Auburn schools propose bus driver training program, approves bonuses

AUBURN — City school officials are aiming to make bus routes more efficient and bolster driver recruitment, according to the new transportation action plan presented at the School Committee meeting Wednesday night.

One item proposes creating a driver training program that would allow individuals to be employed by the district as they complete the steps necessary to earn their commercial driver’s license and drive a school bus. If implemented, the district would cover all of the costs associated with obtaining the license and provide support for passing the written and road tests.

Business Manager Mark Conrad said the district will interview three potential candidates next week who could be the first to go through the program. If hired, it would be several months before they could drive a bus, he said. The district has training lined up for these individuals.

“There was a time where recruiting drivers meant you got people coming to your door who already had their school bus licenses,” Conrad said. “Now I think districts are realizing that what we need to find are interested individuals who are willing to become trained as drivers, and we need to support them in that process.”

“There are no quick fixes here, but I think we’re moving in the right direction,” he added.

The district is also considering ways to transport students with fewer drivers by creating two start times for the district’s elementary schools.

By starting elementary schools at different times, bus drivers could first transport half of Auburn’s elementary students to school, then turn around to pick up the other half who would start at a later time.

“I just want to emphasize that we recognize that any change in school times requires a lot of conversation, a lot of lead time, and we haven’t started looking at anything yet, but it’s an option,” Conrad said.

The plan also proposes using specialized software and hiring a consultant to create more efficient bus routes. Currently, Auburn creates its bus routes by hand.

The state has a program which the district can use at no cost, Conrad said. The software generally costs $20,000 to $25,000. Bringing in the consultant would cost the district between $15,000 to $20,000, he added.

“It will take some time to put into place, but it is something that most districts have and we will begin pursuing that soon,” Conrad said.

In other news, the School Committee unanimously approved $1,000 premium pay for all permanent district staff, from crossing guards to educators.

A $1,500 referral bonus was also approved by all committee members without discussion. Staff who successfully recruit a new employee for any position in the school district will receive $1,500.

Both bonuses were recommended by Superintendent Cornelia Brown at the Feb. 2 School Committee meeting.