In order to help fill eight current vacancies for bus drivers, the Poplar Bluff R1 School District held a “Test Drive a School Bus” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10.
Anyone 21 or older with valid driver’s license had the chance to drive a full-size school bus around the campus of Poplar Bluff Middle School under the supervision of a qualified district trainer.
Potential drivers had the chance to see what drivers do each school day in transporting children to and from Poplar Bluff schools.
The procedure during the event including a full walk-around inspection of the bus, orientation to the controls and features in the driver’s seat, a test drive around the Middle School campus, and the final “child check” to ensure all children had safely departed the bus.
The school district currently employs 25 bus drivers. They have eight immediate openings that they need to fill by the time school starts in August.
Ronnie Martin, the district’s transportation director, said, “We have a way to get these kids to school, and we need caring, quality, committed drivers so our kids can get an education.”
Martin encouraged those who might be considering the job: “Don’t be intimidated by the size of the bus.”
Chris Dell was one of the trainers present during the event.
A school bus driver since 1998, Dell said the best part of the job was the kids. “You always get attached to them,” he said.
The worst part of the job, he said, was traffic. “It seems like it keeps getting worse in town.”
Dell agreed with Martin anyone thinking about becoming a driver should know “driving a bus is a lot easier than people think.”
“It’s not difficult once you’re in the bus,” Dell said. “You’re sitting high with mirrors all around the bus. Some of our drivers say it’s easier than driving a car.”
The school district will provide qualified trainers to teach new drivers everything they need to know to qualify for the job.
Candidates are required to earn a Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements.
These credentials require three written tests: CDL general knowledge, passenger endorsement test, school bus endorsement test. When the candidate passes the tests, they have a two-week window for driving practice to prepare for the driving exam.
The district’s bus garage on West Maud street or the license bureau can provide study guides for the written exams.
The district will assist candidates in studying for the tests as well as the necessary driver training. The district will also reimburse the cost of all testing for drivers who pass the tests and join the district as bus drivers.
Fara Jones, assistant superintendent, Poplar Bluff R1 School District, said, “Our drivers are the first person and last person our students see each day.”
“Drivers have the opportunity to develop positive relationships with our students,” she said.
Jones said in addition to both full-time and part-time positions, the district also needs drivers for sports and extracurricular events, which often require taking trips on nights or weekends.
The salary for bus drivers starts at $14.02 an hour. New drivers will receive $500 first-time employment incentive bonus. Returning bus drivers also get another $500 bonus at the end of the school year.
Martin also appealed to any grandparents who might be interested in part-time work as a chance to contribute to the district’s education system.
“Reach out to us, and we’ll help you get your bus license,” Martin said.