The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) will begin offering bonuses to transportation staff in an effort to retain current drivers as they continue to struggle with driver shortages. Administrators needed to cancel or reroute bus routes at least three times over the last month and have been forced to utilize other employees, such as mechanics and even teachers, to fill in any gaps. Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, explained during the school board’s Nov. 15 meeting that the district simply cannot afford to lose any more drivers and proposed a plan to address that concern.
The proposal caps bonuses at a maximum of $1,000 per employee. School officials are working to determine exactly how payouts would be determined, but early indications are that it will start at the maximum with deductions for missed days. The district currently has 23 contracted drivers and six mechanics/substitutes that drive routes when needed. According to Director of Business Affairs, Nicole McCarville, bonuses this year would be capped at $29,000. The district started the year with 26 drivers, but three have left due to various reasons.
McCarville noted contract drivers have already missed 89 days so far this school year, so they already know the maximum payout will not be reached. The board unanimously approved the proposed bonuses for bus drivers and transportation staff.
