Douglas critically short of bus drivers

With the start of school looming three weeks away, so is the urgency to fill bus driver positions districtwide.

There are 39 bus routes that transport approximately 3,200 students to and from school each day in Douglas County at the Lake and in the Valley and bus drivers and back up drivers are needed to ensure those students safely get to school.

“The district has had an increasingly difficult time hiring qualified bus drivers,” read a memo from former Human Resources Director Joe Girdner. “We currently have one open position, but it is not unusual to have resignations during the summer months.”

The position was approved by the Douglas County School Board on July 18, to be filed as a critical shortage need, which will enable the district to consider candidates who have previously retired from the state or district and meet licensure requirements, such as teachers, to fill the position until it can be filled by otherwise qualified candidates.

“This creates some flexibility for us so that we can hire a retiree who wants to come back and drive,” said Superintendent Keith Lewis during the meeting.

The district will be obligated to continue to seek viable bus drivers.

A bus driver is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities.

Candidates must possess a valid Nevada or California Commercial Driver’s license and a current Nevada School Bus Driver’s certificate and obtain other licensure requirements and certification.

Currently the district is seeking bus drivers, substitute bus drivers and substitute bus aides. Visit www.dcsd.net/careers/employment for more information and to apply. 

Visit www.dcsd.net/

student-life/bus-routes for bus route stops for students.

Back To School events

Workshop. Moxy Up is hosting a School Prep workshop. The interactive three-day workshop will focys on organization, being adaptable, self-control and focusing skills for middle and high school students, 2-3 p.m.  Tuesday, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15 at Moxy UP 1616 Highway 395, Minden.

Register by Monday via text to 775-790-7022 or on Moxy Up’s Facebook.

Back to School Bash. Nevada Dream Center will host their annual back to school bash Aug. 11 6-8 p.m. at Mills Park in Carson City. This is a combined event for Carson., Douglas, Storey and Lyon County school districts. There will be fire trucks, treats, games and free groceries and school supplies.

Kids Day. CV Flyte is hosting a back to school day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minden Park.  Activities, face painting, bounce house, and more to celebrate the new school year.