Saginaw ISD works to recruit more bus drivers

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – School districts across the country are dealing with a shortage of bus drivers.

Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is just one of many working to hire more drivers. Those who work in the transportation department say being a bus driver is one of the most valuable jobs in the district.

“Our transportation department performs a small miracle every morning, making sure kids get to school on time,” said Dave Krantz, director of special education for Saginaw ISD. “We just ask for grace at the beginning of the school year when we are going through so many changes.”

Fortunately, Saginaw ISD has not been forced to cancel any routes like some districts, but it has had to combine routes, resulting in longer bus trips.

“When we have a shortage, what we often have to do is combine routes, which means kids are on the routes a little bit more than we would like and a little bit more than their families would like them to be on at times,” Krantz said.

Bus driver Rick Hertz joined the team last year and said he enjoys feeling like he’s helping his community.

“I think working with kids is really rewarding,” Hertz said. “We work primarily with special needs kids, so you get to see all sides of the kids and it’s fun to work with them.”

Saginaw ISD Transportation Director Toni Butterfield added that for many students, the bus driver is the first person to greet them each morning and help them get started for the day. Many of their drivers are also parents.

“A lot of times, (bus drivers) will see that student from kindergarten through 12th grade and beyond,” Butterfield said.

For more information about bus driver training and how to apply to Saginaw ISD, please visit here.

For the area closest to you, visit your local school district’s website and search for the transportation department.

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