Broken Arrow Public Schools, Other Districts Remain Short Of Bus Drivers

Broken Arrow Public Schools - and many other school districts – can’t find enough bus drivers.

Broken Arrow held what they hoped would be a hiring event for bus drivers Monday but only had one good candidate show up.

“Today was a little frustrating,” said recruiter Danny O’Brien. “We were expecting more people out here. I think everybody in Broken Arrow is aware of our situation and know we need drivers, and I think some people might have thought about it, but they just haven't come down here and applied."

The district is 17 drivers short right now, despite boosting pay to $13 an hour for starting drivers, with free training and benefits.

“We have people 22 to 81 driving the bus, we have engineers and pilots, and they do it to stay off the couch," said Richard Hubert, another recruiter with BAPS.

Without enough drivers, the district has mechanics driving routes and some drivers covering two routes.

O’Brien said the district would have more hiring events, but is also welcoming anyone to apply, any day.

“We're in such a dire need for bus drivers right now we're literally pleading with the community. We need their help,” he said.