STNExpo Panel Recap: Creating and Reinforcing Supportive Environments for Staff Retention and Recruiting
Facilitated by Greg Jackson and featuring Jackie Miller, Belle Tromp, and Savanah Urban
School districts are faced with many challenges: budgets, technology investments, parents, and, of course, driver shortages. Some of these problems were thought to be “Covid issues,” but they’ve continued to persist and grow across the nation.
At the STNExpo in Reno this year, our own Greg Jackson facilitated a panel dedicated to learning about recruiting and retaining valuable drivers and staff. The panel featured several speakers who have a unique and personal insight into these issues: Savannah Urban, owner of Urban Recruiting & Consulting, which specializes in hiring and retaining staff; Belle Tromp, the transportation director at Snoqualmie Valley School District—one of the most extensive districts in the state of Washington; and Jackie Miller, a former school bus driver who went viral for a breakdown she suffered on the job due to a lack of resources and support.
“If you don’t have the passion for [driving], don’t do it.”
According to Jackie, driving a school bus is more than a job—it’s a passion. Drivers fill the roles of counselors, disciplinarians, and confidants. It’s a hard job but one that Jackie felt was worth it. “If you don’t have the passion for it,” said Jackie, “Don’t do it.”
Panel members at STNExpo in Reno, NV
The panel discussed some of the issues bus drivers are currently facing, which came down to one main topic: lack of support. With a shortage of drivers, the slack is often picked up by drivers like Jackie who are expected to do multiple bus routes per day—and when kids act up and the stress and struggles build, these drivers turn to the district for help. Help that often never comes.
This only exacerbates the shortages as drivers quit and roles remain vacant. The panel discussed realistic ways that districts can help support their drivers and in doing so, improve retention. Here are the top tips from the panel:
Keep staff updated on progress: Even if your district can’t solve every issue, keep your drivers updated on what IS being worked on. Drivers want to know that you’re trying, even if the results aren’t immediate.
Remember that drivers are educators too: Drivers do not deserve to be belittled or treated any differently than teachers and fellow educators.
Implement one-on-ones: Your drivers want to feel heard. Meet with them individually to discuss how the district can best support them—then take this information to administration.
Incentivize your drivers: Invest in proper training that can help them navigate the challenges of the job. While pay is highly important, so are consistent hours that allow drivers to receive benefits.
Follow through: Complaints and suggestions can get lost in the myriad responsibilities of running a district. Drivers need champions who have direct communication with the board or superintendents so that change can be made.
At School Bus Logistics, we partner with companies such as Urban Recruiting & Consulting — which vets districts on who can walk the walk. “We’ll only work with districts who are supportive and put together and have a strong culture,” said Savannah Urban. If your district is looking for a better way to hire and retain drivers, we highly recommend checking out Urban Recruiting.
While recruiting and retaining drivers is key, so is streamlining your routing to ensure you have the least routes necessary. SBL also offers consulting to work with your staff around counseling and mentoring drivers to increase retention. Contact us today to see how we can help.