JCPS making push to hire more bus drivers, while consideration to eliminate routes is expected

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While Jefferson County Public Schools considers eliminating bus routes next school year, it's still actively looking to hire more drivers.

JCPS said currently it has 558 drivers but over 563 routes, the district already starts the day underwater. On top of that, JCPS averages 52 drivers absent daily.

That's why it has a hiring event this Saturday, but next week will begin discussions to potentially eliminate routes.

"Times are somewhat better but there's still late buses," a JCPS bus driver, who asked to stay anonymous, said.

For nearly a decade, a JCPS bus driver has helped students get to and from school but said this year has been a challenge.

"There's still not enough drivers," the bus driver said.

On Saturday, JCPS will host a bus driver hiring "blitz." The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport on Crittenden Drive.

Interested candidates can apply on-site. Interviews and Department of Transportation exams will also happen on-site. Applicants can also get state required physical exam and food on-site, too. Translators and people to help with applications will also be there.

Those attending the job fair are asked to bring their driver's license, two forms of ID, a copy of their high school diploma or GED, as well as their Social Security card, a voided check or a letter from their bank for direct deposit, and contact information for two references.

"Always lose some people because you fill out the application and you're like, 'Oh, geez, I have to get a physical. I have to go do this. I have to go do that,' and so that is just something else that people have to do and life gets in the way sometimes and people don't want to do that, so that's why we want to make it as easy as possible," JCPS Spokesperson Carolyn Callahan said.

Callahan added it will also help applicants sign-up for background checks, as the location does not offer walk-ins. However, if a background check appointment is scheduled for Saturday, a van will be on site to transport applicants to and from the hiring event.

"We're not going to be making any big dent and getting kids home earlier and at a time that's acceptable for people if we don't make some big changes," Callahan said. "So one of the pushes that we're doing is trying to get more bus drivers."

Following the hiring blitz, the JCPS Board of Education will meet Tuesday night to review options on the future of transportation within the district.

According to meeting documents, the district will weigh three options.

Keep things the same.
Create hubs where magnet students would be dropped off and picked up.
Eliminate transportation for all magnet and traditional students.

Only the third option, according to board documents, is expected to produce an earlier "clear time" for bus drivers during drop-off.

All three options are expected to be discussed Tuesday and the board is expected to vote on a plan in March.

"Cutting the routes would help but you know that's not the end all be all either," the bus driver said.

The JCPS bus driver said student behavior needs to be addressed in order to keep drivers in the front seat long-term.

"Be prepared for a challenge," the bus driver said.

JCPS said the average pay for bus drivers is $55,000 a year with base pay starting at $22.78 an hour, but drivers can earn up to $38.78 an hour with incentives for perfect attendance and driving challenging routes.

JCPS will cover the costs of training and CDL fees. In addition to full-time positions which include morning and afternoon routes, and part-time positions which offer drivers the option to drive only a morning route or only an afternoon route. JCPS also offers substitute-only positions.

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