UniteGPS – New bus drivers, bus aides, and substitute drivers at Roanoke County Public Schools in Virginia can now anticipate generous sign-on bonuses as the community navigates around the nationwide hiring shortage.
Currently short of 13 drivers, the district has devised an incentive package recently approved by the Roanoke County School Board.
Based on a recent press release, the district will pay new bus drivers with a pre-existing CDL a $1,500 bonus after driving for 90 days.
If a bus driver applicant doesn’t have their CDL, though, then Roanoke County Schools will provide training assistance followed by a $1,000 bonus after driving for 90 days. Bus aid hires are to also earn $500.
On average, bus drivers in Roanoke County Schools drive at least five hours a day. The beginning hourly rate is $16.96 and health benefits are available, according to WFIR.
According to a recent Ohio survey, low wages are traditionally one of the most prevalent barriers of entry for prospective bus drivers.