At this week’s Pella School Board meeting, a 15-minute extension of the Bus #9 route was approved following a public hearing. In several cases, students riding that bus have been on just over the allowable time from the Iowa Department of Education of 60 minutes. Superintendent Greg Ebeling says that specific route is challenging, as it features a smaller number of kids living further away from the school’s campus, but in the district’s borders. Ebeling says the transportation department has explored several options, but the most efficient would require hiring additional drivers, which remains a challenge for the district. Ebeling himself drives several routes to help fill in where needed, but knows that remains a top concern to ensure safe, effective transportation for students. Read more about bus driver hiring incentives and referrals here.