12 | the standard / nov. 2021 / news
Busing Bothers Students experience inconveniences due to lack of bus drivers With the changes to everyday procedures brought along by COVID comes a distinct lack of bus drivers, one that happens to be impacting Blue Valley in greater proportions than one might think. Director of Business Operations Jason Gillam said the district is suffering from what is “a national shortage of bus drivers.” “We are not immune to that in Blue Valley,” Gillam said. “This is majorly impacting our ability to attract and retain large quantities of bus drivers.” Finding drivers that are able and willing to operate buses has been difficult. With low salaries, unique hours, behavioral management requirements among other things to consider, driving a school bus may not be the most commonly sought-after position, and COVID has only multiplied this. “We weren’t expecting the impact of the Delta variant, and a number of our bus drivers are older or have some other health
issues,” Gillam said. “That scared a lot [of drivers] away.” Despite reasons against being a bus driver, there are also many that can support the decision. With added bonuses, hourly wages and CDL (Commercial Drivers License) training included in the package, driving can be a quite appealing position. “[Durham is] offering a $1,000 referral bonus to individuals or entities, and in addition the driver gets a $1,500 sign-on bonus,” Gillam said. “If they already have a CDL, they get a $3,000 sign-on bonus.” Through the positive programs that have been put in place, a number of bus drivers have been and are continuing to be hired, but this does not mean that they are immediately allowed to begin working. “Bus drivers have to go through criminal background checks, driving background checks, physicals, in-person classes, take tests, written tests and behind-the-wheel tests all before they can get released to become a bus driver,” Gillam said. Sophomore Mira Desai rides the bus most days and said the lack of
