• Square-facebook
  • X-twitter
  • Instagram
Time to read
1 minute
Read so far

Bus drivers needed

Wed, 03/31/2021 - 5:00 am

Jacksboro ISD is in need of bus drivers.

Not for their normal nine routes of daily driving but for others such as substitute drivers and trip drivers to Friday night games, elementary school trips and such. Transportation Director Greg Sanders spoke to Lions Club members March 24 and told them about the need, especially in the last two months of the year where buses seem to be going everywhere.

“There’s a driver shortage throughout the State but the district is in compliance”, Sanders said.

Many of the reasons include COVID, having a good economy, getting certified as a bus driver, which is considered “daunting” by many but really isn’t as bad as people think.

“We had seven apply for the Class B CDL license and only two did not pass on their first try,” Sanders said. “Normally, 70 percent fail on their first time.”

Sanders said anyone who has pulled a large trailer with a truck before can drive a bus, which he says is easier. The district is also willing to work with schedules for those who just want a morning shift or just an afternoon shift before going onto their other jobs.

Jacksboro ISD is considered in a moderate shortage, which most of the state is in. The district goes from Runaway Bay to Joplin to Antelope and everywhere in between. Sanders said the district has 1,053 students with about 200 needing transportation daily.

“It’s a way to be positive for kids who are excited and ready to come to school,” Sanders said. For those wishing to get more information on becoming a bus driver, which includes paid time on the road and a per diem, contact Sanders at 567-7203.