School bus drivers in short commodity; are in great need
Drive time is an important time for bus drivers and their important charges – the students they are transporting.
For quite some time, Mountain Lake Public School (MLPS) – and other area school districts – have had a difficult time filling full-time and part-time substitute school bus driver positions. This fall, Palmer Bus Service, with roots in St. Clair, took over the student transportation needs for MLPS. Palmer Bus Service – in operation since 1974 – services 20 school districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the Windom Area Public School District, in addition to MLPS.
And, the bus driver shortage continues.
In the change, the former MLPS School District drivers became Palmer Bus Service drivers, with Doug Penner serving as the local route and sports and other activities bus scheduler.
“Right now, we have three full-time drivers,” Penner notes. “But, we really need four. And, one of those full-time drivers now has some health issues. One of our substitute drivers is now going full-time, so that places us two people down.
“Because of the driver shortage, we have turned to running split routes – which means longer bus rides before and after school for the students; routes now going one-and-one-half hours each way. This makes for earlier pickup times and later drop-off times. But, it is our obligation to pick up and drop off.”
Penner is encouraging anyone with an interest in becoming a bus driver to sit down at the wheel.
“It really is enjoyable,” stresses Penner. “The kids are good. Fun times are had; it makes me feel good to be a part of the kids’ lives, whether just bringing them back-and-forth to school, or being a part of the spirit of a team or other activity event.”
What is needed to be a bus driver, Penner delineates, is a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). A CDL is a driver’s license that is required in the United States to operate any type of vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds, or 10,001 pounds with any type of trailer towed. In addition there are a couple of permit tests to take and a behind-the-wheel check-off.
For more information, contact Palmer Bus Service at 507-386-0210.