Dear Families,
Before students arrive back on campus, I wanted to make you aware of a challenge we’ve been facing and how it may impact the school year. Despite our best efforts, the District continues to struggle to find bus drivers.
Impacting the School Year
This year, we’ve lost a significant amount of bus drivers for different reasons. While we’re still actively hiring, if we do not find additional drivers this will undoubtedly impact field trips, athletics, out-of-district placement transports, and possibly daily bus routes.
Other Options: Condensing Routes, Outside Contracts, Substitutes, etc.
At this point, we’ve exhausted our alternative options. Over the past three years, we’ve condensed five bus routes, but with buses now at capacity, we can’t condense routes any further. We have inquired with independent transportation companies about regular or substitute contracts, but they too are at capacity and are unable to support us. We have also looked into the possibility of condensing athletic and out-of-district placement routes with other schools - an avenue we’re still exploring. Additionally, we have provided interested coaches with the opportunity to earn their CDL and transport their teams to and from competitions. As it stands, we’re beginning the year with a very limited number of substitute drivers. Our transportation supervisor and dispatcher will likely need to drive regular routes to maintain daily transportation operations.
What We Need From You
We are in great need of help. If you, or someone you know, is over the age of 21 and interested in becoming a bus driver or a substitute bus driver- now is the time. You do not need to be a licensed bus driver to express interest, the District provides FREE training to assist in acquiring a CDL license - all while receiving the training rate of $16.39/hr.
Bus Driver Benefits
Bus route drivers at Greenville Central School District earn $24.58 per hour, a competitive salary above the state and national averages. Additionally, route drivers earn sick/personal time, receive holidays/summers off, have access to dental and vision insurance, and are eligible for the NYS Employee Retirement System. Substitute drivers earn $23.50 per hour and are eligible for the same retirement system.
Application
If you, or someone you know, have any interest in becoming a bus driver - whether for regular routes or as a substitute- please contact Mary Judeikis, the Transportation Supervisor, at 518-966-5070 x463 or judeikism@greenvillecsd.org.
As we continue to assess our transportation capabilities, I will communicate major changes and impacted programs with our community.
Thank you,
Michael Bennett
Superintendent of Schools