Tomball ISD reviews transportation update at board workshop meeting

Chief operating officer Steven Gutierrez presented a transportation plan to the Tomball ISD board addressing multiple community concerns, including communication issues, a bus driver shortage and the current makeup of the fleet.

The breakdown

For the past three school semesters, TISD officials have been working to address vacant bus driver positions throughout TISD. According to Gutierrez, TISD used to be near the top in regard to competitive pay for their bus drivers, but as of late, they have fallen near the middle. TISD had 22 bus driver vacancies going back to the 2023-24 school year, which fell to 20 the next year and 10 the year after.

As it currently stands, TISD is projected to have only two vacant positions for the 2026-27 school year, which are both in the process of being filled with drivers in training. In total, TISD has 157 bus drivers in their fleet. The breakdown is as follows:

• 111 general drivers
• 36 special education drivers
• 10 on standby

Along with the filling of numerous vacant bus driver positions, Gutierrez said TISD is introducing new initiatives to address communication between drivers and parents.

TISD will be using a professional call service, OnFlo call center, to speak and address parental needs in regards to the transportation program.

“What this will allow us to do, being nearly full staffed, is to ensure that we have individuals in the office answering calls, talking to parents and resolving issues,” Gutierrez said.

TISD will also be utilizing a new safety system, BearCom Radio & Dispatch, which was funded through the 2025 bond. The new system will provide improved communication with drivers across the district and surrounding areas by cutting out any feedback or surrounding radio chatter from other drivers in the area.