Bus driver shortages continue to be a significant issue for many school districts across the Commonwealth. State Department of Education Pupil Transportation Branch Manager Elisa Hanley said early retirements, fear of COVID, and pay are all issues contributing to driver shortages. Plus, most drivers are part time. Hanley said school districts might be able to connect with other employers. “And how can they combine this position with another position to make it a full-time job. So that a mom, or dad, or grandparent that wants to become a bus driver and be that difference in the community can also do something else to be able to bring home a full paycheck,” said Hanley.
Hanley said the larger bus driver shortages are found in larger school districts in Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky. In surveying districts earlier this school year, Hanley said several school systems said they didn’t have pressing staffing problems. But, she added, there are smaller districts also wrestling with the issue. Hanley said private businesses may offer higher pay. “And then we have the larger companies that do package delivery. Those are often paying more than the school district can afford. In addition, they are providing full-time hours,” said Hanley.
Hanley said having sufficient drivers of school buses is not a school district problem, but a community-wide concern. She noted a lack of transportation affects the educational process. While bad student behavior on buses can occur, Hanley added that’s not typically a major factor in securing drivers.
