RSU 67

September 27, 2024

Dear RSU No. 67 Families,

I am writing to update you on our efforts to improve transportation services for all RSU No. 67 students.  We recognize that the driver shortage has been challenging and frustrating for families.  We appreciate your patience as we work to get more licensed drivers.  We are working hard to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. 

When drivers retired at the end of the last school year, we worked over the summer to recruit and hire drivers interested in full-time and spare driving positions. Several new drivers began the process of training during the summer, but the state licensing process has taken longer than we expected.  However, with the assistance of one of our local State Representatives, we are now back on track to complete licensing requirements very soon.  I hope that by the end of October, we will have 3 additional full-time drivers, and 1 or 2 substitute drivers ready to begin transporting students.  There is no question that this will make a huge difference in our ability to provide the full array of transportation services our students need and deserve.  There is light at the end of the tunnel. 

As we wait for our new drivers to complete licensing requirements, I want to assure you that we are utilizing all available resources to ensure all children are transported safely to and from school.  Although there are no contracted service providers available for daily runs, and no drivers available from neighboring school districts, we are using vans to transport if needed and contracted transport for sporting events when necessary.  

As we continue to work through this temporary driver shortage, there could be some slight disruptions in the normal pick-up and drop-off time for your child(ren).  If this happens, we will do our best to contact any affected family with as much notice as possible.  We understand and hear your concerns, and I assure you we are doing our very best to minimize the disruptions for you and your family. 

The hard work of our drivers and transportation staff is very much appreciated, and we strive to meet your expectations every day.  We appreciate how accommodating you have all been.  Although we have several new drivers currently in the licensing process, we are still looking for people interested in becoming a licensed full or substitute bus driver.  Free training is available for anyone interested.

If you have any questions regarding transportation, or if you would like more information on how to become a licensed bus driver,  please email me at aedwards@rsu67.org or call the office at 207-794-6500.   I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Andy Edwards, Director of Facilities and Transportation

RSU 67