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Board agrees to consider ad hoc committee on bus‑driver recruitment and retention
Summary
Board member Judy Justice proposed an ad hoc committee to explore approaches to recruitment and retention of bus drivers and aides; staff said the district has accelerated CDL processing, offers hiring/referral bonuses and improved marketing, but members said a committee could surface new ideas and funding avenues.
Board member Judy Justice asked that the board create an ad hoc committee to examine school bus driver recruitment and retention, citing ongoing operational strain and community impacts during pick‑up and drop‑off times.
Transportation staff described steps already under way: expedited CDL processing with district payment for licensing steps, an on‑the‑job monitor program after candidates pass the written test, hiring and referral bonuses, increased marketing and attendance at job fairs. Staff said retirements and medical exits have driven retirements and that the district had hired more drivers recently than in prior years but still faces shortages.
Justice and several board members said an ad hoc committee could gather creative ideas — e.g., grants, endowments and county coordination — and may be able to recommend additional recruitment and retention strategies. Board member Dr. Tim Merrick said oversight and governance warranted board inquiry and was likely to find ways to improve service; other members suggested leveraging existing committees on building and grounds or safety before creating a new ad hoc. The board did not finalize committee membership; staff and members will coordinate next steps.
