RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — A nationwide school bus driver shortage is leaving some rural bus services on the hunt for more employees.
Bus services in Rhinelander, Tomahawk, and Florence County are all seeking additional drivers.
Rick Roberts is the transportation director for the School District of Florence County. “We don’t wait till we have an opening. We’re looking for you 24/7 and 365 so come in and we can talk to you about it.”
The search has been on for a while. But, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s intensified. That’s because many school bus drivers are retired or semi-retired people – a population that’s at great risk from the virus.
Without enough drivers, school districts like Rhinelander face challenges transporting students to and from after-school athletic events.
And while the School District of Florence County has enough drivers this year, Roberts is already worried about next year. “Two or three may be retiring after this school year, so there’s always a need.”
Roberts urges people to consider applying to be a school bus driver. It’s a job, he says, that’s necessary for students to receive their education.
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