Kelly Curtis
SLATE HILL — Many jobs advertise flexibility and family friendliness, but both are particular selling points for bus drivers in the Minisink Valley Central School District Unit.
Just ask John and Kelly Curtis, a husband and wife who have both become drivers.
The job worked out so well for John when he came aboard a few years back that Kelly also decided to get behind the wheel.
Making a career change
John Curtis
John Curtis spent 25 years as an officer with the Jersey City, N.J. Police Department, assigned for 15 of those years to the department’s Emergency Services Unit.
It was a fast-paced career that had him responding to many high stakes scenarios, including providing support following the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” when pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after the plane encountered a bird strike.
After John retired, he was speaking with a friend who was a school bus driver and mentioned he was considering a security gig at Minisink. The friend suggested he check out the bus garage instead. Like many districts, Minisink had a bus driver shortage.
“I had my bus license because of my background in the police department, so I figured I’d help out and make a little extra money,” said John. “I became a CSEA shop steward three months in and recording secretary of our unit about a year later.”
Things worked out so well for John that Kelly Curtis accepted a bus monitor position at the district. She held that job for more than a year, then pursued her bus driving license.
John said the change of pace from his previous job is a good one. After their morning bus runs, John and Kelly can hit the gym, grab breakfast and still have time to spare before having to return to work in time for school dismissals. They’re out of work in time to meet up with their daughter at her after-school activities.
“As a retired guy, I love it,” said John. “What better benefit than to have weekends and holidays off, snow days and summers off if you choose. For those who want extra hours, there are sports trips and other work to be done.”
Not only has the job been good for John in retirement and for Kelly after a career change, but the couple has also seen where the work schedule works well for parents with school age children re-entering the workforce, as well as self-employed people looking to supplement their income while also earning medical benefits and a pension.
Contracts helps recruitment
With the nationwide school bus driver shortage, CSEA Minisink Valley School District Unit President Dave Fenner said that recent gains in contract negotiations at the district have helped attract new drivers and retain existing ones.
In addition to bringing wages in line with neighboring districts, union negotiations yielded an attendance bonus to reduce absenteeism and a bonus for workers recruiting new drivers (once the driver reaches one year with the district).
The district has also worked on recruitment, hosting bus rodeos in a school parking lot where residents can test drive a bus (supervised by a transportation staff member). The rodeos give insight to people who aren’t sure if driving could be a career option. The district’s in-house trainers help new staff on the road to getting licensed.
While John Curtis had initially considered a security guard role with the district, he said he’s glad someone convinced him to detour to the bus garage.
“I’m glad I chose bus driving,” said John. “It’s a great option for a lot of people.”
— Jessica Ladlee
