Jackson schools combat bus driver shortage through ‘Bus Driver University’

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – For the last couple years many school districts have struggled with keeping school bus drivers.

Last year we saw a national school bus driver shortage.

One area school district is combatting the need for bus drivers this year with what they call ‘Bus Driver university’

Keenan Kinder is the assistant superintendent of District Operations for Jackson schools. He says this is the second year they’ve held a ‘bus driver university’ in hopes of bringing in more bus drivers.  

“We’ve done this in the past and it’s an opportunity for folks to come out and try their hand at driving a school bus and see if that would be something they’d be interested in doing. To become a district driver for us.”  

Kinder says the district has struggled with the lack of bus drivers since COVID. He believes this is partly do to the size of bus. He says a school bus is big and can look intimidating. Bus driver university allows people to get firsthand experience at being a school bus driver.  

“It gives them the opportunity to take one, feel one, get behind the wheel see what it feels like, and realize they aren’t that scary and that they can drive one and be successful with our kids.” 

Kinder says there will be experienced bus drivers present explaining the hours of a bus driver and any questions such as age license or certifications needed will be answered.

Kinder says bus drivers are a really big part of the school district. It is more than just a job. 

“Our kids count on our bus drivers every single day,” said Kinder. “To get them to school safely, to get them home safely, to events safely and they build relationships with kids and parents and they’re a vital part of our school community.” 

If you or someone you know is interested in driving university, you can stop by the Jackson high school event center Saturday, July 20 from 7 a.m. through 11 a.m.