The explosive growth is leaving Rutherford County facing a shortage of school bus drivers. Since 1924, the county has contracted with private individuals to provide buses and drivers. Rutherford County school bus contractor Clarissa Smith says they’re falling behind on drivers:

The shortage is forcing drivers to double up on their routes. After dropping off the first group of students, the bus driver then turns around and picks up another group of students, leaving many to be tardy:

Smith says it’s up to the contractor, and not the county, to find a sub or fill the route of a missing driver:

 

In contract to the county system, Murfreesboro City Schools owns the buses and hires their own drivers. Smith says most school districts operate this way, but Rutherford County and a handful of others do not.

Listen to the full podcast with Clarissa Smith

ADVERTISEMENT