The Clearview School Division is in dire need of substitute school bus drivers for the new school year, says transportation supervisor Maryann Wingie.
“We are really short of drivers and are looking for drivers in all areas (of the division),” Wingie said.
Drivers are needed for relief on regular routes, as well as for field trips and extracurricular activities.
“A run of sickness recently had us scrambling to get drivers,” said Lynne Robson, Clearview’s transportation co-ordinator.
Wingie said an attempt to attract more substitute drivers in the past school year yielded dismal results.
Application forms were sent out with all the school families in Clearview, but just one application was returned.
“Everyone who does it, enjoys it and finds it rewarding,” Wingie said of driving a school bus.
Driver training, including the School Bus Driver “S” Endorsement Program, and the cost of first-aid courses and the drivers’ medicals, are all covered by the school division.
Clearview School Division operates a total of 53 school bus routes, transporting almost 1,400 students more than 8,700 kilometres every school day.
Clearview schools are located at Big Valley, Botha, Brownfield, Byemoor, Castor, Coronation, Donalda, Erskine and Stettler.
The two bus shops that serve the public school division are located in Stettler and Coronation.
More information on becoming a substitute bus driver is available by contacting Wingie at 403-742-3331 or visiting the Clearview School Division website at: clearview.ab.ca.