Marshall County School District is hoping to recruit at least 10 more bus drivers in the coming weeks.
Transportation Director Billy Thorpe said at the moment, each of the district’s 51 bus routes are covered, but only just. The district began the school year staffed and with five full-time substitute drivers to spare; however, Thorpe said sickness, retirement and other employment had left the school system without substitutes.
“Right now we have all of our full-time subs driving,” Thorpe said. “We have one full-time sub that still floats around. We have a maintenance guy that helps us out (and) drive some, I’ve driven a little bit and a couple of our mechanics who have CDLs have helped drive some. So, it’s a pinch.”
It’s a problem not unique to Marshall County. Throughout the U.S. in recent years, districts have been forced to combine routes and come up with creative ways to solve driver shortages. According to a 2015 survey in School Bus Fleet magazine, in 2014 some 15 percent of school bus contracting companies reported no driver shortages. That number inflated in 2015, with only 6 percent reporting no driver shortages. Some 30 percent of those surveyed said shortages were severe.
The issue could be attributed to several factors, Thorpe said. Training for the position is extensive and requires a CDL license. Drivers were required to pass a Department of Transportation physical – which maintains strict health standards, vision acuity and drug screens – and understand the mechanics of the bus, as well.
“(There are) things you have to learn about the bus,” Thorpe said. “Then you have to get your permit; then you have to take your driving test in the bus. You have to know the ins and outs of the bus mechanically, and people who are not mechanically inclined, that’s tough on them.”
It’s a lengthy process, too. Thorpe said from start to finish without any obstacles, a potential driver could become eligible in about six weeks; however, he said most take at least two to three months to become eligible.
However, the position comes with its share of benefits. Thorpe said drivers earned retirement and insurance benefits. It often works well with single parents who need to be off when their children are out of school and retirees, as well.
And there’s a deeper meaning to the job than just driving kids to and from school each day.
“About our bus drivers … they do have a thankless job,” Thorpe said. “A lot of times they are the last smiling face some of our students see for 16-plus hours until they get back on the bus. So, they do have a very important role, and a very important job in our students’ lives. We can’t … say enough about that.”
The district has begun actively recruiting potential drivers through a sign outside the Board of Education office and had scheduled participation in a job fair set to take place April 27 at Marshall County High School. Thus far, the district has interviewed 11 possible drivers.
“We have enough to fill right now, as long as the fillers don’t get sick or have a doctor’s appointment,” he said. “… One called me this morning that was sick, and I had to get the maintenance man to drive this morning. If there would have been another one sick, not sure who would have driven. We’re really tight.We’ve got them all covered, and we’ve got them all covered with quality drivers. We just don’t have much flexibility.”
For more information or to begin the application process, call 270-527-1481.