The Argyle ISD board of trustees unanimously approved an incentive pay plan for bus drivers at an Oct. 20 meeting.

The proposed incentives and pay plan will cost the district $30,000 from the general operating fund, according to district documents.

A closer look

Executive Director of District Operations Thomas Ledford said the district has faced challenges hiring and retaining bus drivers.

“It seems like as soon as we get close to getting ahead, something happens, and we lose a few drivers,” Ledford said.


Ledford said the district is currently five bus drivers short, and he thinks the incentives will help fill that gap.

Bus driver starting pay has increased from $23.50 to $24.50 per hour, according to Chief Communications Officer Rick Herrin.

In addition, the incentive pay plan includes:
  • A $500 sign-on bonus after the first 90 days for employees hired after Oct. 20
  • A $250 referral bonus for current employees after the first 90 days for every new bus driver they bring on board
  • Guaranteed six hours daily
  • Pay starting at $24.50 per hour
  • Benefits, including health insurance, retirement, paid training and holidays off
AISD staff also discussed incentives to address bus driver retention but decided to table that until the spring when staff would have a better idea of next fiscal year’s budget, Ledford said.

Quote of note


“I think we all understand the challenge you’re faced with,” trustee Josh Westom said to Ledford. “This is a problem for the district, and I think we should allocate the money to it.”