Marion County Public Schools is looking for ways to combat the bus driver shortage that is challenging school districts across the country.
On Thursday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., mobile hiring units will be sent to four locations to sign up residents to become bus drivers.
These locations include Belleview-Santos Elementary School (9600 US Highway 441 in Belleview), Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala), Liberty Middle School (4773 SW 95th Street in Ocala), and Marion Technical Institute (1614 E Fort King Street in Ocala).
During this hiring event, anyone interested in becoming a bus driver can ask questions, learn more about working for the school district, and fill out an online application.
MCPS bus drivers earn a starting pay of $15.65 per hour with six guaranteed hours each day. The school district pays candidates during training and covers training costs, with the exception of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam.
Anyone 21 and up with a clean driving record is eligible.
All bus drivers receive paid health insurance, earn accrued time off, and are eligible for additional benefits. They are also able to sign up for temporary positions with fewer work hours or full-time positions with the potential to earn overtime.
The Marion County School Board approved the purchase of six new school buses during a meeting last month.
For more information, visit the Marion County Public Schools careers website.