Possible Pay Raise For School Bus Drivers In Polk County

POLK COUNTY, FL — Bus drivers and other school groups housed under Polk County Public Schools will possibly receive a raise for the 2021-2022 school year, according to a news release.

PCPS has reached a tentative agreement with the union, AFSCEME Local 2227, representing area school bus drivers and other non-instructional employees for an hourly pay rate increase from $13.40 to $14.50 for new school drivers. Veteran drivers will also be eligible for pay raises based on years of service and current salary level, officials said.

In addition, PCPS will implement referral and retention bonuses for bus drivers.

The tentative agreement with AFSCME also addresses pay for various employee groups other than bus drivers, such as bus attendants; custodial, maintenance and warehouse personnel; and school nutrition assistants.

The minimum starting salary for those groups will be set at $11 per hour. In addition, each group will receive an hourly raise of 75 cents for 2021-22, as well as another hourly raise of 75 cents next year (effective July 1, 2022).

The tentative agreement with AFSCME is subject to ratification at the union’s meeting on Aug. 21. For more information, click this link.