The Glasgow School District is at risk of having to cut more bus routes due to the bus driver shortage. In the past three years, the District has gone from nine route drivers, down to just four regular drivers. This mirrors the nationwide bus driver shortage. Starting September 18th, the Saint Marie will be down to one very full route, driven by the Transportation Coordinator/Mechanic. Strategies employed this year to recruit new bus drivers include the purchase of an “E” Bus, which is used on the Nashua/East route and doesn’t require a CDL licensed driver. A paraprofessional aide is currently driving this route in addition to her regular duties. Also, for this school year, driver wages were increased to $23.01 - $28.02 (depending on experience). The most recent strategy, a $1,500 sign-on bonus for new drivers, was approved by the Board of Trustees at their September school board meeting.
Now would be the time for an individual to obtain their CDL license to drive bus, because effective January 1, 2024, new CDL applicants will be required to do an estimated 80-hour training course as a requirement before taking the CDL test. Glasgow School District will provide this training at no charge for new hires, and will also be available to the general public for a fee. Anyone interested in driving bus for the Glasgow School District is encouraged to call Justice Steele at (406) 263-7085 for more information.