ST. LOUIS — Saint Louis Public Schools suspended all routes operated by a transportation vendor this weekend after finding the company failed to meet contractual obligations and safety standards. The district is currently reviewing its transportation department and holding all vendors accountable.
Parents have been notified and alternative transportation arrangements have been made for some families, while others are getting gas cards to help with the rides to school. Parents with questions should to contact their child’s school.
The school district has faced ongoing transportation challenges primarily due to a driver shortage and the loss of several bus service providers. These issues forced hundreds of students to rely on public transportation at the start of the year. The district’s difficulties have been compounded by significant staff turnover, including the recent dismissal of Superintendent Keisha Scarlett, adding to the instability in the school system’s leadership and operations.
SLPS recently appointed Levi McNeal as the new Assistant Director of Transportation. McNeal brings over 10 years of experience in transportation and operations management across various modes of transport, including school buses. He previously served in the U.S. Navy and most recently worked as a contract manager for a local transportation company.
McNeal’s first priority is to review all vendor compliance contracts and regulations within the next 15 days, according to SLPS. He has already arranged a meeting between the district’s largest transportation vendor and key internal stakeholders to address on-time arrivals, support new initiatives, and focus on the needs of vulnerable students.
