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Waukesha board says district needs about 20 more bus drivers; district presses families to opt out if not using service
Summary
District staff told the board they estimate 76–80 drivers are required for the coming year, currently have 58 drivers, and First Student offers $24/hour starting pay and a $4,000 sign-on bonus; district urged families to use an online opt‑out to help routing and to enroll new families by Aug. 16 to guarantee day‑one service.
District administrators updated the board on July 10 about bus-driver staffing and contingency plans for 2024–25.
Deputy Superintendent Guennerman said First Student is the district’s transportation partner and that the district needs an estimated 76–80 drivers to fill expected routes, including backup drivers to cover sickness and vacations. As of the report, First Student had 58 drivers available, and the district said it still needs to hire roughly 20 more to reach the staffing target.
Guennerman said First Student’s starting wage is $24 per hour and that the company is offering a $4,000 sign-on bonus. First Student guarantees a minimum of 25 hours per week for drivers; the vendor has received applications (63 since June 1) and hired three drivers in July, staff said. The district and First Student are running hiring events, "Big Bus No Big Deal" outreach, LinkedIn recruiting and an August hiring fair that invites cross-employment (district aides and bus drivers).
Board members pressed for comparative figures. Administrators said the district ended last school year with about 73 drivers, and the current summer tally (58) is slightly ahead of the same point last year. Officials noted staff shortages fluctuate with family moves and changing student needs and said special-ed reimbursements apply only at high-cost thresholds for some placements.
To help routing and planning, district staff asked families who will not use bus service to submit an opt-out form through the transportation page on the district website; they said that an opt-out will allow the district to avoid routing for students who do not need it and to plan accurate routes. Administrators also urged new families to enroll by August 16 to be assured of a bus stop on day one; families who enroll after that date may be routed on day 3 or later.
The update was informational; the board did not take a vote. Board members voiced support for the district’s communication plan and suggested continuing outreach to recruit drivers and clarify opt-in/opt-out options.
No formal action was taken.
