The Capital Region area is facing a school bus driver shortage.

According to the Daily Gazette, a shortage of bus drivers all over the Capital Region has gotten significantly worse over the past two years. Transportation officials say that districts are having trouble recruiting new drivers to replace the old ones who leave due to retirement or other reasons. Transportation director Al Karam of Shenendehowa Central School District  says that fewer people are looking for part-time jobs and added that the bus driver shortages are a nationwide issue. "In our profession, we can't just take anyone off the streets and put them behind the wheel of a bus" he said. He added that the job is good for retirees and for someone looking for a supplemental income. "It's been tough to find applicants. We hire just enough to keep our heads above water" said Mohonasen Central School District transportation supervisor Randy Jerrald, who always relied on retirees and stay-at-home parents to fill drivers positions but has seen those numbers dropping.

Lori Stern of both Niskayuna Central and Scotia Central School District's along with Cheryl Dalton of Saratoga Central School District also acknowledged difficulty in recruiting new drivers, although starting pay for most positions start at $20 an hour. $20 an hour to drive a school bus? I think I may be in the wrong field. Sign me up!

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