Sahuarita School District Struggling With Bus Driver Shortage

By Mariah Gallegos
Published: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 - 12:31pm

Like many Arizona school districts, Sahuarita is struggling with a shortage of bus drivers.  Mechanics, mail couriers and transportation coordinators are helping to drive the buses in the southern Arizona district.

The Sahuarita Unified School District started the school year with 11 vacant driver positions. 

Mike Fiesler is the transportation director who also is stepping in to cover the bus routes.

“We haven't missed anything or not been able to get kids to and from school. So in the background, we're doing everything we need to do, but a lot of times in the forefront, people don't know because we just get it handled," Fiesler said.

The assistant superintendent is currently in training to receive his certification to be a driver along with four others who have been hired.