Deptford School District Alters Schedule Over Shortage: Report

DEPTFORD, NJ — The Deptford Township Public School District is the second district in Gloucester County to alter its dismissal time due to the national bus driver shortage.

It is also offering more than $20 an hour for anyone who wants to drive for the district.
Deptford High Schoolwill dismiss at 1:25 p.m. instead of 1:45 p.m. due to the bus driver shortage, 6 ABC reports.

Earlier this month, the Glassboro Public School District announced it would alter the schedule at two of its schools for the same reason. Read more here: NJ District Alters School Schedule Over Bus Driver Shortage

In July, the Toms River Public School District announced it would have to change start times for five of its schools for the fall due to the shortage. Read more here: Bus Driver Shortage Forces New Start Times For Toms River Schools

The district is also offering$23 an hour for bus drivers. It is also offering bonuses of $1,500 for anyone who completes 180 full work days for the school year, and $750 for anyone who completes 175 full work days for the school year.

The district will train anyone who doesn’t have a commercial driver’s license. To apply, click here.

Nationwide, there are school districts wrestling with the problem of staffing school bus routes. The issue in many places is a combination of low wages and health concerns as a result of the pandemic, according to EdWeek.

The New Jersey School Bus Contractors Association told 6 ABC that about 20 percent of bus drivers didn't return after layoffs associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

School districts have been competing with trucking companies and mass transit agencies over drivers who have commercial licenses, nj.com reports.

For more information on becoming a bus driver, click here.