With the beginning of a new school year nearing, the Warren County R-III School Board of Education discussed their transportation program evaluation presented by the district’s Director of Transportation David Tinnin. 

Back in April, the district underwent the Missouri State Bus Inspection, with a goal of achieving 100%. Over 50 buses were inspected by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and 88.7% of buses in the district were approved or passed the inspection. 

In addition, 9.4% of buses were counted as defective and 1.9% were out of service. 

Tinnin noted that there are numerous points to check and if one fails, the whole bus fails. For example, one of the buses that failed was missing a bolt on a mirror bracket. 

“Even if you can fix it and you can replace the bolt right then and there, it doesn’t matter. It’s just counted as a failure,” Tinnin said at the board meeting. 

Klinginsmith noted that these buses were all fixed and are now in good working condition. 

“We want to have quality, safe buses,” Klinginsmith said. “We’re thankful for the Highway Patrol. They come out and hold us to a high standard and our goal is to meet that standard every time.” 

Tinnin also took the time to thank the board for their continued support to the transportation department, specifically when it comes to better pay. 

Klinginsmith added that the district offered bus drivers $14 an hour a few years ago. Over the past couple years, the hourly wage has increased and is now set at $20 an hour. Bus drivers also receive full insurance benefits when they drive a morning and afternoon route. 

With this increase, Tinnin has noticed a significant rise in more people interested in working in the district. He added that some people were driving outside of the district for better pay, but with the better pay, the district has become more competitive with other school districts. 

“It is absolutely a critical position to operate the school district,” Klinginsmith said. “Without bus drivers, kids can’t come to school and attendance is the number one outcome for student achievement.” 

Tinnin added that there are a few people currently testing to become a driver. The district is hoping that more people will complete their training, which will allow them to bring back a couple bus routes and see less crowding on buses. 

Tinnin added that more teachers than ever are undergoing training and testing to be a bus driver as well. 

“That’s really what is a significant factor for our department is getting some experienced drivers in there as well as pulling in the new drivers,” Tinnin said. 

Klinginsmith added that staffing and transportation is in a good position before the start of the new school year, but could always use more bus drivers. 

“We really are in a better spot, I think, than we’ve been in the last several years,” Klinginsmith said.