SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Districts Working to Keep Paying School Bus Drivers During Coronavirus Closings

Amid school closings across the U.S. prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, some districts ensure drivers continue to be paid. In some cases they are enlisting them to help feed students during the shutdown.

Nicole Schlosser
Nicole SchlosserFormer Executive Editor
March 16, 2020
Districts Working to Keep Paying School Bus Drivers During Coronavirus Closings

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic causing school closings nationwide, districts are ensuring drivers continue to be paid, in some cases by enlisting them to help feed students during the shutdown. Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2 min to read


Amid the COVID-19 pandemic causing school closings nationwide, districts are ensuring drivers continue to be paid, in some cases by enlisting them to help feed students during the shutdown. Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Amid the declaration of a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic causing school closings nationwide, some districts are ensuring drivers continue to be paid, in some cases by enlisting them to help feed students during the shutdown.

In Atlanta, Ga., The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that seven school districts they reached out to are working to maintain base wages for the majority of their employees. Meanwhile, starting Monday, Gwinnett County Public Schools bus drivers will deliver meals to 68 sites throughout the district area, according to the district's Facebook page.

As South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced on Sunday that all public schools would close from Monday through March 31, Molly Spearman, the state education superintendent said that teachers will continue to be paid as well as staff such as cafeteria workers and bus drivers, Greenville News reports.

Additionally, in Massachusetts, Framingham Public Schools will continue to pay for school bus service during the school closures, which started on Wednesday after an area resident tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, Framingham Patch reports.

Lincoln Lynch, the district’s executive director of finance and operations, told the news source that although the drivers may not be district employees, “ … we consider them to be such an important part of our student's experiences here at Framingham Public Schools and value them as if they were our employees."

“We will continue to share resources to help families cope with this evolving situation as we all work to support each other during this unprecedented time,” the district stated in an announcement about the school closings on its website.

A Kentucky district is also getting meals to students while schools are shut down. Fayette County Public Schools is offering boxed breakfasts and lunches for those 18 years old or younger at 115 school bus stops and 18 school locations, according to Lexington Herald Leader.

More Management

A school bus driver wearing a safety vest exchanges a high-five with a smiling young student near the front of a school bus. Sunlight streams through the windows as another adult stands nearby.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer

Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet leadership update graphic featuring the School Bus Logistics logo and headshots of three newly hired software data analysts: CJ Merrill, Jake Nulick, and Valorie Ashburn.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 18, 2026

School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities

Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.

Read More →
Cover page of an NSTA (National School Transportation Association) whitepaper titled "Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit: Benefits of Contracting Transportation Services." The design features a blue and gold color scheme with a yellow school bus graphic at the top. The subtitle reads, "Discover the value and benefits of converting to contracted student transportation services, a proven road to cost reduction and service enhancement." Contact information for NSTA appears at the bottom, including the website YellowBuses.org and email address info@yellowbuses.org
SponsoredJune 18, 2026

Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit

Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of a laptop displaying the EverDriven logo against a blue background, with the text "New AI-Powered Transportation Operations Hub" and the School Bus Fleet logo.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 17, 2026

EverDriven Debuts TripCentral as New District Transportation Portal

The new transportation management hub takes over the district portal to power trip planning, operations, visibility, and intelligence for school district transportation needs.

Read More →
Promotional graphic for School Bus Fleet's "Five Questions" series featuring Craig Beaver of Beaverton School District. The image shows Beaver smiling in an office setting alongside text reading "Five Questions with Craig Beaver." School Bus Fleet logo appears at the bottom.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJune 17, 2026

Lessons Learned from 4 Decades in Transportation: 5 Questions with Craig Beaver

Sit down with longtime transportation leader Craig Beaver moments before he retires, as he reflects on his career leading up to his role at Beaverton School District in Oregon and the secrets to leading great teams.

Read More →
Three people pose in front of a line of school buses.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 16, 2026

BusRight Honors Texas Driver With Inaugural Behind The Wheel Award

Selected from more than 300 nominations, Lawson Crook earned BusRight’s inaugural award for his dedication to students and safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Promotional graphic for The Route podcast by School Bus Fleet. On a bright yellow background with light circular accents, large text reads "4 Decades of Leadership Lessons." Featured guest Craig Beaver of Beaverton School District is shown smiling in a suit and tie on the right side of the image. The School Bus Fleet logo and The Route branding appear at the top left, with sponsorship by IC Bus displayed near the top center.
Sponsoredby Amanda HuggettJune 15, 2026

Craig Beaver’s Final Stop: Lessons from 43 Years in Transportation

After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District director Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.

Read More →
The Route thumbnail with school bus fleet logo
ManagementJune 15, 2026

What 43 Years in Transportation Taught Craig Beaver About Leadership

After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District admin Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next.

Read More →
Tod Eskra stands on an award stage to accept recognition
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 12, 2026

ASTP's Tod Eskra Named an Entrepreneur of the Year

The award from Ernst & Young honors visionary leadership behind one of America's fastest-growing student transportation contracting companies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black and white image of a school bus technician checking diagnostics as part of a graphic with text reading "How Do Today's School Bus Manufacturers Measure Up?"
Managementby StaffJune 10, 2026

Drivers and Technicians: Help Benchmark Today's School Bus Manufacturers

If you've spent time behind the wheel or under the hood, we want to hear your perspective on the buses you know best.

Read More →