By Njura Kinyua
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski announced an incentive plan on Tuesday aimed at increasing and retaining school bus drivers.
At an early morning press conference, Olszewski said Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) are facing a “severe bus driver shortage.” The shortage has been recognized nationwide and BCPS is only one of many school systems experiencing inadequate staffs.
Partnered with the Board of Education (BOE) and BCPS Superintendent Darryl Williams, Olszewski said he plans to eliminate preemployment barriers and to provide monetary incentives to new and current bus drivers.
The total investment of the plan is set to be more than $5.2 million to support the recruitment and retention of school bus drivers, school officials said. Schools will use money from the American Rescue Plan to cover the costs of the hiring process and proposed incentives.
Makeda Scott, the Board of Education chairman who spoke at the press conference, described common barriers bus driver applicants faced such as a $100 background check fee and fingerprinting and drug testing fees. She stated that these incurred costs make it difficult to hire new bus drivers because they are passed onto “those who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic and health effects of the pandemic.”
Williams detailed the incentives which include a monthly attendance award for bus drivers who arrive on time to each shift, an employee referral bonus program, a retention bonus of up to $1,000 for existing drivers, and greater flexibility of leave during winter and spring breaks.
Baltimore County currently has over 700 bus drivers employed, but with more than 800 bus routes, many drivers are working extra hours to cover these routes, Williams said.
The proposed plan will be considered over the next weeks. Olszewski stated he is committed to helping student and families by working with the county council and the board to ensure these changes are enacted.
“The board knows that BCPS cannot accomplish its goals…. if it does not have a fully staffed workforce of dedicated and talented individuals,” Scott said.
Additionally, Williams said he has partnered with union presidents to finalize further compensation and opportunities for other employees of the school system. The county executive also said he would work with the superintendent to identify future creative solutions for schools.