JCPS holds another bus driver hiring event, seeking drivers amid shortage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools continues to search for more bus drivers amid a nationwide shortage.

The state's largest school district held a hiring event on Saturday at Hilton Garden Inn near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Candidates could apply on-site, get a physical and get help with the application.

Laquinn Stoner, a JCPS bus driver and compound assistant, was appreciative of the turnout on Saturday.

"We've been short on drivers, looking inside the rooms and seeing people fill out applications, it's showing what we're doing is making a difference," Stoner said.

Anyone who missed the event on Saturday can still apply to be a JCPS bus driver. To apply to become a JCPS bus driver, click here.

This was the second blitz event held by JCPS. The first one, held in February, had over 100 attend, and around 20 people were hired as drivers.

Unlike February's event, potential new drivers had a better idea on transportation plans for next year.

Wednesday, the board approved curing transportation for thousands of magnet and traditional students, with the exception of those that attend Central and Western High Schools. JCPS said this plan will allow them to cut back on routes, but may still mean delays for riders.

The transportation department also has shared its recent improvements when making routes for next year. JCPS says it is improving GPS on buses, will mirror morning and afternoon routes and try to keep drivers in areas close to their compound.

However, one driver who spoke to WDRB said JCPS is not addressing all the problems.

"They're still going to lose drives unless the address the elephant in the room which is discipline," she said. "I think it's going to be just as confusing as this year was because they're not communicating to the drivers what is going on."

JCPS said the average pay for bus drivers is $55,000 a year with base pay starting at $22.78 an hour, but drivers can earn up to $38.78 an hour with incentives for perfect attendance and driving challenging routes.

JCPS said currently it has 558 drivers but over 563 routes, the district already starts the day underwater. On top of that, JCPS averages 52 drivers absent daily.

JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio previously said pay is not the problem, "We have aggressively worked on pay increases to the point where our average salary for a bus driver is $55,000 per year, and I hope that is highlighted $55,000 per year. We have a large number of bus drivers who are making over $75,000 a year. We have some that are making in excess of $100,000 a year now."

He said those making six figures are working challenging routes or working additional time with early childhood routes.

JCPS will cover the costs of training and CDL fees. In addition to full-time positions which include morning and afternoon routes, and part-time positions which offer drivers the option to drive only a morning route or only an afternoon route. JCPS also offers substitute-only positions.

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