School bus routes, schedules in doubt as Alabama districts look for drivers

Parents should check recent communications from their school about any changes to bus routes, pickup times or procedures. People interested in driving a bus can see job openingsThe state doesn’t collect data on bus driver vacancies, but AL.com analysis found that several school districts – both big and small – still had open positions for bus drivers, aides and substitutes just days before classes are scheduled to start.

As of last week, Hoover City Schools were short about seven to eight drivers. The district has increased pay by up to 50% for substitute drivers, offered more benefits, bought more air-conditioned buses and has even recruited coaches and teachers to take on routes. Smaller districts, like Dallas County and Pell City, said they were short a few drivers, but expected to fill those spots before the start of school. Auburn City, which was short about four drivers at the start of August, said they planned to employ substitute drivers to cover routes if they couldn’t fill those spots.Bus driver shortages aren’t just an Alabama problem. Across the country, schools are cutting services because they can’t find enough people to drive vehicles.

“We are in much better shape than last year as we still have other potential new drivers in training, and they could be hired within a week or two of the start of school,” Lydia Avant, a spokeswoman for the district, toldDothan City, which announced several open positions this summer, will start the school year with no vacancies. Leaders said they advertised heavily, including using aMany states are struggling to get drivers certified, especially with new regulations from the federal government.

The training, which offers a 15-hour online course and behind-the-wheel instruction, has saved districts more than $500,000 in training costs, according to officials.

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