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Russell County bus driver warns of substitute shortage, urges higher pay to retain staff
Summary
A veteran bus driver told the board the district lacks substitute drivers, forcing staffing strains and crowded buses; the driver said low pay is a key factor and warned she may not cover a route if no substitute is available on Oct. 31.
Pat Musick, who identified herself as a bus driver for the district, told the Russell County Public Schools Board there are not enough substitute drivers available and described repeated staffing shortages that have forced drivers to take extra runs or request unpaid days off.
“I'm packing kids in 2, 3 to a seat,” Musick said, describing the start‑of‑year strain when routes were understaffed. She said two experienced drivers left this year and that the district’s substitute pay is “next to the bottom” compared with neighboring counties. Musick said she has taken little leave in the past two years because there were no substitutes; she said she has asked for Oct. 31 off and warned that “on October 31, PM run, bus 21 will be sitting on Hallmaker's Lot” if no substitute is provided.
Musick urged the board to consider pay adjustments to retain and recruit substitutes, citing a claim that the county returned $287,000 to the Board of Supervisors earlier in the budget cycle. She said the staffing shortage has safety and operational implications, including lack of properly sized car seats and placing students on other buses with limited seating.
Board members acknowledged the concern and asked staff to follow up. The meeting record shows no formal board vote at this meeting to change pay rates or staffing policy.
Why it matters: Bus-driver shortages can disrupt student transportation, lengthen routes and create safety concerns when buses run under‑staffed or students are doubled in seating. Drivers’ retention and substitute pay levels are district budget issues that often require action by both the school division and county budget officials.
Ending: Musick said she is actively considering leaving her job if conditions do not improve; board members asked administrators to review substitute staffing and pay.
