Public school bus driver incentives continue into '22-'23 school year
Last year's bus driver incentive program by Henderson County Public Schools will continue for the 2022-23 school year after a unanimous vote by the Henderson County Board of Public Education on Aug. 8.
The current program offers $50 to those who drive 10-19 trips, $100 to those who drive 20-29 trips and $200 to those who drive 30+ trips, but may see increases or improvements at a future board meeting. The program is paid for through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and has been allotted $272,000. Last year, the program used $128,000 over half a school year, less than half of the allocated amount.
"What we have found is that incentive has helped keep most of our bus drivers," Assistant Superintendent Scott Rhodes said. "We don't want to give anyone a reason not to drive a bus."
As of Aug. 8, the school system is short at least 30 of 110 total routes, according to Rhodes. Chairperson Blair Craven questioned if the amount being offered is enough to get people to fill those empty spots. Rhodes said he would present higher incentives for the board to vote on at next month's board meeting.
"We would most certainly covet the opportunity to pay our bus drivers more," Rhodes said. "We would like to stand out among other school systems in our region. Again, nothing says I appreciate you more than a paycheck."
Due to state regulations, it takes six months before newly-hired bus drivers can begin driving a bus on their own, making signing bonuses ineffective. NC Department of Transportation requirements are also numerous for new bus drivers, including strict physical requirements, invalidating many who wish to drive.
Bus driver shortages are not just a Henderson County problem, as many counties around the state are struggling, Blair, Boardmember Kathy Revis and Superintendent Mark Garrett said. The board is considering drafting a letter to the NC Department of Transportation.
"Somebody is going to have to make some noise before they will make any changes," Revis said. "I don't know that is us, and I don't know that we, as one sole body, can make any changes, but it is not appropriate for it to be a statewide problem."
Because of the low number of bus drivers and the long amount of time it takes to train new drivers, school faculty such as assistant principles, teachers and teacher's assistants are stepping up to drive buses.
"Some people are teaching, driving a bus in the morning and coaching in the afternoon," Rhodes said.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Henderson County Public Schools bus driver incentives continue
