Was There Really a Bus Driver Shortage?
Invoices confirm that Michael's Transportation provided contracted drivers in the 2023–24 school year. They do not establish whether enough drivers were available for the following year.
Drivers were being supplied. What happened next?
Michael's Transportation invoiced the Miller Creek School District for driver staffing during 2023–24, including an hourly driver rate of $65 and additional commute fees.
Was Michael's unable to continue supplying drivers in 2024–25, or did the district decide not to renew that staffing arrangement?
The current invoices do not resolve this question. Additional contracts and agency correspondence are being sought under the California Public Records Act.
Even if there was a shortage, why sell the buses?
In 2024, the district sold 10 buses for a reported $141,000. These were existing public assets, with prior purchase costs already incurred. Selling them produced cash but removed assets that might have supported future service.
Keeping buses also has ongoing costs. We are requesting records that show their remaining book value, depreciation, sale proceeds, anticipated maintenance expenses, and whether temporary retention was considered.
If the immediate problem was staffing, what made selling the buses the best long-term choice?
What we are asking for
Records concerning Michael's staffing availability for 2024–25, renewal discussions, transportation alternatives, and financial analysis supporting the bus sales.
This investigation asks questions. It does not establish that the driver shortage was fabricated or that the bus sales were improper.
For related public records, read the standalone Evidence archive →