Lee County school district plans to offer better incentives for prospective bus drivers

Reporter: Nicole Lauren
Published: Updated:
Parked school buses. Photo via AP/Seth Perlman.
(AP/Seth Perlman)

We are more than halfway through the school year and the Lee County school district is still having issues with buses running late, saying one of the main problems is a driver shortage.

Now, the district is proposing incentives to recruit drivers, but some of the changes and incentives are concerning to parents.

The parents are uneasy that the school district might not require bus drivers to have a high school diploma.
Many saying that’s something these drivers need to have.

“Everyone should have a high school diploma no matter what, said Fort Myers resident Brenda Brooks

The school district also says they will be waiving the upfront costs that need to be paid, which total about $300.
Some of which go towards a physical and a background check.

They’re also offering district employees a $100 bonus if they recommend a driver.

Many we spoke with tell us they don’t want just anyone behind the wheel of these buses driving their kids and grandkids to and from school.

“We need to hire the standards, make them better qualified, like high school diploma yes absolutely. You have to have something to deal with young children and kids especially now a days,” said Jen Peters.

If the incentive plan for bus drivers is passed, it will go into effect the following day..

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.