Brevard Public Schools (BPS) is facing a critical bus driver shortage that is impacting students and families across the county. The district is currently down over 90 bus drivers, leaving many routes uncovered and causing delays for thousands of students.
The shortage has forced BPS to implement a number of measures to address the problem, including consolidating routes, extending bus times, and hiring substitute teachers to drive buses. However, these measures have not been enough to fully address the shortage, and many students are still experiencing disruptions to their transportation.
The Crisis in Numbers
- 90 bus drivers are needed to fully staff the district.
- BPS currently has 430 bus drivers.
- 32% of the district’s bus driver positions are vacant.
- Over 4,000 students are being affected by the bus driver shortage.
The Impact on Students
The bus driver shortage is having a significant impact on students, both academically and personally. Students are missing class time due to late buses or canceled routes. They are also experiencing stress and anxiety as they worry about how they will get to school.
The Causes of the Shortage
There are a number of factors contributing to the bus driver shortage in Brevard County. These include:
- Low wages: Bus drivers in Brevard County are paid an average of $15.50 per hour. This is well below the living wage in Brevard County, which is $24.25 per hour for a single adult with one child.
- Long hours: Bus drivers typically work long hours, with early morning and late afternoon shifts. This can make it difficult to balance work with family and personal commitments.
- Benefits: Bus drivers do not receive the same benefits as other BPS employees, such as health insurance and retirement contributions.
What is BPS Doing to Address the Shortage?
BPS is taking a number of steps to address the bus driver shortage, including:
- Increasing wages: BPS is increasing wages for bus drivers by $2 per hour. This will bring the average hourly wage to $17.50 per hour.
- Offering signing bonuses: BPS is offering signing bonuses of up to $2,000 for new bus drivers.
- Providing training: BPS is providing training and support for new bus drivers.
What Can Parents Do to Help?
Parents can help by:
- Being patient: BPS is working to address the bus driver shortage as quickly as possible. However, it will take some time to fill all of the vacant positions.
- Planning ahead: Parents should plan ahead for potential delays and cancellations. They should also talk to their children about the bus driver shortage and how it may impact their transportation.
- Encouraging others to become bus drivers: Parents can encourage others to become bus drivers by sharing information about the job openings and benefits.
Conclusion
The bus driver shortage is a critical problem that is impacting students and families across Brevard County. BPS is taking a number of steps to address the shortage, but it will take time to fill all of the vacant positions. Parents can help by being patient, planning ahead, and encouraging others to become bus drivers.