The on-going shortage of school bus drivers has prompted an incentive program in Aiken County.
The district currently has 39 openings for bus drivers. The district’s website says that because of the shortage, some drivers have to cover double or even triple the usual routes.
Newly-hired part-time and full-time drivers would receive a $1,000.00 sign-on bonus. It would be made in two separate payments.
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“We would pay $500.00 close to their initial hiring date,” explained Superintendent King Laurence. “The other $500.00 would be paid at the end of their 90-day evaluation.”
Laurence also recommended a retention bonus of up to $2,000.00 for current bus drivers. It would be paid as $500.00 per quarter for bus drivers who drive at least 42 days a quarter.
Aiken County requires bus drivers to have a CDL license along with additional training specifically for bus drivers. Starting pay is $13.86 an hour.
Anyone interested in serving as a bus driver or substitute bus driver in a full-time, part-time, long-term, or temporary role is encouraged to contact ACPSD Classified Recruitment and Staffing Specialist Patrick Ott by phone at (803) 641-2428 or e-mail at pott@acpsd.net.
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The board also unanimously approved a Christmas bonus for employees. Laurence proposed a $300.00 bonus for each employee.
“We figure the cost to be about $350,000 per $100.00 of bonus,” he said. “So, this would be about $1,050,000 to provide this bonus for our employees.”
Laurence said the district has more than three months of reserve funds, so the bonus will not impact normal operations.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
