The Montezuma-Cortez school district experienced bus delays Monday and Tuesday, and these delays were attributed to a bus driver shortage that is also affecting other schools in the state.
Mesa Elementary’s “Sheep” bus and Kemper Elementary’s “Dog” bus were delayed an hour, while Lewis-Arriola Elementary’s “Elk” and “Swan” buses were delayed by an hour and a half.
The “Kitty Bus,” which serves multiple schools, was also delayed by an hour and a half.
The district said that while the bus driver shortage is causing these delays, “all trained and available staff are assisting while new drivers receive training.”
Superintendent Tom Burris told The Journal that they have had many transportation employees move or retire, contributing to the shortage. They are, however, looking for drivers to fill open positions.
“We, as many other districts, are dealing with a shortage of drivers,” Burris said. “This is true across the state of Colorado. We are actively recruiting drivers.”
Assistant Superintendent Eddie Ramirez is driving a minibus, and Burris shared that he is also preparing for the CLD test to help fill the gaps.
“I have held a CDL in the past and I have driven a school bus,” Burris said.
Despite the buses being delayed, Burris said they have still been able to hold classes on time, so far.
“Since there are students who walk to school and students who have parents drop them off, we are holding classes on time,” Burris said. “At Lewis, there were only six students who rode the bus yesterday morning. The others arrived at school on time with parents.”
The district is offering new drivers a $1,500 signing bonus, and they will be paid $19 an hour during training and to “start their driving career.” The top rate is $26.60 per hour.
