LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A pilot program started by a school district here that pays school bus drivers for perfect attendance each pay period has reduced absenteeism significantly, WDRB reports.

Nearly two months ago, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) started paying a $200 bonus to school bus drivers and special-needs transportation assistants for each two-week pay period in which they came to work every day, according to the news source. Randy Frantz, the director of transportation for the school district, told WDRB that the average for daily absenteeism in winter is about 7% to 10%, but during the last six weeks that the pilot program has run, it has averaged closer to about 4% or 5%.

JCPS came up with the pilot in an attempt to address its driver shortage and cut down on instances of drivers calling in sick. During the first two months of the school year, the district had to cancel more than 100 routes due to driver shortage and absenteeism, according to the news source.

To read the full story, go here.