Comparing bus driver salaries across Kentuckiana, JCPS pays better than most

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools has half the amount of bus drivers than it had a decade ago.

JCPS said pay isn't the problem, and WDRB found the pay is better than several other districts in the surrounding area.

School's out for summer but a lot of families are already thinking about next year. Will the bus situation be better? Some bus drivers have different opinions on how to get more of them behind the wheel and keep them there.

"To me, it's kind of chaos," a former school bus driver said.

Chaos is a way many people have described this past school year.

The bus driver didn't want us to show her name or face, but she has years of experience as a former school bus and TARC driver.

She said she couldn't believe what she saw last year.

"I just would be so ballistic if my child was on a bus that long that's ridiculous," she said.

It didn't stop some current drivers like Felix Menner, though.

Menner started driving for JCPS after the problems at the beginning of the year.

"I want to help because if there's a need, that means there's a deficit and if I can help out in that way, I have no problem putting myself on the line," Menner said.

JCPS said it has 550 drivers, that's down from 1,100 in 2013. It's a problem that districts across the country are facing.

There are simply not enough drivers behind the wheel.

"The pay in my experience is actually fantastic," Menner said.

JCPS said its pay is competitive.

Starting at $22.87 an hour, it's higher than other districts in the area.

Oldham County just increased its starting salary to $19.25 an hour. The district said it has 12 openings with three to four new drivers starting training in June. It said it would like to have 17 to 20 additional drivers.

Bullitt County is $20.40 an hour. It's hoping to have six additional drivers and five substitutes. Nelson County schools pay $17.96 an hour.

Bus drivers in Hardin County now start out at $20.14 after the board approved a $2 raise. The district said it is fully staffed at 200 drivers. It is 15 short.

Across the river, Greater Clark County Schools pays $21.25 to start. The district said routes are covered there, but it is always hiring.

After the New Albany Floyd County School Board approved a raise, it now pays bus drivers $27.67 an hour.

As for current JCPS drivers, Menner is hopeful next year will be a little smoother but just as rewarding.

"It's been the best job I've ever had," Menner said.

JCPS will spend the weekend trying to find more bus drivers at a recruitment fair. The Bus Driver Hiring Blitz is happening Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport.

That's on Crittenden Drive. Anyone will be able to apply, interview and get required physicals on-site.

Current JCPS bus drivers and HR staff will also be there to answer questions.

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JCPS Transportation Coverage: 

• JCPS responds to audit blaming district, bus route service for transportation disaster
• Major implications at stake as TARC, JCPS negotiate agreement for drivers
• JCPS board approves proposal to change start times for about 40 schools
• Jefferson County School Board expected to vote Tuesday on new JCPS start times
• Car rider chaos: JCPS parents could feel bus transportation cuts in school drop-off lines
• JCPS families face hard decisions with start time proposals
• Louisville parents face more decisions as JCPS outlines 2 proposals for new school start times
• JCPS considering 2 proposals for new school start times, board member says
• JCPS offering teachers opportunity to drive school bus for district
• Here are the JCPS schools that will lose transportation under district's new plan
• JCPS expected to make decision on start times during May board meeting
• Jefferson County Teachers Association concerned about new JCPS transportation plan
• Stress mounts for JCPS parents looking for transportation as alternative faces financial issues
• City offers looming TARC layoffs as a solution to hire more JCPS bus drivers
• Louisville community coming up with solutions to get students to class on time next school year
• What to know about JCPS transfers, next year start times, and possible changes to school boundaries
• President of JCPS bus driver union says school board 'had to' make decision they did
• Some JCPS parents angry over decision to cut transportation for magnet, traditional schools
• JCPS board votes to cut transportation to magnet, traditional schools with exceptions following heated debate

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