As of December 7, 2023, PSD has not canceled any bus routes. We expect we may need to cancel some routes temporarily after winter break, because of driver illness, a lack of substitute bus drivers, and upcoming driver retirements/resignations. We are trying to maintain equity by not impacting the same students daily. We are committed to running as many bus routes as possible, while keeping student health and safety as the first priority.
PSD is one of the last districts in our area to consider route cancellations. Almost all schools in the nation are facing the same bus driver shortage. Please help spread the word about our urgent need for additional full and part-time drivers! See below for FAQs about impacts of the bus driver shortage.
Q: Why might some bus routes be temporarily canceled?
A: We have a bus driver shortage because of driver illness, a lack of substitute bus drivers, and upcoming driver retirements/resignations.
Q: If my route is canceled, is my student excused if they are late or cannot get to school?
A: If your student is late or misses class, this will be considered an excused tardy/absence.
Q: If my route is canceled, is it for morning and afternoon?
A: If your route is canceled, no student pick-ups will be available in both the A.M. and P.M. Families impacted should plan alternate transportation for their students.
Q: How many drivers do we have and need?
A: We have 62 bus drivers, we anticipate having 4-5 that are resigning or retiring at the end of 2023. We need to recruit 5 new drivers and are always looking for substitutes as we only have 8 substitutes who are available for varying shifts.
Q: What has the district tried to do to recruit drivers?
A: We have attended local job fairs, online job recruitment, we have placed banners and yard signs throughout the community stating our need for drivers, and sent notifications home from schools with students.
Q: How can I become a bus driver or substitute bus driver?
A: We offer paid training for bus drivers and substitute bus drivers. To become a bus driver, you need to obtain a commercial drivers license, a school bus authorization through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, complete 40 hours of classroom time and be trained behind the wheel, which is approximately 30 additional hours. Drivers also undergo a background check, drug test and must have a clean driving record. It takes about 8 weeks to train and test to become a school bus driver. The training is the same for substitute drivers as it is for daily drivers. Please view the job postings for bus driver (fully certified driver) and bus driver trainee (new driver) here.
Q: What about special needs routes?
A: Special needs routes will not be canceled, as their routes are federally mandated.
Q: Will cancellations more greatly affect the Key Peninsula or more rural bus routes?
A: We are trying to maintain equity by not impacting the same students daily. Every student deserves to be in school daily and we will do our best to ensure that one area is not impacted more than another.
Q: What other options have been considered?
A: We have consolidated routes to avoid cancellations in the past and we also contract with outside transportation vendors for some of our transportation needs.
Q: Can office staff help with driver shortages?
A: All transportation office staff are fully trained school bus drivers and are on the road almost daily at this point, leaving their daily duties uncovered.
Q: Why did you send an email on Dec. 5 if this will not impact families until after winter break?
A: Our hope is to continue to be able to cover routes on a daily basis, however, we felt the need to be proactive and communicate with families so that they were aware of the real potential of the cancellations and what to expect regarding future communication should the cancellations occur. Much like inclement weather, our families deserve prior communication so that they can create alternate transportation plans if necessary.
Please review the following bus safety topics with your student:
Our goal in Transportation is to make the trip to and from school as safe and pleasant as possible for all District students. In an effort to make this happen, please be aware of the following:
Some important information and reminders regarding school transportation
The safety of our students is our top priority and we appreciate your understanding as we work to make our transportation more efficient.
If you would like to request transportation for your student(s) and their transportation needs fall into a category below, please fill out this form.
Once signed, the transportation department will contact you at the number provided to inform you how we can help with your student’s transportation needs.
Transportation Release Form
Swift Water is unique in that it is the district’s first major walking school. Because so many Swift Water students live close by, many students living in specific neighborhoods will be designated as walkers. No school bus transportation will be provided to these neighborhoods.
Families living in the following neighborhoods are designated as those who need to walk, bike, or choose parent pick-up/drop-off to and from school:
Click on the image of the map for designated walking neighborhoods and the recommended walking routes for your child to use to and from school each day. The walking route plan has been developed based on traffic patterns and traffic controls such as crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights, and safety patrol posts.
The route limits the number of street crossings children will make and seeks to group children together to increase their visibility and safety. Therefore, the route may not be the shortest way to school, but it is important that children follow the route, even if they have to walk a little farther to get to school.
For more information, please contact Swift Water Elementary at 253-530-4900.
Goodman Middle School - North Side
Goodman Middle School - South Side
Harbor Ridge Middle School - East
Harbor Ridge Middle School - West
Key Peninsula Middle School - North Side
Key Peninsula Middle School - South Side
Kopachuck Middle School - North Side
Kopachuck Middle School - South Side
Gig Harbor High - Southeast Side
Gig Harbor High - Southwest Side
Peninsula High - Purdy Spit Side
Peninsula High - Peacock Hill Side
Families will need to transport their student to and from school, or to an established bus stop that services their school, if they: