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School Bus Drivers Facing Issues Across Northern Michigan

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It’s no secret there’s a shortage of bus drivers, and drivers are making their voices heard.

In Big Rapids on Nov. 2, the school district had to cancel bus transportation after six drivers called out of work.

“We sent a message out to parents via our email, phone calls, social media, our website to try and get the message out as soon as possible,” said Big Rapids Superintendent Tim Haist. “We know it was an inconvenience.”

The school district has already had to cut two routes out of their typical 14 this year due to the lack of drivers.

Big Rapids School District Bus Driver Sue Watkins said the cut routes have added more kids to buses, creating over crowding.

“The overcrowding results in tremendous discipline issues,” said Watkins in a statement. “Drivers are overwhelmed with each added responsibility given them without an increase in compensation.”

Haist sayss over the past year, they’ve given $1,700 in extra compensation to the drivers, and are in negations for extra compensation.

“Ideally, we’d love to have 14 drivers plus, and we are trying to be creative and bring on, create new positions,” he said. “We know it’s a difficult schedule, as well, and so we’re trying to find creative options to bring people on board.”

Drivers are also frustrated with the way COVID has been handled at Big Rapids Public Schools.

Watkins said the mandates on masks and constant sanitation has wearied drivers to their breaking point.

“The talk of a vaccine mandate coming to the schools, and no assurances that it will not be a mandate in Big Rapids Public School is causing more [drivers] to make exit plans,” said Watkins.

The superintendent says the school has to follow the federal mask mandate with masks on the bus, and vaccine mandates are currently not required.

“It’s a tough job, it can be challenging,” said Haist. “We continue to work with our bus drivers to find the best way to make their job the best it possibly can be.”

Big rapids isn’t the only district having issues with bus drivers.

In nearby Reed City, Superintendent Mike Sweet says they’re also facing challenges.

The school district has had five resignations from bus drivers in the last few weeks.

“It’s unfortunate for students and families that depend upon busing to get to school, that drivers have chosen to resign,” said Sweet. “However, the district recognizes how competitive the market is for drivers right now.”

Sweet adds that changes in the contracts were made to give drivers “a wage increase, additional holidays, professional development days… and a monthly health care stipend in an attempt to retain drivers.”

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