ORANGE COUNTY, FL — Orange County Public Schools is stepping up hiring efforts for bus drivers and mechanics as a nationwide shortage continues to disrupt daily transportation operations. District leaders say they need more people behind the wheel to keep service reliable for students across Central Florida.
Transportation officials say the need is immediate because the district has 520 routes to cover. Bill Wen, OCPS director of transportation, said the goal is to build enough staffing to handle absences and reduce pressure on current drivers.
The district is using job fairs to bring in applicants who already have commercial driver’s licenses, along with people who still need help getting certified. OCPS says it is also looking for mechanics, not just drivers.
District says it needs 50 to 100 more drivers to cover absences
Wen said OCPS believes it needs at least 50 to 100 additional drivers before transportation can get back to a more manageable level. That staffing cushion would help the district cover sick days, time off and other gaps that can disrupt routes.
He said the shortage is affecting the district’s ability to respond quickly when drivers are unavailable. With hundreds of routes in play every school day, even a relatively small gap can create scheduling problems for transportation staff.
OCPS is trying to close that gap before it becomes more difficult to manage. The district has framed the hiring push as part of an effort to keep students getting to school safely and on time.
Job fairs are bringing in applicants with and without commercial licenses
The district holds job fairs twice a month, and Wen said those events typically attract about 20 people each time. Some already have a commercial driver’s license, while others come in hoping to start the process and receive guidance from the district.
OCPS also says it has been running classes for people working toward licensure. Wen said the district has been getting groups of about six to seven people every couple of weeks, a pace he described as gradual but steady.
Applicants must have a clean driving record and pass a background check. Those requirements apply before a candidate can be hired to drive students or work in the transportation operation.
Benefits and school schedule are part of the pitch to candidates
OCPS is emphasizing the benefits package as it tries to draw applicants into a job that can be difficult to staff. Wen said the district offers full-time benefits and participation in the Florida Retirement System for eligible employees.
He also noted that the job comes with a school-year schedule that can appeal to people who want time off when students are out of class. Wen said workers are off when kids are out of school, a feature the district hopes will resonate with applicants.
The district is also appealing to people who enjoy working around children. Wen said some employees stay with OCPS for decades and build lasting relationships with students as they move through the school system.
Longtime drivers highlight the district’s emphasis on stability
Wen said some OCPS drivers have worked for the district for more than 20 years and take pride in their jobs. He said those employees often watch the same children grow from kindergarten through high school, showing how transportation can become part of a student’s daily life.
That kind of long-term service is one reason the district is trying to recruit people who can stay, not just fill a short-term opening. Bus drivers and mechanics both play a role in keeping the transportation system running each day.
By expanding the applicant pool and hosting regular hiring events, OCPS is trying to steady a system that has been stretched by the broader shortage. District leaders say the focus remains on dependable service for families.
Next job fair set for October 26 as hiring effort continues
The next OCPS job fair is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 26. District officials say candidates can attend the event to learn more about openings for bus drivers and mechanics.
People interested in the positions can also pre-apply before the hiring event through the district’s career webpage. OCPS is directing applicants there for information about upcoming job fairs and the hiring process.
With staffing still short, the district says it will keep recruiting on a recurring basis. The goal is to add enough drivers and support staff to keep routes moving and reduce the strain on transportation operations.