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District outlines creative recruitment tactics as bus driver shortage continues
Summary
Transportation staff described word-of-mouth recruitment, local business partnerships, a planned video 'Blizzard review', and temporary coverage agreements with neighboring districts to manage driver shortages and sports runs.
District transportation staff told the board they are "short staffed" and described multiple recruitment efforts aimed at filling bus driver vacancies.
"We're short staffed," the transportation presenter said, detailing outreach with local businesses (Dairy Queen and Main Street Station posted help-wanted signs and promoted openings on Facebook) and an upcoming ``Blizzard review'' interview drive to showcase driver work. Staff said a testimonial from a longtime driver will be incorporated into traditional ads when weather allows.
The department experimented with public events (a staffed bus at Kornfest) that produced little hiring interest, and emphasized that word-of-mouth from current employees remains the most effective recruitment channel. Staff described specific operational steps they take when short—tracking athletics schedules, adjusting departure times, sharing rides, and, when necessary, contracting drivers from neighboring districts (they cited a recent agreement with North Collins and exploratory talks with Lakeshore).
Board members asked how sports trips are covered; transportation staff said they prioritize getting teams out on time, swap teams and departure times where possible, use nearby districts' drivers when available (billed back to Eden), and only cancel trips as a last resort.
No formal decisions were made; staff asked the board for ideas and said they remain open to new recruitment approaches.
