Transportation Disruptions in Cumberland Valley Schools

Cumberland Valley, PA

On August 26, 2025, students in the Cumberland Valley School District faced transportation challenges as several bus runs were canceled due to a shortage of bus drivers. This disruption particularly impacted five bus routes across various school buildings within the district.

Families received notifications about the cancellations around 1:30 PM, directing them to make alternate arrangements for their children’s transportation. The Cumberland Valley School District serves over 10,500 students across 13 schools, thus making the cancellations significantly disruptive.

In a related event, the Susquehanna Township School District announced the closing of two elementary schools, Anna Carter Primary and Thomas Holtzman Elementary, citing “unexpected transportation issues” that stemmed from the same bus driver shortage. The district confirmed that the driver scarcity is a widespread issue impacting school districts across Pennsylvania.

Susquehanna Township School District learned about the bus driver shortages on the evening prior to the cancellations, hindering their ability to communicate changes to families swiftly. In response to the driver shortage, both districts urged families to stay alert for potential delays or further cancellations in the future.

The Cumberland Valley School District took proactive steps by sending out a letter to families, explaining the ongoing bus driver shortages and the related disruptions. They typically aim to notify families of any delays or cancellations by 8 PM the night before, but acknowledged that unforeseen circumstances can lead to last-minute changes.

Superintendent Mark A. Blanchard expressed appreciation for the understanding displayed by families as the district continues to address this issue in partnership with their transportation providers. In an effort to optimize transportation efficiency, families were encouraged to keep their contact information updated in the district’s Skyward system and to complete a Transportation Survey.

The Susquehanna Township School District is making efforts to keep families informed about transportation matters by utilizing their Campus Messenger System for updates during the remainder of the week. Superintendent Dr. Tamara Willis highlighted the importance of reliable transportation for students and noted that the district is actively pursuing long-term solutions to alleviate these ongoing issues.

Part of the problem lies with contracted transportation providers such as Shultz Transportation, which services multiple districts including both Cumberland Valley and Susquehanna Township. This provider is struggling to maintain sufficient staffing levels of bus drivers and is implementing various strategies to enhance driver retention.

Another provider, Rohrer Bus, is also facing challenges due to the driver shortage. This organization has ramped up its recruitment efforts and is modifying training protocols to address the pressing need for school bus drivers across the region.

The shortage of bus drivers has created significant challenges for school districts, prompting them to seek immediate solutions while also considering long-term strategies to prevent similar issues going forward. Families across both districts are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed regarding updates on transportation as the situation develops.