Mich. districts experience driver shortage
Fruitport, Muskegon, Orchard View and Whitehall districts are all in need of drivers. Officials say that the requirements for the job — including extensive training, split shifts and drug screenings — often deter potential candidates.
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon Public Schools and other area districts are struggling to find school bus drivers, which officials said was due to the extensive training and health requirements, among other things, MLive reports.
A job fair held by Michigan Works at the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District over the summer attracted about 40 job seekers, but some of them seemed discouraged by the time the training would take, according Becki Shackles, transportation director for Fruitport Community Schools. Officials also said split-shift hours, random drug and alcohol screenings and the ability to make more money from unemployment benefits deterred possible candidates.
Fruitport, Muskegon, Orchard View and Whitehall districts are all looking for drivers.
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