Abilene ISD combats bus driver shortage

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – The Abilene Independent School District (AISD) is feeling the effects of the state’s shortage of bus drivers.

Abilene ISD currently has 68 bus drivers, but it needs at least 72 to be considered fully staffed, though the more the better.

AISD is addressing the issue by allowing individuals with no experience to join its training program. Roger Millenger, AISD’s student services manager, stated that the program is designed to accommodate potential drivers at their current level.

“We bring them in, see where they are, what they need, if they need everything. We have a training program that they come in, and we start working with them on the bus and show them what they need,” Millenger said.

Routes are being delayed, and buses are packed with students, which Millenger said can become a safety hazard.

“We need more drivers so we can lessen the load on some of those buses because it makes us safer and more comfortable for the kids. You don’t have to be packed in as much on the bus; that is what we’re having to do on some of the buses,” Millenger said.

The training program can take anywhere from 14 to 60 days, depending on experience. Taylor Yates, an AISD bus driver, told KTAB/KRBC that the training program was nothing compared to the fulfillment of her job.

”Me and my sister used to have a bus driver that we were very quiet and timid on the bus, and he would always try to be hyper and like, ‘Where’s my superstars?” Yates said.

Now, Yates conveys the warmth of her bus driver, who is friendly and more than just a brief stop in her students’ day.

“Every time I get on the bus with my kids, I ask them how their school went today.  I just know that some people go through stuff. I went through stuff as a kid, too,” Yates said. “On Friday, I pick out a CD, whether it’s Hannah Montana or High School Musical, and we get to jam out on the bus, and they get to take home a little treat.”

Abilene ISD is accepting applications for drivers, with starting pay for bus drivers at $21.75 per hour.

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