Williamson County Bus Driver Shortage Eases

FRANKLIN, TN — The critical shortage of school bus drivers in Williamson County is coming to the end of its route.

Williamson County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney says that the district has 47 applications for drivers, a sharp increase since the school board approved a new, higher pay scale for the drivers last month and implemented a program by which out-of-county drivers can enroll their children fee-free in Williamson County Schools.

At one point, the district had 220 drivers, leaving seven routes short and often leading to delayed pick-ups and drop-offs for students.

"We’ve now got to every route being covered,” Deputy Superintendent Jason Golden told the Brentwood Home Page. “We are now hiring for full-time drivers, and the full-time subs will work every day. Since the board increased the pay, it’s the first time we’ve seen the needle move. The reality is it’s still not a huge wage. But it’s enough in the community to get people to have some interest again.”

Image via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.