Search for bus drivers continues

Alicia Boisson
South Peace News

The High Prairie School Division is facing a bus driver shortage. Director of transportation, Gord Jessome, says with only about 80 drivers the district is short 20 drivers. “In High Prairie alone there are 24 routes, but we also provide service for Slave Lake, Kinuso, Joussard and Falher,” says Jessome. “Right now I do not have any spares, which means we aren’t able to drive for all the field trips planned by the school. We get about 11 or 12 calls a day, but if we use a driver for a field trip we don’t have someone to fill that driver’s route.” Jessome adds day trips are easier to fill, but overnight trips are impossible. The shortage of drivers is being caused by the oilfield and the boom, says Jessome. “A person can go to Tim Hortons for $12-15 dollars, not everyone wants to drive bus,” says Jessome. Another issue, adds Jessome, is the childcare. “People can’t afford to hire a babysitter for a couple hours, it costs more to get a babysitter,” explains Jessome. In hopes of attracting more drivers, the board passed a motion allowing bus drivers to bring their under-school aged children with them on the bus. “I think this is going to help,” says Jessome. “I currently have two drivers in the west who would like to drive bus but can’t because they have young children. This will help.” There are certain terms to go with the new motion, says Jessome. “Of course, the kids have to weigh over 40 pounds so a car seat is not required,” says Jes- some. “It is also important that the child doesn’t take a seat away from one of the students.” A few school boards in the province have adopted this policy and HPSD’s insurers approved it as long as the above guidelines are followed. “We (school boards) are all in the same boat,” says Jessome. “Driving bus isn’t very hard but driving it full of 40-60 kids can be.” The driver will be asked to sign an agreement stating that this privilege will not interfere with the driver’s commitment to the safety of students and his ability to provide a high level of service to students riding the bus. The HPSD covers the cost of all required courses needed to become a driver, says Jessome, adding if anyone is interested they can contact him at 523-3654. “I wish people would apply, if we don’t have drivers we won’t be able to transport the kids to school and I have tried everything.”

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