Zionsville Community Schools facing shortage of bus drivers

0

By Mark Ambrogi

Zionsville Community Schools has a pressing need for bus drivers for the 2015-2016 school year.

Bob Bostwick, chief operations officer, and Amy Eaton, transportation director, are hoping an open house from 9 a.m. to noon May 16 at the ZCS Transportation Center to help fill those spots. The informational and recruitment event will allow visitors to ask questions and even test drive a school bus.

This is the first time ZCS has held such a recruitment effort and it is by necessity, Bostwick said.

“We have a high number of folks who are retiring or moving out of the state or for one reason or another are not continuing in their role as bus drivers,” Bostwick said. “We’re looking to hire as many as six drivers.”

Bostwick said Eaton had heard of another school district successfully running a similar event to attract potential drivers.

“We know the aspect of driving a big yellow bus can be intimidating to some people, but when you get behind the wheel it’s really not as difficult as it might look,” Bostwick said.

So Bostwick said those visiting the open house can sit in the buses or drive them around the parking lot with a trainer aboard to get a feel for it.

The school district offers full benefits to bus drivers after 90 days. Benefits also include competitive pay and a part-time work schedule.

“It can work nicely with a second job,” Bostwick said. “It’s somewhat unique that you have to be at work first thing in the morning and last thing at the end of the day. So it could fit in a schedule for moms at home or dads, retirees or a wide variety of people.”

Bostwick said those hired are paid to be trained to get the license needed to drive a bus. There is a written test and a physical required by the Department of Transportation as well.

What: ZCS Transportation open house

When: 9 a.m. to noon May 16

Where: ZCS Transportation Center, 9770 E. 600 S

Learn more: www.zcs.k12.in.us/sites/default/files/Documents/driveabus.pdf


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact