Township Schools
Similarly, Susquehanna Township School District experienced disruptions, particularly as it announced the closure of two elementary schools, Anna Carter Primary and Thomas Holtzman Elementary. Both closures were attributed to “unexpected transportation issues” linked directly to the ongoing driver shortage. The district learned of these staffing issues late in the evening, complicating efforts to inform families before the start of school.
Broader Transportation Challenges Statewide
The transportation issues extend beyond these two districts. Both districts cited a statewide shortage of bus drivers affecting many school districts across the region. The shortage has been driven by various factors, including retirements, difficulty recruiting new drivers, and industry-wide staffing challenges. As a result, transportation providers contracted to service these districts have struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Responses and Ongoing Efforts
Transportation providers such as Shultz Transportation and Rohrer Bus are actively working to address the crisis. Shultz Transportation, which services multiple districts including Cumberland Valley and Susquehanna Township, is implementing new strategies aimed at retaining current drivers and recruiting new ones. Meanwhile, Rohrer Bus is expanding its recruitment efforts and modifying its training programs in hopes of alleviating the shortages. Both companies have acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining sufficient staffing and have committed to ongoing initiatives to improve driver retention and recruitment.
District Communications and Family Guidance
District officials emphasized the importance of maintaining clear communication channels. Cumberland Valley District shared a letter with families informing them about the driver shortage and its impact on bus service. Families were also reminded to update their contact information in the district’s Skyward system and to complete the Transportation Survey to help optimize route planning.
Susquehanna Township School District announced plans to keep families updated throughout the week through its Campus Messenger System. District leaders have reassured families that they are working closely with transportation providers to find lasting solutions and minimize future disruptions. Superintendent Dr. Tamara Willis underscored the importance of reliable transportation and highlighted ongoing efforts to explore long-term strategies for staffing stability.
Superintendent and District Initiatives
District leadership has expressed appreciation for community patience during this challenging period. They continue to monitor transportation conditions closely and encourage families to remain flexible as they work through staffing shortages. Efforts include increasing driver recruitment, reviewing training procedures, and improving communication to better manage last-minute schedule adjustments.
Conclusion
The bus driver shortage currently affecting schools in Cumberland and Susquehanna Townships highlights a broader, ongoing challenge facing many regions across the state. While districts are actively seeking solutions and maintaining communication with families, disruptions in transportation remain possible until staffing levels stabilize. Ongoing coordination between districts and transportation providers remains critical to ensuring students’ safe and reliable access to education.
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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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