Lee County School Board Members Look For Ways To Get More Bus Drivers

LEE COUNTY, Florida. Lee County School District School Board members are meeting Tuesday to discuss ways to get more school bus drivers into the district.

The board is considering short-term incentives to help meet the need for school bus operators and transportation support.

In an effort to hire additional school bus operators/transportation support, the Board is seeking approval of the following to attract more community members beginning February 27, 2023 and ending February 26, 2024:

1. Pay the recruitment costs associated with becoming a school bus operator/transport support of $347.50 per bus operator. (This cost may be reduced by $117.00 if X-rays are not required for a TB test.) Many applicants do not have the means to pay these fees.
Department of Energy Physical Examination US $74.00
Fingerprinting $50.25
Tuberculosis test/X-ray $155.00
CDL License $68.25
If a school bus/transportation operator leaves office for any reason, including resignation, termination, and/or transfer, prior to completion of one (1) year of employment with the district, costs associated with becoming a school bus/transportation operator district support , will be deducted from their last paycheck.

2. Eliminate the high school diploma/equivalent requirement to become a transportation support, this requirement was removed for a school bus driver/transportation support in June 2018. By waiving this requirement to become a transportation support, the county will be able to hire a driver. the candidate first as a relief transport support and then as a school bus relief driver after all criteria are met. Candidates for driving a school bus must pass four tests at the DMV in order to obtain a CDL permit: General Knowledge, Air Brake, Passenger, and School Bus exams. These exams require training to pass the exam and ensure that the applicant is ready to attend the Community Bus Operator Training course. This waiver will not affect student safety.

3. Provide a $100 incentive to any district employee who refers a candidate to become a bus operator for 30 school days.