ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / July 29, 2000

RESERVE – The St. John Parish School Board is looking for a few good busdrivers.

Human Resources Director Alfred Donaldson announced last week that he had filled four vacant school bus driver positions by moving up four substitute drivers.

However, this left the school board with a big problem -a huge deficit in substitute bus drivers.

“We only have two substitute drivers right now,” said Donaldson.

This can be a big problem in case full-time bus drivers cannot make it to work. If there aren’t enough drivers students get stranded with notransportation to or from school.

“We would like to have a pool of at least 15 substitute drivers,” said Donaldson.

Requirements to be a school bus driver are simple. You have to have a highschool diploma and a CDL (commercial) driver’s license with a “P” designation.

Donaldson said the school board will assist anyone who applies with getting their CDL license. John Owens, director of transportation for theschool board, said they will give applicants a CDL manual to study.

There are three parts to the CDL test, general knowledge of driving, use of air brakes and the actual driving test.

After getting the license, Owens and other drivers will instruct prospective employees on driving buses.

“The training takes from one to three weeks, depending on the individual,” said Owens. “They take it at their own speed.” Prospective employees will also be required to undergo drug testing and a criminal history check. Once hired, drivers will be subject to random drugtests.

Donaldson said right now would be a good time to apply for a job as substitute driver.

“They have a good shot at becoming a full-time driver right now,” said Donaldson. “The most senior substitute drivers are promoted to full time,and because we only have two substitutes right now, the chances of promotion are real good.”Donaldson said when a person becomes a full-time driver they become members of the St. John Parish Association of Educators, which meansreceiving good benefits.

“They have the same rights as teachers under the contract,” said Donaldson.

If hired as a substitute driver a person will be required to drive up to three routes a day, three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon.

If called upon, a substitute driver will be paid, $22.52 for driving themorning shift and $45.03 for doing both shifts. There are no benefits forsubstitute drivers.

Owens wants to remind prospective drivers, “Driving a school bus is a lot of responsibility. Learning to drive is the easy part. Learning to handle thecargo is the hard part.”Anyone interested in driving for the St. John Parish School Board is urgedto go to the school board office at 118 W. 10th St. in Reserve and fill out ajob application.

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