LAGRANGE, Ohio — The Keystone Local School District in Lagrange is searching for more bus drivers as families are asked to to drive their student-athletes to away games.
3News reached out to Keystone Local School District superintendent Dan White, who shared the following statement:
In regards to our lack of transportation drivers, we sincerely apologize for the challenges and inconveniences this causes our student athletes and their families.
Unfortunately, the lack of substitute personnel, in many areas of the school environment, has a negative effect on our district and many others. We are working hard to encourage individuals to become a part of our Keystone family. We currently have two positions available with one applicant that we are working through the process to become a bus driver as fast as we can. We appreciate all of the extra work of our athletes, staff, and parents for which this personnel deficiency affects.
According to an article from The Chronicle Telegram, the district recently had three school bus drivers resign, White telling the publication two of those were drivers who often picked up bussing for away games.
However, they're not the only district looking for drivers. This month, Cleveland Metropolitan School District announced bus driver recruitment events on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 through June 6.
These will take place at the Ridge Road Depot at 3832 Ridge Road in Cleveland. While walk-ins are welcome, the district says it's best to apply first online.
Those interested in driving a bus for Keystone Schools should contact Transportation Supervisor Therese Jackson at therese.jackson@keystoneschools.org or at 440-355 2411.
BY THE NUMBERS
According to research by the Economic Policy Institute, school bus driver employment continues to be far below pre-pandemic levels.
There were approximately 192,400 bus drivers working in K-12 schools at the beginning of this school year in September 2023, which is down 15.1% from September 2019.
The National Education Association says the top reasons for this bus driver shortage is that it is often a low-paying job. And while the hourly wage may seem decent, they are often asked to work split shifts, meaning they are only paid for their morning and afternoon routes -- but not paid for the time in between.