As students return to classrooms across Pennsylvania, state education leaders and school transportation officials are highlighting the importance of school bus safety and the ongoing need for more drivers.
This week, Pennsylvania Department of Education Acting Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe joined the Pennsylvania School Bus Association at Rohrer Bus in Duncannon to tour the facility and emphasize the role bus drivers play in supporting student learning.
Officials noted that while buses remain the safest way for children to travel to and from school, motorists must do their part. State law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, whether approaching from behind, the opposite direction, or at an intersection. Drivers must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and all students have reached safety.
Recruitment of new drivers continues to be a challenge. The School Bus Association reports that the process to earn a commercial driver’s license typically takes 10 to 12 weeks and includes classroom training, behind-the-wheel instruction, clearances, and testing. To help address shortages, the association is working with the state to promote the profession and host hiring events.
The association, which represents more than 250 contractors and partners statewide, describes bus drivers as the first and last point of contact for students each day. It is encouraging interested applicants to explore resources through the Commonwealth’s “Become a School Bus Driver” page or the School Bus Hero website.
Governor Josh Shapiro has made education a central focus of his administration, securing more than \$2 billion in additional K-12 funding since taking office. His latest budget proposal includes increases aimed at driving resources to the schools and students that need them most.
Source: pa.gov