Henrico Schools to host second 'Drive a Bus' event to recruit drivers

In another effort to recruit school bus drivers in the midst of a nationwide shortage, Henrico County Public Schools is hosting a “Drive a Bus” event Saturday, Oct. 16 at Hermitage High School.

Participants will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience driving a school bus in a driving course. At a similar event earlier this summer, 70 candidates participated.

The bus driver shortage began to grow last March after many part-time drivers left their school district jobs as schools shuttered. Since early June, the shortage grew from about 85 vacancies to about 100.

Competing with other local school divisions, HCPS has been introducing creative approaches to recruit drivers including hiring bonuses, increased pay and “drive a bus” events.

Participants at Saturday’s event will have the opportunity to  interview at the event for positions with the school division. Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid Virginia driver’s license, be able to obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P (Transporting Passengers)/S (School Bus) and airbrakes, pass a physical and a drug test.

Candidates with felony convictions may be eligible for employment. Anyone with questions may contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664. Those planning to attend Saturday’s event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hermitage High School are asked to sign up beforehand at www.henricoschools.us/transportation/.

* * *

Anna Bryson is the Henrico Citizen's education reporter and a Report for America corps member. Make a tax-deductible donation to support her work, and RFA will match it dollar for dollar.