Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Two schools in the Susquehanna Township School District were closed due to a shortage of bus drivers. The unexpected transportation issues arose from the contracted provider’s inability to meet the district’s needs. The district has announced plans to keep families updated on transportation developments and is encouraging families to help by providing temporary transportation. Though the closed schools will reopen, challenges with bus service may continue.
Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania – Two schools within the Susquehanna Township School District, Anna Carter Primary School and Thomas Holtzman Elementary School, were closed on Tuesday due to a significant shortage of bus drivers. The announcement was made on the district’s website shortly after 5 a.m., citing “unexpected transportation issues” that arose due to the lack of available drivers.
The transportation crisis emerged when it became evident that the contracted transportation provider, Shultz Transportation, did not have enough drivers on hand to accommodate the school’s transportation needs. This notification was received late the night before, making it difficult for the district to adequately communicate the situation to families ahead of the school day.
In light of these circumstances, the district expressed concerns about the safety of younger students who might be left unattended at bus stops without transportation. While Anna Carter Primary and Thomas Holtzman Elementary were closed, Susquehanna Township Middle School and High School continued to operate on their regular schedule.
Superintendent Tamara Willis acknowledged that the bus driver shortage is a widespread issue affecting various school districts across Pennsylvania, including their own. The president of Shultz Transportation stated that he and his vice president directly planned to drive buses themselves if needed to combat the shortages. In an attempt to attract and retain drivers, the transportation provider is offering competitive pay and benefits.
Furthermore, the district indicated plans for ongoing updates regarding transportation availability throughout the rest of the week via their Campus Messenger System. On Tuesday evening, it was confirmed that the two closed schools would resume operations on Wednesday, but the district notified families of possible continued bus delays.
The district has encouraged families to consider providing temporary transportation for their children to help alleviate strain on the transportation system and minimize combined bus routes. Rohrer Bus, another service contracted by the district, also indicated that they are experiencing similar driver shortages and are actively recruiting more drivers through competitive compensation and enhanced training programs. They are also planning community events to raise awareness around the need for bus drivers.
The shortages are indicative of broader staffing challenges faced by various sectors within Pennsylvania, illustrating deeper issues affecting both the education and transportation sectors in the state. As companies such as Shultz Transportation and Rohrer Bus work to fill these roles with qualified drivers who enjoy working with students, the district remains focused on maintaining a consistent and safe transportation experience for its students.
Transportation Updates
The Susquehanna Township School District has communicated that they will share any transportation updates for the remainder of the week regularly. Families should remain attentive to these communications to stay informed about their children’s transportation arrangements.
Future Implications
While the reopening of the closed schools marks a step toward normalcy, the ongoing driver shortages could pose challenges for the district in the future. Continuous recruitment efforts and potential changes to transportation logistics may be necessary as the demand for qualified bus drivers remains high.
Key Statistics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closed Schools | Anna Carter Primary School, Thomas Holtzman Elementary School |
| Schools Open | Susquehanna Township Middle School, High School |
| Transportation Provider | Shultz Transportation |
| Action Taken | Classes canceled due to insufficient bus drivers |
| Recruitment Efforts | Competitive pay and benefits by Rohrer Bus |
FAQ
What caused the school closures in Susquehanna Township?
The closures were due to a shortage of school bus drivers, making transportation for students impossible.
Which schools were closed?
Anna Carter Primary School and Thomas Holtzman Elementary School were closed on Tuesday.
What measures are being taken to address the bus driver shortage?
Transportation providers are offering competitive pay, benefits, and comprehensive training while also hosting community events to recruit drivers.
Will the closed schools reopen?
Yes, the schools will reopen on Wednesday, but there may still be delays in transportation.
What can families do to help?
Families are encouraged to provide temporary transportation for their children to minimize disruptions.
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Additional Resources
- Local21 News: Susquehanna Township Schools Closed Due to Transportation Issues
- AOL: Bus Driver Shortage Forces Susquehanna School Closures
- PennLive: Bus Shortage Shuts Down Dauphin County Schools
- ABC27: Dauphin County Schools Closed Due to Transportation Issues
- WHTM: School Closures Due to Driver Shortage
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- Google Search: Bus Driver Shortage in PA
- Google Scholar: Educational Transportation Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Transportation
- Google News: Bus Driver Shortage
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