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Board approves pay-grade increase for CDL bus drivers to address shortage
Summary
The board unanimously approved a hard-to-fill pay-grade increase for CDL bus drivers to improve recruitment and retention after reviewing statewide shortages and local route vulnerabilities.
The Fountain Hills Unified School District board unanimously approved a hard-to-fill pay-grade increase for commercial driver’s license (CDL) bus drivers.
Administration described a statewide trend of drivers retiring or resigning — noting an estimated 35% turnover among Arizona CDL drivers over four years — and said the district’s small driver pool leaves routes vulnerable if staff are absent. The pay-grade increase is intended to make the district more competitive with neighboring districts and to retain drivers who hold additional certifications.
Board members expressed support for the increase, noting the importance of transportation staff to student access and safety. Administration said the change applies to both current and newly hired drivers and that the district expects to add two CDL drivers in the coming week.
The motion to approve the hard-to-fill increase passed by voice vote; administrators said it is a modest cost for ensuring consistent transportation service.
