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Board updates $100 bus-driver incentive and approves new bus-driver apprentice program
Summary
District officials reported the $100 incentive for drivers taking an extra route is increasing student transportation reliability; the board also approved a two-month apprentice program to retain newly trained CDL holders until they receive bus endorsements.
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board voted unanimously March 18 to allow the district to begin a bus-driver apprentice program and heard an update that a $100 incentive for drivers who cover an additional route has improved student transportation reliability.
Administration told the board the $100 payment — approved at a prior meeting upon Mr. Moore’s recommendation — has led to more drivers volunteering to pick up additional routes when substitutes are not available and that, as a result, more students have been transported to school. The administration said the program is not perfect but is more effective than the prior process.
To address a separate retention gap, the board approved a proposal to hire new CDL holders as paid apprentices for up to two months while they obtain the district’s bus endorsement. During the apprenticeship, trainees would receive entry-level bus pay (step 1) and ride with an experienced bus driver to learn student management, route procedures and the tasks drivers perform beyond operating a vehicle. Once the apprentice holds the bus endorsement, the district would place them on their own route.
Board member Piazza moved to accept the administration’s recommendation to start the apprentice program; Janice Robbins seconded. With no public input, voting was opened and closed; the motion carried unanimously.
Administration said the apprentice role would function as a second adult on the bus during training, improving supervision while allowing new drivers to gain experience. The board did not specify a funding line in the discussion but indicated the program is intended to reduce turnover and fill routes more reliably.
