Cumberland Valley, PA, August 27, 2025
News Summary
A bus driver shortage has caused significant disruption in the Cumberland Valley School District, leading to the cancellation of several bus routes and affecting numerous families. On August 26, five routes were canceled, prompting officials to alert parents of the need for alternate arrangements. The Susquehanna Township School District also faced transportation issues, resulting in the closure of two elementary schools. Both districts are working with transportation providers to manage the logistics and mitigate future disruptions.
Cumberland Valley, PA
On August 26, 2025, a bus driver shortage resulted in the cancellation of several bus runs within the Cumberland Valley School District, impacting multiple school buildings and creating significant logistics challenges for families. Specifically, five bus routes were canceled on this date, leading the district to notify families around 1:30 PM, asking them to make alternate arrangements.
This disruption was compounded by similar announcements from the Susquehanna Township School District, which decided to close two elementary schools—Anna Carter Primary and Thomas Holtzman Elementary—due to “unexpected transportation issues” linked to the same statewide shortage of bus drivers. The Susquehanna Township district reported being informed of the driver shortages late in the evening before the cancellations, complicating timely communication to families.
Both Cumberland Valley and Susquehanna Township school districts have expressed concerns over ongoing shortages of bus drivers from their contracted transportation providers and have warned families of the possibility of further delays and additional cancellations in the coming days. The Cumberland Valley School District, which serves over 10,500 students across 13 schools, has been proactive in addressing this situation, informing families of the impacts of the driver shortage through a letter and advising them to ensure their contact information in the district’s Skyward system is current.
According to the Cumberland Valley School District, the aim is to communicate any delays or cancellations by 8 PM the evening prior to a scheduled school day, although they acknowledge that last-minute changes do occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
As families cope with the disruption, Superintendent Mark A. Blanchard has expressed gratitude for their patience while navigating this challenging issue in collaboration with transportation providers. Alongside communication efforts, families were urged to complete the Transportation Survey to enhance route efficiency.
Transportation Provider Efforts
The shortage of bus drivers is not isolated to these two districts; it is a widespread issue affecting many areas across Pennsylvania. Local transportation providers such as Shultz Transportation and Rohrer Bus are actively facing challenges in maintaining adequate staffing of drivers. Shultz Transportation has been implementing a variety of strategies aimed at retaining its drivers, while Rohrer Bus is intensifying its recruitment initiatives and adjusting training processes in response to the ongoing driver shortage.
Future Outlook
In response to the ongoing crisis, Susquehanna Township School District plans to utilize the Campus Messenger System to provide consistent updates regarding transportation for the remainder of the week. Superintendent Dr. Tamara Willis highlighted the critical need for reliable transportation and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to exploring long-term solutions to the ongoing driver shortage.
As the situation unfolds, families in both districts are encouraged to keep informed and remain adaptable as school transportation needs continue to evolve in the face of these challenges.
FAQ Section
What caused the bus cancellations in Cumberland Valley and Susquehanna Township School Districts?
The cancellations were caused by a shortage of bus drivers, which affected transportation services provided by contracted transportation providers.
How many routes were canceled in the Cumberland Valley School District?
On August 26, 2025, five bus routes were specifically reported as canceled.
What measures are being taken by the school districts to address the driver shortage?
The districts are communicating with families about potential delays and cancellations, encouraging families to keep their contact information up-to-date, and collaborating with transportation providers to explore solutions.
What are the names of the schools that were closed in Susquehanna Township?
The elementary schools closed were Anna Carter Primary and Thomas Holtzman Elementary.
How can families ensure they receive timely notifications about transportation issues?
Families should ensure their contact information in the district’s Skyward system is accurate and complete the Transportation Survey for better route efficiency.
Key Features of the Bus Driver Shortage Situation
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Date | August 26, 2025 |
| School Districts Affected | Cumberland Valley School District, Susquehanna Township School District |
| Routes Canceled | Five bus routes in Cumberland Valley |
| Schools Closed | Anna Carter Primary, Thomas Holtzman Elementary |
| Total Students Served | Over 10,500 in Cumberland Valley |
| Transportation Providers | Shultz Transportation, Rohrer Bus |
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Additional Resources
- ABC 27: Cumberland Valley School District Experiences Bus Cancellations
- WGAL: PA School Bus Driver Shortage – Classes Canceled
- PennLive: Bus Shortage Shuts Down Dauphin County Schools
- CBS News: Winter Storm Delays and Cancellations
- Google Search: Bus Driver Shortage
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