Citing a Driver Shortage, Talbot Schools Change 22 Bus Routes in Easton, St. Michaels and Chapel District

EASTON, MARYLAND — Talbot County Public Schools changed 22 school bus routes effective Wednesday, Nov. 4, citing ongoing bus driver shortages and bus capacity adjustments, according to a notice from the district's transportation department.

The changes touch routes serving Easton High and Easton Middle, the St. Michaels elementary and middle-high campus, Easton Elementary and Chapel District Elementary. The department asked families whose children ride a listed bus to log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and review updated bus assignments, stops, and pickup and drop-off times. Questions go to the Transportation Department.

The notice lists 27 route entries. Five route numbers appear under two schools, so the count is 22 distinct routes, by the Patriot's count.

In her Nov. 5 weekly update, Superintendent Sharon Pepukayi thanked families for their patience with the driver shortage. She wrote that the district is still recruiting and that the transportation department is developing strategies to consolidate routes for more long-term efficiency.

October's transportation update listed runs of 84 minutes for St. Michaels Route 220, 82 minutes for St. Michaels Route 235 and 83 minutes for Easton Elementary Route 203. Its 81-minute Route 244 run served Easton High and Easton Middle; November's Route 244 change is listed under Chapel District Elementary. The notice does not say how run times change under the new routes.

At the board's Oct. 14 meeting, Director of Operations Kevin Shafer said the system runs 112 daily routes, counting morning, midday and afternoon runs, according to draft minutes. He told the board the transportation office has a staff of three and one person who does routing.

The district advertises a free Learn to Drive training program for new bus drivers, through Transportation Supervisor Gina Pierce at 410-822-0330.