It appears that the Colorado Springs economy is improving because qualified school bus drivers are becoming harder to find. The School District 49 Transportation Department has pulled out all the stops: running newspaper ads, advertising at the Pikes Peak Work Force Center, displaying a banner on a school bus at local business partner Kmart, and using the D 49 Web site. The continued increase of students in the district impacts not only the schools, but also the transportation department.Candidates for driver positions must be 21, have a valid drivers license and a clean driving record. Applicants who like kids, have good people skills and lots of patience are the ones who succeed as bus drivers. Applicants will possess a CDL class B license after the initial training, be certified in CPR and First Aid, learn all the necessary safe driving skills and be instructed in proper student management.rSchool bus drivers are classified as part time, but those working 25 hours or more a week qualify for full benefits. Starting pay for a substitute driver begins at $10.89 an hour, and a driver with an assigned route can start as high as $11.39. This is a great job for mom or dads who want to be home with their kids in the summer, someone going to school part time or a person looking to supplement his or her family’s income.If interested, please call the transportation department at 494-8777.
