LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) needs more school bus drivers. The district held a bus driver hiring blitz Saturday in an effort to fill its shortage.

For the 2024-25 school year, the district plans to work around the shortage by cutting transportation to all magnet and traditional schools, except Central and Western High School. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) held another bus driver hiring blitz Saturday 

  • Human resources said it will hire as many drivers as possible

  • According to the district’s estimates, it will have approximately 475 daily drivers next academic year 

  • The average pay for drivers is around $55,000 yearly 

Current drivers said hiring more people will help take some routes off their plate. 

“We could be overworked because we had to pick up where we don't have other drivers to take those routes," said JCPS bus driver Ronald Fawbush. "When you're doing that, it can put a little bit more on you. Everybody's working a little bit more hours."

Many people, including Antwanette Smith, applied to be a driver during Saturday's blitz. 

“I do love children," Smith said. "I have two children, and I just love being in the atmosphere of them. I want to feel like I’m helping out in a positive way."

It would be quite the career change for Smith. Right now, she works for a security company. However, because she has two students in the district who are facing transportation issues, she said she wants to help make a positive change.

“I’ve been one of those parents where you look for your child and you're like, ‘OK, where is my student?'" she said. "Like if it's a little late, (if) it's almost dinner time. I have been one of those parents, so that has encouraged me."

At the event, candidates could fill out applications, get a motor vehicle background check and interview for the position. 

Human resources said there is no cap on hiring.

“What we have been impressed with is the number of people who continue to flow through the process," said Aimee Green-Webb, JCPS chief of human resources. "While we had an amazing turnout (for) the first blitz, there's been a steady flow, and that's what I feel like has been a difference in years past."

According to the district’s estimates, it will have approximately 475 daily drivers for next school year. Even by cutting busing to magnet and traditional schools, the district said there could still be some delays in the morning and evening, with a clear time of 6:15 p.m.- 6:25 p.m.

“I know that is very important as well for us, to have enough drivers so that the parents can take their kids to the bus stop and to get to their jobs quickly,” Fawbush said.

Smith said she's hoping that as more drivers are hired, there won’t be many delays next year.

“I’m just excited about it ... that more people are pitching in to make a difference and to make that change happen,” she said.

Interested applicants who missed the hiring blitz can visit the VanHoose Education Center for more information. 

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