Pocono News Section

Bus Driver Shortage in the Poconos

Bus Driver Shortage in the Poconos - Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 4:52PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 @ 04:52pm EST
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY- Buses in the East Stroudsburg School District have been jam packed lately because of a bus driver shortage.

The district has lost 14 drivers since the school year started. Assistant School Superintendent Sharon Laverdure explained, "Part of it's from retirement, part of it's from some of our drivers becoming ill...and some of them it just wasn't the job for them."

She said that means some routes are condensed and kids squeeze together to fit three in a seat. "We've had to adjust it. We have to run near capacity and our parents and our children have been very cooperative," she said.

The district wants to hire more drivers. Like Thomas Hendel. He's worked behind the wheel for nearly 18 years.

He said, "I love to drive. I love the kids. I love the people that I work with. I've been doing it for so long it's I'm here and it's probably where I'll stay."

He said he's seen many drivers sign on and then realize there's just too much to handle. "There's a lot of responsibility with dealing with the children but also dealing with the traffic, the driving part," he explained.

Thomas teaches the driving part as the district's instructor. He runs a class and shows you how to handle a bus. The whole process takes about a month then you can start carting kids around for about $12 an hour.

If you love kids and can handle the responsibility driving the big yellow bus may be just the job for you.

The next bus driver class starts Monday night. If you pass the course, you can start driving for the district next school year. If you already have a commercial drivers license you can start this school year.

For more information call 570-424-8500 Ext. 1702.