After months of planning and training, Vermilion Local Schools is restoring high school busing beginning Monday, November 17. The change comes after the district successfully added five new certified bus drivers to its transportation team, filling crucial positions that had forced the district to suspend routes earlier this year.
The new drivers are Sarah Wolfgang, Kristy Kenska, Brad Huntley, Ashley Kiefer, and Doug Lemons. Together, they represent a mix of retirees, parents, and career changers who answered the call when the district announced its driver shortage. “We still need substitute drivers,” said Amber Stolar, Director of Transportation. “But with these new additions, we finally have enough to restore high school routes and balance the load for our elementary runs.”
Stolar credited David Johnson, retired transportation director, and Steve Sutton, a current driver, for guiding the group through the demanding Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) process. Johnson returned to assist with hands-on training, while Sutton worked side by side with the new drivers during road practice. “They encouraged us the whole way through,” one trainee said. “I didn’t believe in myself, but they did.”
Training began in early September with pre-service classes and weeks of on-the-road practice. The group tackled every part of the CDL process, including pre-trip inspections, maneuverability, and passenger pickup protocols. “It’s not easy,” said one driver. “You have to learn every part of the bus, under the hood and all. It’s a lot different than driving a car or even a semi.”
For some, the motivation was deeply personal. Wolfgang said she pursued the job after watching neighbors struggle with transportation when high school routes were cut. “Even my own kids had to carpool around the neighborhood,” she said. “Now that busing is coming back, they’re like, finally.”
Others joined for the chance to serve their community while finding a family-friendly schedule. Huntley, who retired from a sales career, said the role offered a meaningful way to give back. Kiefer brought experience from driving large RVs, while Kenska praised the team’s encouragement and patience throughout training. Doug Lemons came to Vermilion with his CDL and preservice certification already completed. He had recently moved from Danbury and stepped in immediately to help meet the district’s need.
With five new drivers certified, Vermilion Local Schools has been able to add three new routes and re-establish transportation for grades nine through twelve. Parents will receive notifications through the district’s all-call system and can view updated stops using the My Stop app.
“This was a total team effort,” Stolar said. “It’s about making sure our kids get to school safely and helping families who’ve had to make other arrangements. Everyone here stepped up to make that happen.”
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