Prairie Rose Public Schools is looking for substitute bus drivers
By Samantha Johnson
Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer
Substitute bus drivers are needed through Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) for extracurricular activities and field trips during school days and on weekends as well as to cover morning and afternoon routes. As a Class 2 license and S endorsement is required, PRPS will train at no cost to the driver with a wage being paid as part of the training process. Those applicants who already hold a Class 1 or Class 2 license will still need to obtain an S endorsement to be able to drive with students on board.
Brian Goethals, who drives students on Prairie Rose Public Schools Route 103 to Schuler School, stands in front of his new bus. SUBMITTED PHOTO
“School bus drivers do more than drive kids to and from school. They play an important role in fostering a stronger, more connected community by ensuring safety, building relationships, and contributing to the students’ and their families’ overall well-being,” stated Lois Bedwell, Chair of the PRPS Board of Trustees. “Every morning, after inspecting their buses, bus drivers start their day by greeting each child with a smile and a kind word. As a school bus driver, they may be more than just the person who gets the kids to school. They may also be a mentor, a confidant, and a pillar of the community. Does this sound like the perfect job for you? Please consider becoming a substitute bus driver for Prairie Rose.”
Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser said PRPS is pleased with how the new transportation system is running so far this year. There have been some learning curves, but he feels PRPS has adapted very quickly, which was aided by making improvements based on feedback from drivers. Improvements were made in many areas, including altering routes, how drivers are compensated, paperwork and driver meetings.
“That part has been really good,” said Boser. “We’ve leaned on our drivers in many instances as they are the ones who have been out there driving. In many cases, for several years, so they know this industry better than we do and the feedback has been valuable. Overall, it’s gone well, and we are continuing to add staffing in the transportation department.”
PRPS is adding a transportation dispatcher/admin assistant, who will start in the next few weeks, and have also sat down to define current roles. Derek Beck is responsible for managing the fleet, which includes 39 new buses and five spare buses, and coordinates all maintenance and servicing. Wade Lanctot is the new Director of Transportation and oversees all driver and parent concerns, route planning, along with day-to-day operations.
“We need subs for our routes, but we are also in need of drivers who are able to pick up additional work through the academy programming, field trips and extra-curricular activities,” explained Boser. Some of the academies, such as hockey, are seasonal, but when they are running, the scheduling for a driver would be consistent from week to week. Substitute drivers would have as much or as little work as they want with a flexible schedule. “PRPS is willing to work with each person on the number of hours they want and the times of day they prefer to work,” said Boser.
Those individuals who are interested in being a substitute driver and already hold a Class 1 or 2 license must still obtain an S endorsement because they will be transporting children. The S Endorsement course is all about safety as well as loading and unloading students properly. Currently, new drivers need to travel to Brooks or Lethbridge for this course with mileage and hotel costs along with a wage being paid. PRPS’s vision is to have their own driving school with route drivers acting as trainers whenever it works for them.
“Kids love getting on the bus in the morning and seeing a close friend, grandpa, dad or uncle drive them to school every day,” stated Trustee Nancy Haraga. “Sometimes it’s even someone who played a huge role in the community and has since retired and is looking for something to fill his/her time in the morning and afternoon. It’s a way to kindle hearts and forge futures for the upcoming farmers and ranchers of our rural communities. The kids sure enjoy seeing new and old faces of their community. It’s a way, to put a face to their name. Don’t throw yourself under the bus, jump in and see what the ride is all about.”