In response to a significant shortage of bus drivers, Brevard Public Schools announced a proposed pay increase for the district’s bus drivers.

The proposed raise, an additional $5 per hour regardless of the current pay scale, would result in a starting wage of $20 an hour, a substantial 33% increase​. The Brevard County School Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal at the June 27 board meeting​.

The proposed pay increase comes at a time when the district is struggling to fill 90 open bus driver positions. The shortage of bus drivers isn’t unique to Brevard County; it’s part of a nationwide trend that has disrupted school operations and affected student attendance​.

A recent report from HopSkipDrive, a private school transportation provider, found that more than two-thirds of school and district leaders, transportation directors, counselors, and other employees surveyed believe a link exists between driver staffing challenges and chronic absenteeism. Half of the respondents believe that access to transportation and educational equity are linked in their district​

The bus driver shortage has had a particularly pronounced effect on special education students who, due to the shortage, sometimes don’t have a way to get to school when a bus route isn’t running​ The issue has forced some districts to resort to unconventional measures, such as using charter buses or rental vehicles, or even asking teachers and other school employees to fill the driver gap​

The shortage of bus drivers is attributed to several factors, including comparatively low pay and challenging working conditions. The driver position is often undervalued and underpaid compared to similar jobs with non-public institutions. Additionally, the demands of managing a bus full of young children without other adults onboard can deter potential applicants.

The pay increase proposal in Brevard County is a significant step to address these issues. “Everything we do is dependent on our students arriving at our schools safely, and that isn’t possible without our devoted staff,” School Board Vice Chair Megan Wright said in a district statement. “We thank those of you that have stuck with us through this journey and welcome the new drivers that will be part of this amazing team”​

Superintendent Mark Rendell echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the increase will help attract new drivers and retain current ones​. Brevard Public Schools is not only competing with other districts for drivers—neighboring school districts in Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola counties all offer higher starting pay—but also with other industries, including the Space Coast Area Transit​

The Brevard Public Schools community and others across the country will be closely watching the result of the June 27 vote and its impact on the district’s ability to attract and retain bus drivers.