LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Working to fill its bus driver shortage, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) held a bus driver hiring blitz Saturday to help people apply and interview for the position. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools held a bus driver hiring blitz to help fill its driver shortage

  • There were around 100 applicants before noon

  • About 40 drivers call out every day, according to the district

  • Applications are still open online, as there is always a need for drivers 

A JCPS spokesperson said on average, approximately 7% of drivers call out daily. Nancy Morris said she's trying to fill that gap with her experience, as the 68-year-old is looking to come out of retirement and get back in the driver's seat. 

"[I] never had an accident, anything like that," she said. 

More than 60,000 JCPS students take a bus, and a driver greets them while heading to and from school. 

"[The drivers are] the first thing they see when they get on the bus, and you can see their smiling faces," said Avon Paul, JCPS interim assistant coordinator. "If they don't have one, [the drivers] can make one." 

Carolyn Callahan, JCPS chief of communications and community relations, said the district has fewer drivers than it does routes. 

"What that means is that students are getting picked up later than they should be, they're missing instructional time and they're getting home later than we want," Callahan said. 

Before noon, there were around 100 applicants at the event. Those hired can begin as soon as this school year. 

If hired, Morris is most excited for the students.

"I enjoy kids; I've worked with kids most of my life," she said. 

Those that missed Saturday's hiring blitz can apply online. According to JCPS, applications are always open because there is a constant need for drivers.

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