Oklahoma schools struggle to find bus drivers as new school year approaches
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — While students are anxiously awaiting the start of the school year, schools across Oklahoma are still working to be fully staffed.
Micheal Eakins, better known as Mr. Mike to students, has been a bus driver for 11 years with Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS).
"After I retired and wanted to get involved with something, I thought this would be a good career for me, and kinda wanted a challenge," Mr. Mike said.
He said kids can be challenging, but the key is being a dependable, kind person in their life.
"The main thing to do is show them that you care, certainly, and make sure that they’re safe, and they really appreciate that and their parents do as well," Mr. Mike said.
OKCPS is looking for more Mr. Mikes with several bus driver openings.
"We could hire 10 people and put them to work right now, no problem," said Scott Lane, OKCPS transportation director.
He said they don’t require an education degree, just a safe driver with a license.
They also offer incentives to bring more drivers to the district.
"We’re actually one of the only districts I know of in the state that provides paid training, now the other districts will pay for the license after they get it, but we actually pay people for training," Lane said.
He said the morning/afternoon split schedule is a great gig for college students or retired folks, just like Mr. Mike.
It's considered a full-time job, too, so it comes with benefits like health insurance and retirement.
Lane said the biggest impact of the bus driver shortages is longer wait times for the students.
To find out more information on your child’s bus route, or how to become a bus driver, visit okcps.org or call 405-587-1151.
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