Urgent need for bus drivers at JCPS in Louisville | Education

Now hiring | Jefferson County Public Schools recruiting bus drivers and all positions

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Hundreds of jobs are open at Jefferson County Public Schools, but one of the most needed positions is bus drivers.

The district held a job fair Tuesday for anyone who wants to apply or is curious, and there were a number of people who showed up to apply.

JCPS is recruiting for all positions, including teaching positions in their school choice zones, in operations, nutrition, housekeeping, substitute teachers and bus drivers.

Coordinators said they brought in interpreters for Spanish-speaking applicants and also have people available to help job-seekers fill out the application.

The biggest need is obviously for more bus drivers, and there was a crowd at the transportation table.

Lashawanna Preston said it didn't scare her to hear about the challenges with JCPS bus driver shortage. She said she is the right woman for the job.

"I love the kids. I know we have a lot of — I don't want to say the wrong word — children that could be closely supervised," Preston said. "It's OK. I was one of those closely supervised children."

Sheree Thompson, who handles transportation personnel for JCPS, said the district is looking at all candidates.

"We'll take them in as soon as we can get them," she said. "It would likely be for the next school year, but we'll take them if we can get them in."

The need for bus drivers is immediate. In February, JCPS said it had 558 drivers but more than 563 routes, so the district already starts the day underwater. On top of that, JCPS averages 52 drivers absent daily.

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.

JCPS continues to accept applications. If you're interested in becoming a bus driver or in any position, click here.

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