Hilliard City Schools has enough drivers to cover all 135 full-time bus routes when school starts Aug. 19, but the district needs more to handle sick days, long-term absences and unexpected demand.
Chief Operating Officer Mark Dudgeon confirmed the staffing gap in an ABC6 report that aired Aug. 6.
"Obviously, it's no secret there's a driver need everywhere, different reasons for different districts, for us it's about building our bench strength," Dudgeon told the station.
The district's transportation page lists about 151 drivers and 30 bus assistants. Job postings for a full-time Bus Driver/Route Specialist, a substitute driver, a bus assistant and a substitute bus assistant have been open on the district's Frontline job board since May 27. The full-time position runs 185 days per year with a minimum of five hours per day; salary is listed as "commensurate with experience."
Hilliard is not alone. Columbus City Schools, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, New Albany-Plain Local and South-Western City Schools have all advertised for drivers in recent weeks. South-Western held a drive-and-hire event in June.
Two school buses with recruitment banners are parked at visible spots around Hilliard, and the district offers free CDL training to applicants who are selected. Dudgeon told ABC6 that crews are "doing final walk-throughs, making sure everything is serviced and ready to be on the road" ahead of the first day.
What families and prospective drivers can do
The district's "Ready to Ride? Ready to Drive?" event runs Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at Hilliard Davidson High School's band practice lot and Transportation Center, 5100 Davidson Road. First-time student riders can practice boarding a bus, and adults interested in driving can meet staff, learn about the job and take a turn behind the wheel with a certified trainer. We previewed the event Aug. 4.
Families with transportation questions or anyone interested in applying can reach the Transportation Department at (614) 921-4700. The office is at 4970 Davidson Road, Hilliard. Open positions are listed at the district's online job portal.
