Exploring a 3‑Tier School Schedule

Like many school districts across the country, USD 383 is facing a continued shortage of school bus drivers. Rather than reducing routes, limiting service, or contracting services out, district leadership proposed a 3-tier school schedule that will allow us to utilize about 45 drivers as opposed to about 60.

What does that mean?

A 3‑tier schedule adjusts school start and end times so buses can run up to three routes instead of two in the morning and afternoon without needing to add more drivers. In previous years, we have operated with Elementary and Early Learning having the same start and end time, and High School and Middle School having the same start and end time. This change helps us better use the drivers we have while continuing to safely transport our students. 

Why a 3‑tier system?

We’ve looked closely at how this change can benefit students, families, and staff. Here’s what it offers:

Shorter, safer routes: Routes can be shorter, and secondary routes will have fewer students per bus. For high school and middle school students, average route times will go from 46 minutes to an estimated average of 36 minutes (high school) and 34 minutes (middle school). Elementary students may go from an average of 35 minutes to an estimated 27 minutes. Keep in mind, these are estimated averages – not all students will have the estimated decrease in route times. 

Expanded opportunities: A 3-tier system can allow for more buses and drivers to be available for field trips, extracurricular activities, and athletics. 

Improved transportation efficiency: Fewer drivers will be needed, and existing drivers will have the opportunity for more consistent hours.

Improved working conditions: For several school years, our maintenance team and transportation office staff have had to take bus routes to help fill the gaps. We are very grateful for their continued flexibility and willingness to get our students to and from school, however, it is a strain on our staff. This new system will greatly reduce the need for maintenance and transportation office staff to pick up routes. 

No change to eligibility: Transportation eligibility requirements will remain unchanged.

Cost neutral: This shift should not increase costs and will reduce the number of buses needed in the long term.

We know school schedules affect daily routines, childcare, and family time. Any changes we considered are approached carefully, with students, reliability, and long‑term sustainability at the center of the conversation.

Thank you for being our partners as we work to ensure dependable transportation for our students, improved working conditions for transportation and maintenance staff, and willingness to problem-solve.