School district hosts ‘Bus Blitz’ event to recruit prospective bus drivers

Marion County Public Schools needs more bus drivers, and to recruit them the district is bringing the buses directly to potential new employees.

The “Bus Blitz 3” event will take place on June 23, when MCPS will drive and park buses at six different recruitment locations, where anyone interested in becoming a bus driver can fill out an application right then and there.

“Locations include the Ewers Center parking lot at the College of Central Florida in Ocala; Marion Oaks Community Center in Marion Oaks; MCPS Employment Services parking lot along Southeast Fifth Street in Ocala; parking lot at the former Kmart on East State Road 40 / Southeast 36 Avenue in Ocala; Pasta Faire Restaurant in Belleview; and Vanguard High School in Ocala,” according to an MCPS press release.

Any person over the age of 21 with a clean driving record is welcome to apply to become a bus driver. The starting wage for the position is $16.65 per hour, and drivers can expect to work at least six hours each day.

“Drivers also receive paid health insurance, gain accrued time off and are eligible for additional benefits,” according to MCPS. “They can sign up for temporary positions with fewer work hours of full-time positions with opportunity for overtime.”

The district has hosted similar events in the past and successfully recruited several new bus drivers in a time where they are needed more than ever. The size of Marion County places a constraint on morning and afternoon commutes to and from school, and the numbers speak for themselves.

“Since January, we averaged 242 school bus routes, 224 school bus drivers, and approximately 18,000 student riders,” said Kevin Christian, MCPS public relations director.

If prospective employees wish to seek additional information, they can contact the MCPS Transportation Department by calling 352-671-7050 or visiting www.marionschools.net/careers.