RICHMOND, Ky. — The bus driver shortage is a problem that districts across the country are experiencing, and Madison County School District is no different. The district is about 20 drivers short, just weeks away from the first day of classes.

What You Need To Know

  • Like other districts in the U.S., Madison County School District has a bus driver shortage, and is looking to fill about 20 positions to be fully staffed

  • The transportation department staff have had to take certain measures to deal with the shortage

  • Madison County Schools’ director of transportation says that the district desperately needs drivers

  • The district offers paid training for people who want to be a bus driver

The shortage can be a pervasive issue if just one driver ends up calling out. Staff with the transportation department have found ways to deal with the issue, such as condensing and doubling up routes or running a late route.

The district offers paid training that goes over several aspects of the job that include managing the kids’ behavior, inspecting the bus, and how to drive it.

“When they complete all of those things and we think are ready to be tested, we send them to a 3rd party examiner who tests them and once they test them and they pass their test, then they go get their license,” said Shane Lakes, the director of transportation for Madison County Schools. “They can become a bus driver.”

Lakes said his office is managing the best they can with the bus driver shortage, but that they desperately need drivers and are currently hiring.

“I drive most afternoons myself just because we have a need, and so it’s why we need more drivers,” said Lakes. “It’s not my goal to drive every day. I probably need to be in here in the afternoons more, but it’s something we have to do to get the kids home.”

For anyone interested in becoming a bus driver for Madison County Schools, call 859-624-4515 for more information on how to start the process.

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