Centennial board approves $30 starting pay for new bus drivers, $3.70 raise for current CDL drivers amid staffing concerns

The Centennial School District Board of School Directors voted Oct. 14 to raise the starting hourly rate for newly hired commercial licensed (CDL) school bus drivers to $30 and to increase current CDL drivers’ pay by $3.70 an hour, effective Oct. 4, 2025.

The motion, introduced as agenda item 7.1, estimated the direct cost to the district at about $275,000 and listed anticipated offsets including reduced overtime, reduced use of outside transportation contractors and revenue from a bus-camera citation program referred to in the meeting as “bus patrol.” The motion was seconded by board member Mr. Kinhart and passed on a roll-call vote, 6 yes, 0 no, with three abstentions (Directors Lynch, Crossen and Martin).

Why the board acted: Board members and public commenters said the raise is intended to address a shortage of drivers that has forced mechanics and office staff to drive routes and contributed to high overtime. ‘‘The $30 an hour pay will allow us to recruit,’’ said William Brandon Berger, a Centennial bus driver, during public comment, adding that some drivers work…