Page 32 - The EDGE Summer 2024
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TRANSPORTATION
BY JASON NELSON AND STEPHANIE ARBAUGH
Navigating the School Bus Driver Shortage
Stephanie Arbaugh Jason Nelson
School bus drivers form the backbone of safe It’s not surprising that prospective drivers often
transportation for millions of students across the find these requirements daunting and choose less
United States, ensuring that they arrive at school on demanding positions within a district.
time and ready to learn. In recent years, however, the
country has been grappling with a severe shortage Stressful work conditions. Operating a school bus
of drivers, posing significant challenges to school involves an immense responsibility for the safety and
districts. well-being of students. Drivers must navigate through
various challenges, including traffic congestion,
The shortage of bus drivers in Arizona has reached adverse weather conditions, and maintaining a safe
alarming levels, with many districts struggling to fill and orderly environment among the students riding
vacant positions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the bus. All of this raises stress levels and creates
Arizona could claim more than 8,000 certified school constant concerns over potential liability.
bus drivers. That number has dropped to just over
4,000 in recent months. Irregular work hours. School bus drivers often
work split shifts, requiring early morning and late
A number of factors have contributed to this afternoon commitments. Additionally, they typically
unfortunate trend: are only provided a nine-month work agreement.
This irregular, uncertain schedule can deter potential
Demanding job requirements. Becoming a school candidates, especially those seeking stable, full-time
bus driver entails meeting stringent state and federal employment.
requirements as well as obtaining and maintaining
several certifications. Drivers must possess all of the Sub-par wages and benefits. Despite their essential
following: role in the education system, school bus drivers
• A commercial driver’s license (CDL) with usually receive modest-to-low wages and limited
passenger and school bus endorsements, benefits. Bus driver salaries typically are less than
• A state-issued fingerprint clearance card. $25,000/year (not including benefits). Mandatory
• A school bus driver certification. contributions to the Arizona State Retirement System
• First aid/CPR certification. immediately reduce this modest salary further. Not
only do these financial realities make it hard to attract
Additionally, drivers must undergo a medical drivers in the first place, drivers who do get hired may
examination, pass a physical performance test, be job-hop from district to district looking for a better
recertified as a bus driver bi-annually, and submit to opportunity.
drug testing. Maintaining these requirements requires
ongoing training and recertification throughout a Aging workforce and retention challenges. Many
driver’s career. school bus drivers are at or approaching retirement
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32 THE EDGE SUMMER 2024
