Monday January 6^th marks the official launch of the highly anticipated Shared Services Tuolumne County, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve student transportation in Tuolumne County. This program, a collaboration between Curtis Creek Elementary, Jamestown Elementary, Sonora Elementary, and Sonora Union High School Districts, addresses the nationwide bus driver shortage while enhancing operational efficiency and student services.

For years, local districts have faced challenges such as route cancellations, reduced bus availability, and difficulty scheduling transportation for extracurricular activities. The initiative is the result of a two-year collaborative study and planning process aimed at solving these issues and ensuring consistent, reliable service for students.

Key Features:

• Improved Reliability: By pooling resources, districts are optimizing driver recruitment and fleet utilization to minimize service disruptions.

• Student-Focused Routes: Separate bus routes for elementary and high school students prioritize safety, comfort, and reduced travel times.

• Aligned School Schedules: Staggered start times, which began earlier this year, comply with California Senate Bill 328, ensuring high schools begin no earlier than 8:30 AM to support adolescent health and academic performance and allow for elementary students to have dedicated service to ensure their comfort and safety.

“This program is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Ed Pelfrey, Superintendent of Sonora Union High School District. “It’s an innovative solution to the challenges we’ve faced, and it reinforces our commitment to providing reliable, high-quality transportation for our students.”

A Phased Approach

The rollout will prioritize essential routes, with plans to expand coverage as staffing levels increase. Initial staffing supports 75% of planned routes, with ongoing recruitment and training to build a sustainable, dependable team.

Learn More

A dedicated website provides detailed route information, FAQs, and contact details for district transportation representatives. Access the webpage here or go to the Sonora Unified High School District website online and click “Transportation” from the “Departments” menu. 

Shared Services Tuolumne County is a significant milestone in ensuring students across Tuolumne County have safe and consistent access to education.

For more information, contact:
 

Ed Pelfrey
Superintendent, Sonora Union High School District

epelfrey@sonorahigh.org

If you or other great people you know are interested in becoming a school bus driver or exploring other career opportunities with Sonora UHSD go to Sonora Union High School District Job Portal for more information.