School officials say they're looking to fill several positions and that many drivers may have to double up.
The first day of school is upon us for many parts of North Alabama! Hundreds of school buses were on the road Thursday as tens of thousands of kids returned to the classroom.
This as a need for bus drivers is at a premium across the state. The spokesperson for Madison County Schools, Carter Watkins, says they are looking to fill several positions.
He and the spokesperson for Huntsville City Schools, Craig Williams, say their bus drivers must fulfill at least three requirements.
Williams says you have to be 21 years old, have had a valid driver's license for at least three years, and you must pass a driving and drug test.
Watkins says his school districts also require a training program.
Meanwhile, William Tunnel has worked with the Alabama Education Association for years as their regional manager. He says there are many ways to get started with this career.
"Sign up to be a substitute bus driver," Tunnel suggests. "You'll get a lot of different looks, a lot of different routes. Sometimes if there's an extended absence, a sub might be able to drive one route for quite a while, get used to that route, know where all the stops are."
Tunnel says there are lots of ways to grow with this career. He says bus drivers get great benefits like health insurance and state retirement.
Williams says you can visit to apply as soon as possible.
If you're interested in becoming a bus driver, Tunnel also encourages you to reach out to your local school district for more information.
Additionally, the countdown to the first day of school has many thinking about an increase in morning and afternoon traffic. Captain Stephen Anderson with the Huntsville Police Department wants folks to make safety a top priority.
He says you should always drive safe when out on the road, but it's especially important this week with the added distractions of the first day of school.
Anderson hopes everyone watches out for flashing red lights and yellow school buses. He expects heavy traffic as school returns across the Rocket City.
He asks that you drive slow and be on high alert in school zones, as you are required to stop in front of and behind a school bus.
"There's going to be a lot of kids walking to school," Anderson said. "So, we want them to be cognoscente of the school zone lights, where they're flashing, where the school zones are, and notice the speed limits that are reduced in those school zones."
Anderson says his officers will be out in full force monitoring school zones. He hopes folks will take his message seriously, so he and his team don't have to give out any tickets.
Most schools in Madison County started Thursday morning between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Make sure to read road signs and be alert, especially in school zones. Tickets with court costs can run over $500.
Make sure to read road signs and be alert, especially in school zones. Tickets with court costs can run over $500.
