Joplin School Board OKs new bus driver recruitment and retention program

The Joplin School Board has taken a major step to retain the people who help get kids to school, the school bus drivers.

On Tuesday night, the Board gave the nod to a new recruitment and retention program.

The program will feature pay raises based on time served and work development training days, as well as several other attractive features.

Last year, the district lost just over 40 drivers. Openings are currently available for 15 more in the wake of a bus driver shortage.

The new program starts immediately.

The new recruitment and retention program will cost the district just over $250,000.