![]() ![]() ![]() The IFL implements changes mandated by Congress in the recently enacted Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU or the Act). The rule affects 49 CFR Parts 383 and 384. You forge lasting relationships, not just with the kiddos but with the families.Effective September 28, 2005, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an interim final rule (IFR) affecting school bus (“S”) endorsement for the commercial driver’s license (CDL). "When you're driving kids around, you get to relive some of experiences.when a kid tells you all the things they did in art class today, what they did at recess, at gym class. "It's one just really awesome way to make a difference in your own community," said Clevenger in Carmel. Some districts like Plainfield and Clark-Pleasant community school corporations say they are making due with the number of drivers they have on staff, but even they say they are always looking to hire more people.ĭespite its challenges, being a school bus driver can be one of the most rewarding careers, many districts said. The same goes for Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation, where three to five more drivers would give the district a sufficient staff, said spokesperson Scott Kern. Avon Community School Corporation said it could use about 10 more drivers, and Perry Township School District and Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation each have a handful of job openings in transpiration, including bus aids, monitors and drivers. "Drivers are counselors and nurses and teachers." "The job itself is no longer just driving the school bus," Storm said. It's a "very difficult job," Storm said, keeping children in their seats and maintaining control of the group. It's making due in the meantime, even when that means fitting three children to a seat on the bus. Though not all have needs of the same magnitude, other districts in and around Indianapolis are coping with similar shortages.Īt Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, the district would ideally have about 20 more drivers, said Lynn Storm, the district's transportation director. "It hasn't been incredibly popular with the parents," Clevenger said, but the district did it because it was "absolutely necessary." The district adjusted school start times so one driver could complete a route for elementary, middle and high school and also created "no bus zones" to reduce the number of students requiring transportation to school, Clevenger said. ![]() Carmel Clay Schools currently need about 40 to 50 more bus drivers, Clevenger said. Some districts are dealing with the shortage more acutely than others. "Right now, the thing that’s probably holding people back is the COVID," Chew said. "We saw a shortage prior to the pandemic hitting, but the pandemic just worsened that problem."ĭrivers needing to quarantine because of the pandemic adds to the challenge. 31, but attending the state's annual safety meeting online renews that certificate. All this needs to logged by the school district overseeing the training.īus driver shortage: Carmel Clay Schools creates 'No-Bus Zones,' will cut some routesĪfter completing the required hours of classes and behind-the-wheel experience, trainees receive their standard certificate, which is what allows them to legally drive children on school buses. Standard certificates, nicknamed "yellow cards," expire every year on Dec. Some school districts offer their own training as well, and many pay people to be bus monitors while they go through their training.Īpplicants then spend four hours observing a certified bus driver making their routes and complete eight hours of driving under the supervision of a certified bus driver. Training includes a 10-hour online training class, available several times throughout the year through the Indiana Department of Education, said department spokesperson Holly Lawson. This is done in conjunction with the district that hired you on and often starts once you have your commercial license permit. The second facet of becoming a school bus driver in Indiana is doing training to earn proper certification, according to the Indiana State School Bus Drivers Association. ![]()
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