KALAMAZOO, Mich. — There’s a serious shortage of bus drivers in the state of Michigan, and an agency in Kalamazoo is trying to do something about it.
Michigan Works Southwest will feature the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) Wednesday in order to find more bus drivers for the area.
KRESA is an intermediate school district that provides many services to other school districts throughout Kalamazoo County and beyond for special education, bus driver training, technology services, and more.
Right now, they need about 50 bus drivers in Kalamazoo County alone, statewide it’s around 2,500.
During the pandemic, the bus drivers have been asked to do more than just transport kids. "They are one of the unsung hero groups out there in their community, they're delivering meals currently, they're delivering packets of learning, and also technology in some cases so we're using bus drivers, as we speak.
We will be needing many more soon as schools, come back online", said Tom Zahrt, KRESA assistant superintendent.
The job fair will take place Wednesday from 10am-12pm. A commercial driver’s license is required, but the training is free.
You must be at least 18 years of age with a safe driving record.
To sign up, head to www.michiganworkssouthwest.org.
Some school districts looking for drivers are offering incentives and signing bonuses.
