School Bus Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Texas School Bus Agency Begins Shutdown Process

Dallas County Schools, which has faced financial hurdles and controversy in recent years, is ending operations after voters chose on Nov. 7 to shut it down.

Nicole Schlosser
Nicole SchlosserFormer Executive Editor
November 17, 2017
3 min to read


DALLAS — A school bus agency here that has faced financial hurdles and controversy in recent years is shutting down after operating for more than a century, NBC DFW reports.

Dallas County voters chose on Nov. 7 to shut down Dallas County Schools (DCS), which, as previously reported, has struggled with reports of financial problems, questionable business dealings, and complaints from school districts on the agency’s performance.

Business deals reportedly have left the agency $130 million in debt and caused an FBI investigation, according to NBC DFW. An analysis that the news source reports was withheld by the former administrators of DCS but was recently released to NBC 5 Investigates suggests that agency officials may have made false statements while trying to market stop-arm cameras to school districts, and that the timing of campaign donations made to some elected DCS officials falls in conjunction with contract awards.

The agency posted a statement on its website after the vote last week, noting that the majority of the 6.5% of Dallas County residents who voted opted to end DCS operations after the 2017-18 school year, and that although staff members are “disheartened with the outcome,” they are thankful for the support they received.

The statement also said that the agency “remains dedicated to serving the students, parents, and districts in and around Dallas County for as long as we have the opportunity to do so. We wish the school districts the best and will do everything we can to assist with a smooth transition.”

Work has begun on phasing out DCS: A dissolution committee replaced the agency’s board of directors on Wednesday. One task will be deciding how to parcel out DCS’s more than 1,000 buses that served area school districts, according to NBC DFW. Some of the agency’s board members expressed concern for bus drivers and other employees due to potential pay and benefit cuts. Gloria Levario, the outgoing board president, told the news source that some employees will probably lose their jobs.

Meanwhile, bus drivers for the agency voiced their concerns at the final meeting held by DCS trustees and interim superintendent Gary Lindsey, The Dallas Morning News reports. DCS drivers also want the dissolution committee, which includes the superintendents of the nine school districts that the agency has served, to assure them that they will not lose pay or benefits or have to reapply for their jobs if a private company takes over transportation, according to the newspaper.

Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinojosa has attempted to reassure drivers for his district that they will be paid through the end of the school year and will be needed regardless of what happens, The Dallas Morning News reports.

More Management

thumbnail for the route season 2 episode 9 featuring photos of bret brooks and amanda huggett
ManagementSeptember 15, 2026

How to Build a Better Driver Training Program

Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.

Read More →
Catalyst Mobility: Building Clean Transportation Together
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 14, 2026

CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility

The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.

Read More →
School bus driver training graphic featuring a group gathered around a yellow school bus, with text reading, “Tips for Selecting Superb School Bus Driver Instructors.”
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 14, 2026

What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?

Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Compton Unified School District transportation staff stand between two yellow school buses, including a small bus and a full-size conventional bus.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 11, 2026

School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships

STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.

Read More →
A line up of school buses with one out front of the group.
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 7, 2026

Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families

A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.

Read More →
Graphic that reads “What I Learned About Leadership” over photos of school transportation professionals participating in discussions and networking at the TAPT leadership event.
ManagementSeptember 4, 2026

From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT

A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic announcing the 2026 NAPT Award Winners, featuring the National Association for Pupil Transportation logo on a blue background with gold stars.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 3, 2026

NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee

Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.

Read More →
Zonar Cover for White Paper Survey Results for 2026 State of Student Transportation
SponsoredSeptember 2, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.

Read More →
Graphic reading “Managing Others’ Anger: Keeping Your Cool When Tempers Are High,” alongside a red balloon with an angry face against a stormy background.
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 1, 2026

How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict

What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of happy school children exiting their school bus
SponsoredSeptember 1, 2026

What Readiness Looks Like This School Year

Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.

Read More →