What’s happening?
To combat a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers in the region, Baltimore County is investing $5.2 million in incentives and bonuses for current and potential drivers.
What exactly are they getting?
The county will pay for expenses that usually come out of pocket for school bus drivers such as pre-employment background checks, fingerprinting, physical exams, drug testing and sleep apnea testing, according to CBS News. New bus drivers will also get sign-on bonuses and existing drivers can benefit from a referral program. A $2 hourly increase is in the plan, as well.
On the heels of bus driver strikes in nearby counties, they are also offering rewards for showing up to work every day for a month and $1,000 retention bonuses.
Anything else I should know?
Baltimore County’s superintendent is planning to offer benefits to other workers in the school system as well, CBS reports.
You can read more here.
