School system short six afternoon routes
Swain County Public Schools is in dire need of school bus drivers.
“We are short approximately six afternoon routes a day that we have to seek out substitute drivers to fill their routes,” said Dennis Jones, director of safety and transportation. “We run 22 routes, right now.”
The nation has seen a decline in school bus drivers over approximately 5-6 years. According to Economic Policy Institute, the bus driver shortage remains severe, with a decrease of 12.2% fewer school bus drivers in September 2024 than September 2019.
Most routes take around 90 minutes.
The starting hourly pay rate is $15 per hour. Drivers with 1-5 years of service get paid $16.07. Drivers with 26-plus years of service make $19.64 per hour. Fulltime employees get paid for 30 hours a week, with full benefits to include medical and dental.
“If you are going to drive for us, we will pay for you to go to class to get your license,” said Jones. “There is no cost to you. You are just going to make some money. If you are a stay-at-home parent, it is perfect because your schedule is almost the same as your kids. If you run a small business and don’t open until a certain time, you could drive in the mornings.”
Requirements to drive a school bus include a background check, drug screen and physical. The school will pay for the driver’s three-day virtual class and test to earn a CDL with “P” and “S” endorsements. The process to receive a CDL license takes approximately 6-9 days.
“I drove a yellow bus for 20 years while I was teaching,” said Mark Sale, superintendent. “I got up every morning at 5:30-6 a.m., depending on the route, drove the bus, worked six-and-a-half hours in a high-energy classroom. Then, I got back on the bus and drove again in the afternoon, which made my day about 10 hours long. I loved driving a bus. I made relationships with kids and so if I could drive today, I would be pleased to do that.”
Jones agreed.
“If you get that (CDL), you can work for the rafting guide companies in the summer,” said Jones. “You are the first and last face kids get to see every day,” said Jones. “You can be a positive impact for that kid every day. Tell them, ‘Good morning’ when they get on the bus. You can get them happy and fired up to go to school. Some of these kids, that is the only positive adult impact they will get. That is huge for a lot of kids.”