COVINGTON, Ky. -- Like many districts, Covington Independent Schools is seeing a bus driver shortage.
The school district is looking for more bus drivers to transport its 1,800 students. Shawn Stein, the transportation director for Covington Independent, said bus drivers provide more than a simple service.
"They know the kids' names, they know the kids' parents," he said. "They even know the kids' grades. They really get attached to them."
The district currently has 17 bus drivers, but Stein said he wants six more.
Lesa Walker's son rides Covington buses.
"It's very important that they have school buses," she said. "It's too cold for them to be out here right now."
But the hours can be a problem, according to Stein. The drivers work about 6.5 hours per day and earn an average of $20 per hour, depending on experience.
"We're competitive," Stein said. "We're trying to get more competitive. But we're pretty up there."
Anyone interested in becoming a school bus driver for Covington Independent Schools can find more information by clicking on this link.
Applicants need any combination equivalent to a high school diploma, a G.E.D. certificate or demonstrated progress toward a G.E.D., as well as a valid Commercial Class B driver's license including passenger endorsement, a School Bus Certificate and must be able to pass a driving record check.
