The SISD board of trustees in February approved a higher starting wage for bus drivers and  several other incentives to attract 60 new bus drivers in time for the 2017-18 school year, said SISD Transportation Director Keith Kaup.

The board voted to increase the starting wage for bus drivers from $15.12 to $16.50 per hour. It also approved an incentive of up to $900 per year based on attendance, and reduced the cost of daycare at the district’s onsite daycare center for transportation employees by 50 percent, Kaup said.

SISD began its hiring campaign with a transportation job fair on Feb. 23.

The drivers are needed for 60 new school buses approved by SISD voters in November 2016 as part of a $330 million bond referendum.

“We had an outstanding response to our bus driver job fair, with both licensed school bus drivers and driver trainee applicants,” Kaup said. 

SISD will continue to accept applications, Kaup said. Applicants can apply at the district website, www.springisd.org, or by calling 281-891-6490.