Facing a lack of school bus drivers roughly a month before school doors open, state operators say they're roughly 1,000 drivers short of full staffing.
The operators held an event Monday at the M&J Bus yard in Old Saybrook to declare Connecticut School Bus Driver Recruitment Week.
"Every location in the state of Connecticut that operates school buses is looking for drivers," says Jon Hipsher, COO of M&J Bus.
The jobs can pay about $19 per hour to start.
State officials from various departments (DCF, DMV, Education, and Emergency Services) are giving the recruitment effort a push by trying to streamline their background check and application processes.
"It used to take up to 6 weeks to complete background checks," says DMV Commissioner Sibongile Magubane. "Now, it takes 24 to 27 hours." She credits improved technology for the department's ability to safely speed background checks and the application process-- which she says can now be completed in 7 to 14 days.
Veteran drivers appeared with state and company officials to encourage applicants to step up. Driver Annie Michele of Cheshire says, "It's good to be a bus driver, period, because you're giving back to your community."
Those interested can contact their local bus operator or click on ctschoolbus.org.
