School Board update on hiring much needed bus drivers

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The bus contractor for the Fairbanks North Star Borough school district gave board members an update at the regular meeting Tuesday night.

Durham School Services says there are 30 new applicants for bus driver positions. In addition, there are about 20 new employees with the company that are currently taking classes.

Officials say they expect a retention rate of 90% when the drivers complete the hiring and training process.

Durham says it is giving drivers competitive pay as well as signing bonuses.

Acting Superintendent Karen Melin said, “We’ve seen a significant improvement in our on-time performance. There are still late buses primarily due to the need to move drivers onto unfamiliar routes because of weekly rotation and then a need to combine routes.”

However, school district officials expressed confidence the service the bus company provides will continue to improve.