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Board approves $4,000 stipend to formalize district bus trainer role and grow CDL pipeline
Summary
To address bus driver shortages the board approved a $4,000 stipend to support an in-house school bus trainer who will provide behind-the-wheel and classroom instruction to prospective drivers and formalize a grow-your-own CDL training program with contractual payback provisions.
The Round Lake Area School District Board approved a $4,000 stipend on June 2, 2025, to formalize a school bus trainer position that will train prospective or new drivers in the district’s CDL program.
Administrators said the district has purchased training materials, complied with state requirements and intends to use an existing driver during the gap between morning and afternoon routes to provide behind-the-wheel coaching and classroom instruction. Dr. Lamping said the stipend will help the district “grow our own” drivers and mirror earlier internal training approaches used in other district staffing transitions.
District leaders described a contractual commitment tied to the training investment. Staff said the district will require a payback schedule similar to tuition reimbursement if trainees leave within a defined period — for example, 75% repayment if a trainee leaves within one year, tapering over time — to protect the district’s investment in training.
The motion to approve the stipend for the school bus trainer safety position in the amount of $4,000 carried on roll call. The board directed staff to finalize implementation details and the payback language for trainees who leave the district before the agreed service period ends.
