The need is still great for school bus drivers in Osceola County.
While the school district held a hiring event specifically for drivers on Aug. 10, and pick up a few hires, there’s still a shortage of about 40 drivers.
The Transportation Department will hold another bus driver job fair on Tuesday (Aug. 31) from 8 a.m. to noon at its Transportation Department at 401 Simpson Road in Kissimmee (just south of Professional and Technical High School).
No experience is necessary to become a school bus driver, and individuals will receive paid training towards their CDL license. Prospective drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid Driver’s License for three years.
“We’re looking for any help we can get,” said Randy Wheeler, Osceola School District’s Coordinator of Training. “We need people who can start tomorrow, but the hiring process and training and checks we need to do can take weeks.”
He said the present situation offers up “unique” challenges.
“I’ve been in the transportation business 18 years, and it’s never been easy,” Wheeler said. “But when unemployment is high we can usually attract drivers. Because of the current health and economic situation, we have drivers resigning due to COVID-19, and can’t seem to attract new ones.
“We’re doing everything everyone else is doing. Nobody has discovered the magic formula.”
Wheeler said the district attracted about 45 walk-ins at a fair in June, and another 25 a couple weeks ago, but only one or two of those get through training and licensing and actually get behind the wheel.
Along with the salary comes a benefits package and inclusion in the state’s pension plan.
“Our School Board and Superintendent are exploring ways to pay drivers more,” Wheeler said.
Those interested can attend Tuesday’s job fair in person, and Transportation department clerks will assist them in filling out the online application. Individual must bring their driver’s license, social security card, and three years of driving records. Those who cannot attend the Job Fair or want to fill out the application ahead of the job fair can do so online: https://jobs.osceolaschools.net/support-staff-substitute-bus-driver/job/16853076. Those interested are encouraged to apply online.
For more information or questions, contact the Osceola School District’s Transportation Department at 407-518-4540.
