Edison schools offer incentives to boost bus driver staffing

Edison Local Schools has begun offering incentives to boost its bus driver roster, and officials said the measures appear to be working.

Like many districts, Edison has faced a staffing shortfall and wanted to take steps to address it. During the Feb. 17 meeting at Stanton Elementary, the board approved a plan offering up to $2,000 in incentives to new transportation employees. Superintendent Bill Beattie said the move has already drawn interest.

“We were in search of bus drivers and are putting the incentive plan in place,” Beattie said. “Any new driver can earn up to $2,000 in incentives. They will get $1,000 six months after the sign-on date, with the remaining $1,000 one year after, as long as they are still employed by the district.”

The district will continue paying for bus driver training and will also cover costs for physicals and FBI and BCI background checks. In addition, any employee who refers a new driver will qualify for a $500 incentive after the six-month mark, provided the new hire remains employed.

Beattie said six people have responded so far and the district hopes to build a pool of drivers ahead of expected retirements.

“We are expecting some turnover in the next few years, so we’re trying to establish a pool of drivers as the older ones decide to retire,” he said.

The board accepted the resignation of bus driver Jim Zorbini for retirement and hired Dana Rohal as a full-time substitute driver.

Transportation Director Tom McConnell said he was encouraged by the response.

“I trained four people with preservice and had two interviews,” he said. “We should have two or three working full-time by next year.”

Full-time bus drivers earn $21.19 per hour with full benefits. Substitute drivers receive $16.70 per hour. Anyone interested in applying or making a referral may contact McConnell at 740-282-0065, ext. 1112.

In other business, the board:

— Heard a report from Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson, who said students with 90% attendance or better will be rewarded with a trip to a Washington Wild Things game later this spring.

— Hired substitute teachers Carson Basich, Haley Friend, William Jackson, Joshua Sokolowski, Kyle Solar and Justin Wise, and hired Kaylie Reiser as a part-time office/library aide at Stanton.

— Approved a clinical experience agreement with Ohio University’s Patton College of Education.

— Approved the sixth-grade youth volleyball program and the Rivals Volleyball League to use athletic facilities at Edison High School.

— Approved a service agreement with KB Water Services LLC for operation of wastewater treatment systems.

— Approved an agreement with Allerton Hill for communication services.

— Approved an overnight trip for the Edison High School band to Washington, D.C., from April 16-18.

— Set the next regular meeting for March 19 at 6 p.m. at Edison High School.