School bus routes canceled due to lack of drivers

BOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) – A bus driver shortage is causing Boyd County Schools to change routes.

The district operates 22 regular bus routes, but two of them have no drivers.

Boyd County Schools Superintendent Bill Boblett said it’s a problem across Kentucky.

“Our district, like other districts in the commonwealth, is struggling to find bus drivers,” Boblett said. “It’s hard work. It’s good work and can be very rewarding, but it’s hard work. It’s hard to find people who are willing to get up early in the morning and take the bus – take the kids to school and then come back in the afternoon and bring those same kids home. It’s a difficult job.”

Beginning November 1, county officials will cancel one bus route each week.

The appeals will apply to the entire district.

Transportation Director Cheryl Caldwell said they are looking for drivers who love children and want to help their community.

She said the reason for the shortfall is revenue.

“Most families need two incomes to be full-time,” Caldwell said. “Riding the bus – the hourly rate is pretty good, but it’s a part-time job.”

Caldwell said they are already receiving applications for new drivers, but it takes time to train and certify them.

“We are doing everything we can to recruit drivers,” she said. “However, it is a slow process. Hiring someone to drive a school bus then requires training. We need to get them a CDL with a passenger endorsement and a school bus endorsement.

The district continues to recruit and is actively looking for drivers.

If you are interested in becoming a bus driver, you can contact the Boyd County Public Schools Transportation Office at (606) 928-7126.

You can submit an application on their website.