ELKINS — The shortage of school bus drivers in Randolph County was discussed during Tuesday evening’s regular Board of Education meeting.

Nick Alfred, who is the school system’s director of facilities/maintenance, transportation and school safety, provided a power-point presentation to the BOE and explained why there are currently not enough drivers in the county.

“We all know we are shorthanded,” Alfred said. “We were fully staffed on our runs until recently and now we have a couple vacant runs, and the substitute issue is not good. So I wanted to talk to you a little bit about it and update you with where we are at.”

Alfred said the county currently has 40 bus routes and that the drivers working those routes travel a total of approximately 3,000 miles per day. He added that the county currently only has one full-time substitute bus driver and three part-time subs.

“Those people (sub drivers) are either retired and/or have other jobs and help us out when they can,” Alfred said. “We appreciate any help we can get, and we ask them to help us and sometimes they can and sometimes they can’t.”

Within the transportation department there are currently 40 full-time bus drivers, three mechanics, a secretary and the director position, Alfred said.

“We do what we can when it comes to covering routes. Many of the drivers help cover routes when buses aren’t running, and we even have a mechanic who steps out and helps us a little bit,” Alfred noted. “It’s something we do if we can. Not all routes can be doubled up, it just depends where they are at… A lot of planning goes on within the transportation department to make sure we cover routes.”

Alfred said the department is actively attempting to recruit more bus drivers. He explained to the board what it takes to become one.

“To be a school bus driver in West Virginia you have to have a Class B CDL, Passenger School Bus Endorsements, and certification from the Office of School Transportation,” Alfred said. “Bus drivers have to have certification similar to teachers. It’s just not the CDL, you have to get the state certification as well.”

Alfred said the minimum requirements to become a driver include: being at least 21 years of age; having at least three years of licensed driving experience; a DMV driving record check; pass a DOT physical; obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP); a criminal background check; first aid CPR certification; and drug screenings.

Alfred added that there are 40 hours of classroom training required for new drivers with no prior experience, and that there are 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training required, including six hours for special education training.

“The behind-the-wheel training is basic, how the bus works and all of that stuff,” Alfred said. “Then you get into the specifics of students, pick-up and drop-off, how do you cross a railroad and the rules with that.”

Alfred said that after the required training there are driving skills tests, a knowledge exam, and a physical skills test required. He added that all of the costs associated with becoming a driver are either paid for by the county, or are reimbursed.

“There is absolutely no cost for someone wanting to be a school bus driver, we pay for everything,” Alfred said. “I have made some signs and put them around town trying to get some people interested. And we have posted information on our Facebook that we are in need of people.”

There will be a “drive a bus” event on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Elkins High School. Anyone with a driver’s license can attend the event and drive a school bus to see whether or not they are interested in becoming a driver.

Call 304-636-9150 (extension 119) for more information on the “drive a bus” event or about becoming a school bus driver.