Aspen View Public Schools' new school bus contractor Sparksman Transportation started transporting students as schools opened Aug. 29.
The Fort McMurray-based contractor was announced July 19 as the winner of a bidding process for for about half of the division's school bus routes, which were previously run by First Student. Sparksman buses were in place and transporting students in Athabasca, Grassland, Boyle and Thorhild for the first week of school.
Sparksman president Mark Critch said things went well for the contractor's opening week, with all routes covered.
"Everything went well according to plan. We certainly had quite a hectic time to get going here. The timelines were tight, but with our team in Athabasca, our drivers, they all jumped in an did a wonderful job," Critch said.
However, the school bus contractor is still seeking bus drivers, as spare drivers are covering some routes, Critch said.
"We have two to three routes right now that need to be filled. They are being covered, but we’d like permanent employees in those roles," Critch said.
He added the company is recruiting by a variety of means including newspaper, radio and online advertising. The Aspen View Public Schools Facebook page and the pages of schools within the division also shared information on the company's recruitment efforts.
Aspen View Public Schools communications officer Ross Hunter said the division is satisfied with Sparksman's efforts getting implemented into the area.
"Sparksman has worked diligently since the contract awarded to prepare for the school year, including acquiring buses, recruiting drivers, training," Hunter said. "The timing of the transition between busing contractors created some unique challenges, but we're satisfied with the dedication and determination Sparksman has demonstrated to meet these challenges."
One of those challenges was Sparksman not having its own facility in Athabasca, Critch said. The company is taking over the facility First Student previously occupied in Athabasca, but was only able to come into possession of it Sept. 1 due to lease expiry.
"We utilized community halls, community rooms to meet with our staff to do our recruiting," Critch said. "Whatever we could to make it work."
Kids missed in Grassland
Grassland School parent Cherisse Bigelow said there was some issue in the first week of school, as her child was not picked up from her home Aug. 29 and 30. He was picked up Aug. 31, she said.
Bigelow said she did not get a complete answer from Sparksman as to what happened, but said she received an apology. She added she figured it was a case of drivers adjusting to the routes.
"It's pretty early to tell, but so far so good, I guess," Bigelow said.
Sparksman Transportation was contacted to respond to the report, but a reply was not received before publish time.
Bigelow said overall, she was happy to see a new bus contractor in the school division.
"I was pleased to hear that Aspen View took the action to search for a new contractor for busing," she said. "I'm quite happy that they did find a new contractor."
