The district on Friday conducted an open house event where licensed drivers could test drive a school bus. There were also food trucks, small giveaways and a chance to learn more about the position. Guests could apply for jobs on site.
The open house was at the district’s bus yard in Burlington, Ky.
“We can take any driver and train them to drive a school bus,” Hymore said.
Hymore said the district has 57 open driver positions. The first day of school is about four weeks away.
“Our mechanics, everybody up in the office, they all have to drive a school bus in the morning,” he said. “So that takes them away from their jobs.”
The shortage isn’t something that Hymore has ever experienced either.
“Never in my 19 years of my driving here, we’ve seen this kind of shortage,” he said.
Hymore said the job is rewarding.
“I love the kids,” he said. “You get to know them from kindergarten. They’ll come in and show you how they miss teeth, then the next day they’re driving by you in a car it seems like.”
Bus drivers complete a 45-day training program. The district offers paid training, and drivers work part-time hours and receive full-time benefits.
Other school districts throughout the region, including in Butler and Warren counties, are experiencing driver shortages.
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