Bus Driver Shortage
by Randy Ewing
March 26, 2008
I recently asked a parent if they had ever thought about driving a bus. She said she had – for about two seconds. The reason she dropped the idea was because the bus seemed, “Sooo Big! Way too big for me.” Many people feel the same. In talking to a bus driver recently, I was told it was surprisingly easy to drive a bus. We once had a lady driving a bus in Lytle who was about four and a half feet tall. I think she used a San Antonio phone book to sit on, but could do anything with a bus. She finally retired.
A survey by School Bus Fleet, an online trade magazine a few years ago showed three out of four nationwide had a school bus driver shortage. Lytle is no different. We have never had enough bus drivers in the fourteen years I’ve been here.
We are fortunate to have many dedicated drivers, who make a difference in the lives of children every day. We salute those who get up early, good weather or bad. Then they work again after most everyone else finishes. Our dedicated drivers include Amelia Orta, Cathy Ferrell, Robert Yanes, Penny Tuttle, Gilbert Hibdon, Mary Jane Gonzales, Kathryn Flores, and Elena Bishop. Workers from other departments who drop what they are doing and drive a bus for us every day include: Raymon Van Cleave, Gary Palmer and Nick Roque. We also have teachers like Mr. Fender, Mr. McConathy, Ms. Tilley, Mr. Santos and Mr. Mumme who have all helped out at some point this year.
All these people make a difference for some student each and every day. The bus driver is the first person from the school to say good morning and the last to say good bye. A good bus driver can make a student’s day be a better one. If you can offer a student a pleasant greeting and a fond farewell, we need your help.
Don’t know where to start? We’ll make it as easy as possible. There are some steps to take, but we’ll help you take them. If you have any questions about driving a bus, please give us a call at 830-709-5100 and ask for me or call Gary Palmer at the transportation department 830-709-5102.
