“But our superintendent had said whether you get this grant or not, we’re going to make sure that every employee for Rockbridge County Schools gets that bonus,” Walters added.
School Bus Driver Shortage Walters noted that the grant for retention and
recruitment, helped with driver morale and keeping drivers on staff. “They were all super appreciative of the extra $1,000 in January,” he added. “I wouldn’t say that it helped with re- cruiting, we did just start another class for new drivers. Our numbers are still very small, aver- aging the exact same number it was before the grant and prior to COVID. We typically get four to six folks that sign up for one of our classes. And that’s exactly what we got this time.” Walters added that most of his driving force is
retired and those employees are looking more for income and less for a benefits package, he said. However, he added that some people do come in looking for benefits. Rockbridge County offers employees dental and medical insurance as well as paid sick and vacation leave and a retirement pension. Oth- er benefits include additional driving hours, physical and mental therapy, a positive work-
$19/hr
Average nationwide school bus driver starting wage (Out of 174 responses.)
Of the districts that have more ESSER
24%
Transportation directors/ supervisors who say that their school district has more ESSER funds to spend, though 65% are unsure.
(Out of 173 responses.)
funds available, 19% of directors and supervisors say the funds are earmarked for transportation.
28% are unsure. (Out of 43 responses.)
Top use cases of ESSER funds for transportation:
29% Purchase equipment 26% ESSER funds not allocated to transportation/direction lacking on use of funds
24% Transportation staff bonuses 18% Purchase new vehicles
14% Transportation salary increases 13% New transportation staff recruitment 12% Other (cleaning supplies, student
ridership technology, summer school, etc.) (Out of 152 responses. Multiple answers allowed; total does not equal 100.)
Other incentives offered to transportation staff:
81% Positive workplace environment 80% Additional driving hours, if wanted 71% Professional development training 36% Route selection 27% Flexible schedule
56 School Transportation News • MARCH 2022
25% Physical/mental therapy 25% Technological advancements
5% Other (paid CDL training, uniform budget, new fleet, indoor parking, etc.) (Out of 162 responses. Total does not equal 100, multiple answers allowed.)
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