MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The new school year begins Monday in Berkeley County with fingers crossed when it comes to school bus staffing.
There were not enough drivers for the county’s routes last year but Berkeley County Schools Transportation Services Director Eric Keesecker said he’s hopeful that won’t be an issue this year.
“Two-hundred thirty six full-time bus routes – that’s how many we run every day. It was a challenge last year,” he said. “We asked our folks to step up and combine routes or do double routes and those folks did it. There was a time last year unfortunately when we had to cancel some runs because we just didn’t have the help. We exhausted every resource that we had.”
This year, things are different, according to Keesecker, “Last year, we were 11 drivers short. I’m knocking on wood, because as of right now, we have a body for every bus that’s on the road.”
Bus drivers spent last week learning road skills and getting trained on some new technology aimed at helping bus drivers navigate their route and know who’s riding that day.
“We’re going to be able to identify every child on the bus through a card reader so that when students get on and off the bus, we’ll have a passenger manifest at the tip of our fingers,” according to Keesecker.
Eventually, the technology may allow parents to know in real time when and where their student’s bus is.
Keesecker said15 new trainees will be ready to go this month, but they are always looking for more drivers. He said those interested can get there by going to the Berkeley County Schools website and click on the ‘Work for Us’ tab.
“If you’re interested in being a driver, we do all the training and get you certified through the state,” Keesecker said.
There are more than 19,000 students in Berkeley County schools.