The shortage of school bus drivers has been a growing problem over the past calendar year.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reaching out to roughly 375,000 drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License in the state about the immediate need for drivers and how to get the correct endorsements for a school bus license.

PennDOT will also temporarily expand its days of operation to offer CDL skills testing at 23 locations throughout the state to include Mondays for four weeks, beginning Oct. 18.

“PennDOT is committed to ensuring safe transportation for students,” Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers said. “We urge CDL licensees who are seeking work or supplemental employment to obtain a school bus endorsement - taking advantage of the additional hours for CDL testing - to help transport students safely.”

Additionally, school districts can use federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds to reimburse parents or guardians to safely transport their students to and from in-person school.

But not every district is dealing with transportation issues.

“Fortunately, we have not had this issue occur as of yet,” said Ray Kinder, Tamaqua superintendent. “We would look to examine all options if presented with that circumstance.”

Others have implemented different strategies to address the transportation challenges.

“These problems have existed since 2019, but COVID-19 has amplified the situation,” said John Rushefski, Jim Thorpe superintendent.

“With regards to Brandywine Transportation, we cooperated with them to create this two-tiered system of arrival and dismissal. Back before COVID, we had a handful of drivers that would run what we call double runs. … But that’s now the standard going into this year.”

Northern Lehigh School District also hasn’t had to expend any of its ESSER funds for that purpose, according to Superintendent Matthew J. Link.

Link said that like other school districts, NLSD has ESSER funds for a variety of uses through September 2024.

“We consider our current needs, and needs we foresee, while the funds are available, and then dedicate ESSER funds in a way that will benefit our students and staff,” Link said. “Some of the funding must be used for specific student groups over the next few years.”

Link noted that each month, an update on its ESSER funding is presented at the district’s public board meetings.

“We communicate often with Brandywine Transportation, our busing company, to discuss staffing for bus and van drivers,” he said. “We work together to advertise for drivers and retain them.”

Link added the district hasn’t had to earmark any ESSER funds for that particular purpose to date.

“If we identify an appropriate use of ESSER funds that the district can use to help ease the impact of the driver shortage, we will,” he said. “As of now, we have not utilized ESSER funds specifically for this purpose, as Brandywine has been covering any associated cost.”

Link said the district will reach out to some local providers to discuss hosting another vaccination clinic on its campus.

For anyone wishing to become a bus driver, the first step is obtaining initial issuance of a CDL. Anyone 18 years, or older, may obtain the school bus and passenger endorsements on a CDL to obtain a school bus license. Additionally, certain third-party businesses are certified by PennDOT to administer the road test for a market-driven fee.

Terry Ahner contributed to this story.