EAST CENTRAL — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North East School Division (NESD) is dealing with a lack of drivers to cover all the bus routes within the division.
According to a transportation report presented to the NESD board at their Feb. 23 council meeting, recruitment of new drivers have always been difficult, but COVID-19 and long-term absences have hampered the division’s ability to cover routes by taking casual drivers from their selection.
In addition to taking these drivers from their selection, the report stated that the pandemic has had a “detrimental effect” on SGI’s “S” endorsement testing required for their drivers. Appointments for both written and road tests having moved to eight weeks from the time of booking.
While the report labeled the situation an “emerging issue,” Don Rempel, the NESD’s director of education, said recruitment and retention of drivers has been an ongoing issue for the division.
“We’ve had a couple hot spots where we’re not able to get a replacement driver because of some short-term leaves with bus drivers,” Rempel said. “So there have been routes that haven’t been running because we haven’t had available drivers.”
In situations of routes not being covered for an elongated period of time, he said the division is able to provide financial compensation to the families in order to ensure the students can still attend school.
“During COVID times it’s encouraged for families to provide transportation anyway, but we want to provide bus service,” Rempel said. “If it’s a sustained period of time without a driver we can provide compensation for families for transportation.”
To combat the staffing numbers, Rempel said the division is advertising through word of mouth, incentivizing current drivers, signage on busses, and online advertisements.
“We try to let people know we’ll provide the training and support you in getting your certification if you’re interested in becoming a casual driver.”
