KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A Central Florida school district is hosting its first bus driver fair since the school year began. Multiple job fairs were held in Osceola County throughout the summer to combat a worker shortage.

What You Need To Know

  • The School District of Osceola County, like many school districts nationwide, is experiencing a bus driver shortage.

  • The district said they’re working with third party vendors to alleviate some of the issues they’re facing.

  • The district is hosting a job fair aimed at getting more bus drivers. They need at least 30 more drivers

The first bus driver job fair since the school year started is happening at the School District of Osceola Co. Transportation Services at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Transportation officials hope this event attracts more people to the field.

District officials said they are working with third-party vendors to alleviate some of the issues they are facing. Their department still needs at least 30 more drivers. Drivers will be paid $15 an hour during their training course,  but once they become fully qualified, their wage will go up to $16.50.

Many districts reported having recruiting issues, which is why many are seeing continued efforts from the school districts.

A national study shows that 88% of respondents from a school transportation study say their operations have been constrained by the school driver shortage.

In a nationwide study by HopSkipDrive, a youth transportation organization, more than half of school districts reported they are somewhat constrained, while nearly 30% of respondents say they are severely strained.

The same study indicates the main reasons for shortages across the nation include: recruiting issues, driver pay and drivers retiring.