Three weeks into the new school year, Clay Hobbs, the Director of Transportation for the Hall County School District, told school board members he has worked harder than he ever has in his life. He said he and his staff have been juggling schedules in the midst of a bus driver shortage, and it's been tricky to get students to school and home in a timely manner each day.
Hobbs went before the board Monday night to ask for an extension on an incentive program designed to attract school bus drivers. He said he could use another 40 drivers to shore up the ranks - but he'd be happy with 20.
"A couple of months ago, you guys approved an increase in the driver bonus from $650 to $1,000 and you also approved an increase in the referral [bonus]...from $300 to $500, and we've had some success with that program, I feel like," Hobbs said.
The program had been set to expire at the end of August, and the board voted unanimously to extend it through the end of the year.
Even with the incentive program, Hobbs admitted it has been a challenge finding applicants and then getting them to complete the training process. Still, he said the bonuses had attracted some viable candidates and he had eight potential drivers "in the queue" as of Monday.
Another issue with keeping drivers on the job is the ongoing COVID pandemic. Hobbs said bus drivers have been coming down with the virus just like students, teachers and other employees have.
"It's more than an uptick [in cases] and as that continues to get worse, we're going to have to [double up on routes] more," Hobbs said. "We're going to have children that are late getting home."
Hobbs also pointed out that a bus driver's job is not easy, and driving a busload of students can be daunting. Still, he said, it's the kids who make the job worthwhile.
"Typically, if we can get 10 routes out of [a new driver], we've got 'em hooked," Hobbs said. "Once they develop a few relationships with the children, you've got 'em invested emotionally in the job and they'll stick around for that."
Follow this link to find more information on jobs with the Hall County School District Transportation Department.
