Mentor, Ohio, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Mentor Public Schools canceled classes due to a severe shortage of bus drivers, impacting students and families across the district. The district was unable to cover required bus routes, resulting in the cancellation of school for all students. In response, a partnership with Laketran has been established to operate two bus routes, and the district is actively recruiting new drivers. An event called ‘Drive the Bus’ is scheduled to inform potential drivers about job requirements. The district expresses gratitude for family support during this challenging time.
Mentor, Ohio – Mentor Public Schools canceled classes on September 30 due to a significant shortage of bus drivers in the district’s transportation department. This disruption affected all students and staff across the district, leading to parents and guardians scrambling for alternative arrangements.
The decision to close schools was made after the district reported that a large number of absences in the transportation department left it unable to cover the required bus routes. The situation was dire, with Mentor Schools needing to manage 48 daily bus routes that included multiple runs for students at different educational levels and those with special needs. On the morning of the closure, the district had two driver vacancies, and an additional nine drivers were unavailable, resulting in a total of 29 routes that could not be covered.
In a public address, the district’s Superintendent Craig Heath expressed regret for the significant impact this cancellation had on families. He also mentioned that the situation was not unexpected, as the district was already grappling with two vacant full-time driver positions along with drivers on extended leave.
To alleviate future transportation challenges, Mentor Public Schools announced a partnership with Laketran, which will operate two bus routes starting Monday. This initiative includes the presence of district bus aides on the Laketran-operated routes to ensure student safety and support.
Families whose students are affected by the new transportation arrangements received phone calls and follow-up emails detailing the changes. Following the closure, there has been a surge of interest in bus driver positions, with numerous applications currently being reviewed. The district is actively encouraging ongoing recruitment efforts, and potential drivers can find application information on the district’s website.
To further address the staffing issue, Mentor Schools will host a “Drive the Bus” event on November 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mentor High School. This event aims to provide potential drivers with the opportunity to operate a school bus and learn about the requirements and responsibilities of the job.
Superintendent Heath emphasized the district’s commitment to building a more dependable transportation system. The aim is to fully staff the transportation department to improve service for the many students who rely on school transportation. The decision to close schools due to staffing shortages was made after careful consideration of the potential disruption it would cause for families.
As the district resolves these staffing challenges, they are thankful for the patience and understanding demonstrated by families during this critical period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were classes canceled at Mentor Public Schools?
Classes were canceled due to a significant shortage of bus drivers, which left the district unable to cover the necessary transportation routes.
How many bus routes does Mentor Schools operate daily?
Mentor Public Schools operates 48 bus routes daily, which include multiple runs for different educational levels and special needs transportation.
What steps is the district taking to address the bus driver shortage?
The district is reviewing numerous applications for bus driver positions, hosting recruitment events, and partnering with Laketran to operate additional bus routes.
When will the new bus routes operated by Laketran begin?
The new bus routes operated by Laketran will commence on the Monday following the cancellation.
What is the “Drive the Bus” event?
The “Drive the Bus” event on November 1 will provide potential drivers with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a school bus and learn more about the job requirements and responsibilities.
Key Features of Mentor Public Schools Transportation Issues
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Class Cancellation | Classes were canceled on September 30 due to bus driver shortages. |
| Transportation Routes | 48 daily bus routes are managed by the district. |
| Driver Absences | Two vacant positions and nine driver absences affected route coverage. |
| Laketran Partnership | Two bus routes will be operated by Laketran starting on Monday. |
| Recruitment Efforts | Numerous applications for driver positions are under review. |
| Drive the Bus Event | Event scheduled for November 1 for potential drivers to gain experience. |
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Laketran Steps In After Bus Driver Shortage
- Google Search: Mentor Public Schools bus driver shortage
- Cleveland19: Mentor Public Schools Closed
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- News 5 Cleveland: Mentor Bus Driver Fired
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bus
- Fox8: Local District Closes Due to Bus Driver Shortage
- Google News: Bus Driver Shortage
- Cleveland.com: Lake County School Cancels Classes
- WKYC: Mentor School Bus Driver Fired for Impaired Driving
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