Bend-La Pine Schools hosting “Drive & Apply” events to recruit bus drivers

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools is looking to hire 10 bus drivers as a wave of longtime employees retire, and the district is inviting potential applicants to try the job for themselves at an upcoming “Drive & Apply” event.

Executive Director of Transportation Kim Crabtree said the openings come as several veteran drivers step away, many after years of service.

“It’s kind of a large number for us,” Crabtree said. “It’s not that we’re increasing routes… it’s just filling these 10 people.”

Applicants must complete an online application and go through a multi-step process that includes four DMV tests, a Department of Transportation physical and several weeks of hands-on training before they can begin driving students.

Crabtree said while the technical training is extensive, the most important qualification is a willingness to work with kids.

“If you're not a kid person; you don't want to make a difference in a kid's life, this is not the job for you,” she said. “We’re really looking for somebody who wants to work with kids… we really build great relationships with our kids. And that is the most important piece.”

To help ease concerns about driving a large vehicle, the district is hosting a “Drive & Apply” event where applicants can get behind the wheel in a controlled setting.

“That bus is 40 feet long. It’s heavy,” Crabtree said. “So we like to give people an opportunity to get behind the wheel… we’re not going out on a public road. We’re going to have a little track here, practice some driving.”

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday also got a quick lesson behind the wheel, noting it takes skill and focus to safely operate a bus of that size.

The Drive & Apply events are scheduled for May 19 and 20 at 501 SE 2nd St. in Bend. Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance, though staff will be available on site to help with the application process.

For more information or to apply, visit blschools.org.