PERRYSBURG — Perrysburg Schools Transportation has announced the first ever Drive a Bus Day. Citizens without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will have the opportunity to test drive a bus in a closed lot with the assistance of a trained bus driver. This event will take place on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Perrysburg High School, 13385 Roachton Road.
The school district is looking to hire bus monitors, contracted route drivers and substitute drivers.
“This is a great opportunity to test out a new career or part-time job,” shared Courtney Parr, director of transportation. “All buses have automatic transmissions and are easier to drive than one might think. We want to show people how well-equipped and safe our school buses are for the children we are carrying. Nationwide, there is a shortage of school bus drivers, and we are impacted by that. We are trying to show that it isn’t scary, and in fact, can be pretty fun, and quite meaningful to connect with students each day.”
The school district owns both diesel and propane buses, the newest technology. The fleet includes both conventional and transit buses (the ones with flat fronts). The buses are fully equipped with cameras, closed Wi-Fi and recently added navigational tablets.
“The tablet provides turn-by-turn directions for our school bus drivers’ routes, and it also helps us identify students at each stop,” Parr explained.
All applicants undergo a four-to-six week training period to ensure that all prospective drivers are prepared.
To test drive a bus, you must be 21 years of age and have a clean driving record. Job applicants must also be able to pass an FBI/BCI background check.
To register for the event, fill out the form at this link: https://forms.gle/HR5MAPbpxWtdVUgF6.
Contact [email protected] with any questions.
