South Western City School District Reports Ongoing Bus Delays

The South Western City School District in Columbus reported ongoing delays affecting school bus routes throughout the area. The delays became a concern for families after repeated late arrivals were documented for students, including a 5th-grade student named Leigha. According to her stepmother, Elizabeth Maynard, Leigha’s bus has arrived late more than 30 times this year.

Families Describe Long Waits and Disruptions

Maynard reported that Leigha has waited more than an hour at her bus stop on several occasions. She also said the family recently received a call from the school stating Leigha was not in class, prompting concern because she had been dropped off at the stop. The district later confirmed that the bus was running between one and one and a half hours behind schedule.

Maynard stated that Leigha sometimes arrives home as late as 5:30 p.m., causing her to miss scheduled after-school activities. To keep track of her location during delays, Maynard placed an Apple AirTag on Leigha’s backpack.

District Attributes Delays to Driver Shortages

The district operates more than 200 buses that transport approximately 16,000 students daily. Officials said a bus driver shortage is creating the delays. The district currently has three full-time routes unfilled and requires 10 to 12 substitute drivers to cover long-term absences.

Communications Executive Director Evan Debo reported that staffing deficiencies continue as of November 2025. State data show a decline in Ohio’s active bus drivers, dropping from 25,706 before the pandemic to 18,817 by August 2025.

Hiring Efforts and Interim Support

To address staffing gaps, the district signed a month-to-month contract with Community Bus Services, adding five substitute drivers. District officials also held several recruiting fairs within the past year and scheduled a hiring event for December 17.

Debo said the district and the SWCS chapter of OAPSE are negotiating cost-of-living enhancements to improve recruitment and retention. Despite the staffing shortages, district officials stated they remain committed to maintaining daily bus routes for all students.

The union representing district employees has not yet responded to requests for comment.