GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Several West Michigan school districts are dealing with a shortage of bus drivers. News 8 spoke with two local district superintendents who are currently having trouble finding bus drivers.
Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Michael Shibler and Belding Area Schools Superintendent Brent Noskey said they’re looking to hire. Both districts oversee their transportation departments, it’s on them to hire bus drivers.
Shibler told News 8 it’s an issue he has dealt with for a few years now. Although, right now, it seems like it’s the worst it’s ever been.
“When we get into a pinch is when a driver gets sick or two drivers get sick and you’re also trying to get sports teams to their events and field trips,” said Noskey. “Many times, my own transportation director has to go out and drive, and that leaves us shorthanded in the office.”
Dean Transportation is also struggling to find bus drivers to hire. It provides buses and drivers to a number of school districts in West Michigan: Kent and Ottawa Area Intermediate, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Reeths-Puffer, Muskegon Heights, Kent City, Sparta, Cedar Springs and Tri-County Area Schools.
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