DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — School bus driver shortages are a nationwide problem and here in North Alabama, it’s no different.
According to Decatur City Schools officials, the system needs at least a dozen drivers to successfully run routes next school year. The department’s driver roster is depleted due to retirements and internal transfers.
Without a boost in drivers getting hired, the situation could be a difficult one.
“We would have to look at possibly working on our schedules. Ideally, we would not want to have to change any type of the routes or things like that, but we would look at our bank, we cover sometimes, our mechanics and myself sometimes have to cover,” Decatur City Schools Transportation Supervisor Jamie Penley said. “Ideally, we would like to build up that utility group to continue to be able to cover our people that may be out medical or whatever the case.”
For these bus drivers, the role of taking kids to and from school is not taken lightly. Rod Garrett has been driving buses for 17 years. He calls the job his mission field.
Garrett said that as a driver, you have no idea what a kid is going through when they get on your bus, and that’s why he always tries to leave a positive impact on them.
“In the mornings, we are the first person they see, so we have that opportunity first thing in the morning to be able to be a positive influence for them to put a smile on their face, make them feel important, make them feel like they have value,” Garrett said. “We are also the last person in the afternoon to do that as well.”
While fellow driver Coretta House has only been on the job for four years, it hasn’t taken long for it to have the same impact on her.
“It’s an awesome opportunity to really be a positive influence in the lives of so many children, every day you know you are with them for 10 months out of the year,” House said. “They become your family.”
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a bus driver, you can contact Decatur City Schools at (256)-552-3000.
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