For many of us growing up, taking the school bus was the start of our school day. As soon as we entered the school bus, we were greeted by a smiling face. Our bus drivers are the first step to ensuring students can safely learn in our schools. School bus drivers are one of the most critical pieces of our operations as a school district. Transporting students to and from schools safely is a huge responsibility, and our Kent School District (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp) bus drivers are always up for the task.
Shurail K. Bletson has been a school bus driver in Kent School District for many years and has enjoyed her experience as a bus driver. Bletson comes from a family of school bus drivers and becoming a school bus driver was a way for her to support her children. “I’ve always loved to drive. I was a single mother of two. I couldn't depend on child support, so I thought about it. My brother and my mother were already driving the school bus… I wanted to drive as well. And I could feel as if I was finally able to support myself and my children,” said Bletson. Through that journey, Bletson has made a career lasting many years and built numerous great relationships. “[I’ve] built a lifetime of memories,” she said.
As a school bus driver, relationships and connections made with students and families are a considerable part of the bus driver experience, but the connections made with fellow bus drivers are equally important. Ivan Liu has been working in Kent School District as a bus driver for many years as well and speaks to the support from fellow bus
drivers and the Transportation Team. “[The] working environment is critical, and we treat each other with respect, [while supporting] each driver,” said Liu.
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp, like many neighboring districts, is experiencing a bus driver shortage and is always looking for drivers to support our students. Qualified applicants will receive training provided by our Transportation Team. The driver training program takes approximately four weeks and combines classroom learning with behind-the-wheel bus driving experience.
Bus driver training consists of:
- Completing the CDL Class B driving test
- Receiving passenger and school bus endorsements
- Learning school bus procedures and legal requirements
- Understanding route and map reading
Additionally, candidates who complete training and begin driving for ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp will receive a $1,000 completion incentive.
Apply Now to Become a Team ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp Bus Driver
. Additionally, our Transportation Team will be holding an open house on Wednesday, September 28, at the Transportation Building located at . This event will be a time where our Transportation Team can answer questions, and hold bus driver interviews for any interested candidates.