According to a Sept. 28 news release, SISD's starting bus driver pay will increase from $17.42 per hour to $19 per hour, effective Oct. 10. The rate change will be reflected on the Nov. 24 paycheck. Additionally, each step on the pay scale will also increase by 9.07%, and all existing bus drivers and bus attendants will receive a pay increase equal to 9.07%, the release stated.
"What we've experienced as a district, which is what all districts across the state and the nation are also experiencing, is an extreme shortage of qualified bus drivers," SISD Superintendent Rodney Watson said in a statement. "We have to position Spring ISD as a leader in school bus driver pay, and I am deeply encouraged by our board of trustees' support in these efforts. Our goal remains steadfast together—to ensure our students arrive safe, on time and ready to learn each day."
In addition to increased pay for bus drivers, the board also approved the following incentives, which are effective immediately, in hopes of boosting recruitment efforts.
- Bus drivers joining SISD will be eligible for a $1,500 sign-on bonus if they stay employed by SISD for 90 days.
- Any eligible SISD employee who refers a bus driver candidate who is hired and works for the district for at least 90 days will be eligible for a $500 referral incentive.
- A one-time retention incentive payment of $500 will be available to all SISD bus drivers of record, who have been continuously employed with the district from Sept. 27 through at least the first day of instruction of the 2022-23 school year, and who have at least 90% attendance during that time period.
