CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The bus driver shortage isn't letting up, and it's hurting students.
School districts nationwide are cutting bus services to account for a shortage of drivers. A recent report found a majority of districts are seeing a link between driver staffing challenges and absences among students.
Without reliable service, students are feeling the pinch. For a lot of kids, if a bus doesn't show up they aren't able to get to school. So why aren't there enough drivers?
Positions are often underpaid. Right now the salary for a cms bus driver starts at $17.75. But that's not all.
Early hours and working with kids can also be taxing. To solve shortages districts have turned to teacher's aids. Rowan-Salisbury Schools is now requiring new teacher assistants to also drive buses.
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