News Summary
San Antonio schools are gearing up for an unpredictable weather forecast, including potential freezing rain, while also addressing the ongoing bus driver shortage. Major school districts plan to remain open despite weather concerns, with measures in place to monitor conditions. Additionally, recruitment drives are being initiated by districts to attract new bus drivers amid staffing challenges. The community is encouraged to support school officials and drivers during these tough times.
San Antonio Schools Gear Up for Weather Challenges and Bus Driver Shortages
Hey San Antonio! It’s that time of year again when the weather can turn a little unpredictable. This Friday, February 20, an arctic blast is expected to bring a slight chance of freezing rain or drizzle to our area, sparking concerns for parents, students, and school officials alike. The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory that will be in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday, so it’s good to keep an eye on the forecast as the day approaches.
Cold Weather Advisory – What Does it Mean for Us?
Temperatures are predicted to feel like they are between 10 to 20 degrees due to wind chill, which is quite chilly even for us Texans. They’re also forecasting some freezing rain and drizzle, particularly in the Hill Country and along the Interstate 35 corridor from Friday afternoon all the way through Saturday morning. However, confidence in the forecasts of freezing rain is still quite low, which is a bit of good news for everyone.
Schools to Remain Open
Now, let’s talk about our schools. The three major school districts in San Antonio – Northside ISD, North East ISD, and San Antonio ISD (SAISD) – have confirmed they will remain open on February 20. North East ISD has a policy of not closing schools due to cold weather unless road conditions become drastically affected. On the other hand, Northside ISD plans to monitor weather conditions closely and will keep parents informed through social media if there are any updates.
Bus Driver Struggles – A Serious Challenge
Currently, Comal ISD is facing 20 bus driver vacancies, and it’s a challenge shared by other districts too. Factors like low wages and lengthy training periods are making it tough to find willing candidates. In fact, the starting pay for bus drivers in the San Antonio area ranges from about $16.35 to $21.27, depending on the school district.
Creative Solutions to Attract Drivers
To attract more applicants, school districts are boosting benefits, such as starting bonuses and extended working hours. Northside ISD, for example, has a minimum requirement of six hours a day for its bus drivers and offers plenty of opportunities for multiple afternoon routes to keep drivers busy.
It’s also worth mentioning that many bus drivers are older, and some chose not to come back after the pandemic due to health concerns. To address these challenges, districts are employing various recruitment strategies, including job fairs, community outreach, and advertising in local spots. Interestingly, SAISD has managed to avoid any vacancies over the past months, thanks to their aggressive recruitment efforts.
Connecting with Students
The hard work does not go unnoticed. Bus drivers from Comal ISD have shared stories about the personal connections they build with their students, emphasizing the rewarding nature of their jobs, even with all the challenges they face. In a labor market that offers competitive pay in other industries, school districts are up against quite a bit for driver recruitment.
So, as we brace ourselves for a chilly day, let’s commend our school officials and bus drivers for their hard work amidst the unpredictable weather and ongoing staffing challenges. Stay warm, San Antonio!
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Border Patrol Checks on Buses
- San Antonio Express-News: Struggling to Hire Bus Drivers
- KENS 5: Northside ISD School Bus Accident
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- News 4 San Antonio: School Bus Driver Pay Raise Poll
- Google Search: School Bus Driver Shortage
