JCPS offering teachers opportunity to drive school bus for district

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools is casting a wider net to try and recruit more bus drivers, starting with teachers.

The district is advertising for teachers to double as a bus driver in its employee newsletter.

Teachers who choose to become a bus driver will be paid their hourly rate to be trained, get their CDL and bus endorsement over the summer. They will then be paid their hourly rate to pick up a morning or afternoon run outside of normal teaching hours, plus a $6 per-hour perfect attendance incentive if they do not miss a day during the two-week pay period.

However, teachers also working as bus drivers is nothing new. JCPS said about a dozen teachers currently drive daily routes.

That includes Olmsted Academy South band director Brad Byrum.

"If they can't get to school, they can't learn. So what better way than to go ahead and pick them up at the bus stop and bring them to school with me, be able to teach them and take them home? There's that connection that happens in that relationship," said Byrum.

Byrum becoming a bus driver was not planned. He originally took the opportunity to get his CDL license to drive an activity bus and take his band students to opportunities off campus. Eventually, he was approached to become a daily bus driver for afternoon and morning routes.

“Since there's some extra pay involved and there's some efficiency and, you know, getting paid for the commute to work, essentially, it made sense," he said. "Not to mention our students, you know, that first face they see in the morning is their bus driver.”

Since becoming a full-time driver on top of teaching, he's noticed the decrease in daily available bus drivers.

"There was a small need for assistance and I was just filling in every now and then... But then year after year there were less drivers to cover the routes and I started driving regularly," said Byrum. "At that point it was just always the district looking for more drivers."

Byrum said once JCPS ironed out problems following the first day of school busing disaster, his routes have run smoothly and with little delays. When he has run late, he said his school and principal have worked with him to make sure he can fulfill both roles.

"I do it first and foremost because I care about our students and I know that consistency is what they need to be able to know that they can count on being able to get to school and get home," he said. "I do it for my family because it helps support our income and I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I do it for the Lord and His glory."

The Jefferson County Teacher's Association said as long as teachers are not pressured to sign-up and drive a bus, there is no harm in offering the opportunity.

"JCPS is in a spot where we have to cast a wide net and ask everyone," said JCTA president-elect Maddie Shepard. "It's a good offer for extra money, the question is, is it worth the time because teachers have so much on their plate this year."

Byrum drives in the morning and afternoon and said his day starts at about 5 a.m. and he is typically home by 6 p.m.

"I would encourage them to do it because it's a natural fit and extension from the classroom," he said.

More JCPS Transportation Coverage: