Benton County Schools seeks to fill bus driver positions amid nationwide shortage

BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. — One local county says the nationwide bus driver shortage is hitting close to home.

It’s a job that starts before sunrise and ends after the last stop, and now, Benton County Schools (BCS) is looking for more people ready to take the wheel.

“You know, our routes they usually start about 5:30 a.m., and then, they’re working about five hours a day, and our normal pay is around $90 a day to start out,” said BCSD Superintendent Mark Florence.

The school district has been facing a bus driver shortage for a few years now but recently, Superintendent Florence says the situation has grown worse.

“Currently, we have all of our bus driver positions filled, but we have no spares, so obviously once we have a bus driver that’s out sick or they have a doctor’s appointment, then we’re having to make arrangements to double up,” said Florence.

The district currently has 21 drivers, with 18 regular routes and 3 special education routes. The lack of backup bus drivers has put a strain on employees and caused frustration for parents as routes are doubled up.

“We’re very blessed that we have bus drivers that are willing to double up and run extra routes, but unfortunately, that does create either a delay arriving to school or a delay getting home in the evening,” said Florence.

Superintendent Florence says the bus driver shortage causes an approximately 45 minute delay getting kids home afterschool. Despite local advertising, the district has not had any luck getting spare drivers.

“Ideally, if we can hire two or three additional drivers, that would be great. We’re even to a state where we can probably add a route if we can find a driver,” said Florence.

The district says it has taken steps over the years to make the job more enticing.

“We have really increased our benefits, I think are competitive. You know, our health insurance is provided for our drivers at no cost,” said Florence.

Officials say this is an opportunity for those looking to make an impact in the community one route at a time.

Superintendent Florence encourages anyone interested in a bus driver position to stop by the board of education for an application or call their office at (731) 584-6111.

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