HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Back to school time is almost here, and sometimes there is just one thing that can be hard to keep enough of as each school year approaches and that is bus drivers. Decatur City Schools Transportation Assistant Jamie Penley believes that still hasn't changed. "It's almost kind of a run in it's not a joke, but it's it's in this situation where among the bus people we're always are hiring." But currently, Penley has good news . "We're in a pretty good place. we have all our routes filled. We even have what we call utility drivers, full time drivers that come each day and they just assist on various routes. they don't have a designated route, but we're always looking for more drivers, aides as well," he explained.
Limestone County Schools Transportation Director Rusty Bates is in the same situation. "Currently we are seven positions short. These are full time positions with full benefits, with insurance." Bates believes the current salary for bus drivers in the school system is also very good right now. "We're towards the top as far as school systems go. But when you start comparing, um, you know, us to, to other industries, of course we tend to struggle in that area and that's not uncommon is for our schools. We've been dealing with that for years now. "
Furthermore, when it comes to ensuring safety Penley shares that safety is their intentional focus. "We have conversations with our drivers every day. we just focus on them to be proactive, to be always mindful of anything out there. be patient, they're not anxious, but at the same time to anticipate, always be mindful of any hazard."