Recruiting 'never really stops' for school bus drivers in Saline County
School districts in Saline County share a similar message when it comes to recruiting bus drivers — as many as they can employ, there is always room for more.
While there is not a dire need for school bus drivers right now in Saline County, local schools never really stop recruiting for drivers.
Southeast of Saline Superintendent Roger Stumpf said he has become a driver himself, filling in any gaps that may arise in the district’s routes.
“It’s just really important, you know, they are still such a vital part of the school system and that’s not always recognized,” Stumpf said.
More than a job
School bus drivers are entrusted with the safe transportation of dozens of students each morning and evening. It’s a job that often goes beyond the monotony of miles on county roads, and where personal relationships sprout, becoming part of a daily routine.
Bus drivers are sometimes the first person a child sees in the morning and often the last school encounter a child has in the evening. And administrators in Saline County agree — they have a lasting impact on students.
In many school districts nationwide, however, fewer applications for these positions have put administrations in tough spots.
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USA Today reported there are nearly 55,000 fewer K-12 bus drivers nationwide than two years ago. This issue has, of course, been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation isn’t unique to more rural counties like Saline, either. Larger cities are seeing the same trends.
Southeast of Saline
The new transportation director at Southeast of Saline, Stephanie Hungate, noted a smaller pool of available drivers for athletic events and field trips classes take.
“It’s a job I’m surprised more people don’t jump at,” Hungate said. “This field you can pretty much get as many or as little hours as you want most of the time.”
Hungate is in her first year as transportation director, and with it comes scheduling drivers for routes. She said the district provides shuttles for drivers to get to and from the school if necessary.
Southeast of Saline has 10 full-time bus drivers and a small pool of subs. Right now, the district needs 2-3 drivers just for daily routes, and they are always looking for more subs.
The existing subs are being used for daily routes, Stumpf said, so the shortage at the district usually falls on routes for sports and other activities.
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For many, the career is a vocation, not simply an occupation. And the calling isn’t to put six wheels on pavement and collect a check but to have a positive impact on the daily lives of children.
“I’ve done it for 22 years, and my biggest thing is the kids,” said Bobby Base, a driver for Southeast of Saline. “We all do it for the kids.”
Hungate, who at least for now, still drives in her new role as director, agreed with Base.
“Yeah, you really serve as a stable person in their life,” Hungate said about students. “You’re always there for them.”
Those interested in driving for Southeast of Saline can call the district office at 785-536-4291.
Salina Public Schools
Salina Public Schools, which contracts with Durham School Services for bus drivers, is currently fully staffed with bus drivers, but like Southeast of Saline, they are continually seeking employees to add to a pool of backup drivers.
“Having a pool of back-up drivers allows us to minimize the chance of disruptions to service when an unpredictable situation arises,” said Anna Lam of Durham School Services.
Salina Public Schools provides paid commercial driver license training. Those in Salina seeking bus driving jobs can make contact through their website or calling the district number at 785-825-9241.
Executive Director of Operations for Salina Public Schools, Kris Upson, said the Durham representative he works with hasn’t exactly had it easy when it comes to hiring drivers.
“It’s his fourth or fifth year in this role, and he’s never not been hiring,” Upson said.
Ell-Saline
Ell-Saline is in a unique position as they have several substitute drivers available but have been using them to fill regular routes.
Superintendent Brian Rowley said the district is technically fully staffed but can always use backups.
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His message reflected a similar sentiment from the other districts in Saline County, painting a picture that at times, the backup pool may need its own backup pool of drivers.
“This year is unusual as we usually have several openings and have to use our subs as full-time drivers,” Rowley said in an email.
Anyone interested in applying to be a bus driver in the Ell-Saline district can contact their office at 785-914-5602 or email their transportation director at cjensen@ellsaline.org.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Saline County schools always need bus drivers
