LPS hosting hiring event in order to combat bus driver shortages; potential raises
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln Public Schools are feeling the effects of a school bus driver shortage, plaguing the nation.
“We’re right now about 20 drivers down, about 25 paras down,” Ryan Robley, Director of Transportation for the District said.
It’s an ongoing shortage LPS has been dealing with for the last 20 years but the pandemic made it much worse. Now, the 8% of students school-wide who ride the bus, are faced with delays because of it.
LPS says they’re being transparent with families, letting them know how long the school bus is going to be to or from school.
“Those are running anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, every morning and afternoon, depending on where we can find coverage to fill in on those missing routes,” Robley said.
The District is working to curb that shortage and will be hosting a Fast Track Hiring Day this Thursday in hopes of filling some driver seats. If qualified, they’ll be hired on the spot pending successful background and reference checks.
“We’re in dire need of candidates and we’re hoping that this will be one great opportunity to find some,” Robley said.
LPS is even proposing a midyear pay raise for all transportation drivers and paraeducators.
School bus drivers would receive a $3.51 cent increase in their holiday rate with a new base of $23. Transportation paraeducators would receive a $.50 hourly raise with a new base of $14.63. The sign-on bonus would also increase from $500 to $1,000 if approved.
The School Board will be voting on this at their meeting Tuesday evening.
