Dani Bond out in the bus yard.
ELMA — For Iroquois Central School District Unit President Dani Bond, also the district’s head bus driver, the ongoing school bus driver shortage is not just a transportation problem—it’s a staffing crisis rippling through every corner of their operation.
“In our office, at least once a day, one of our three office staff has to leave their desk duties to drive,” said Bond. “That’s our clerk. That’s our transportation supervisor. These people are already responsible for other critical tasks, but we don’t have a choice.”
This staffing gap means that if a bus accident or emergency occurs, there’s often no one in the office to manage the situation.
“It’s a serious safety concern,” said Bond. “Sadly, I think it’s going to take a catastrophic event for real change to happen.”
Bond explained that drivers are being stretched to the limit. Routes are being doubled, and buses are transporting more students than ever.
“You might think each seat can hold three students, but you’re not factoring in backpacks, instruments, sports gear,” said Bond. “That space fills up fast.”
The impact is felt at home, too. Students are getting dropped off later, disrupting family schedules. “If a kid has an appointment and gets home late, we’re the ones getting the angry calls from parents,” said Bond. “And we get it—they’re frustrated. So are we.”
When asked what needs to change to make this career more sustainable and appealing, Bond pointed to a recent improvement: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s removal of the “under the hood” requirement in CDL licensing for school bus drivers. CSEA supported the governor’s measure.
“That change lets drivers skip the engine inspection part of the test, but it also limits them to only driving school buses,” said Bond. “If they want to drive other commercial vehicles, they still need that full training.”
Another major hurdle is the time required to hire and train a new driver, about 40 to 60 hours.
“We have a driver giving notice now, and we won’t have enough time to get someone new licensed before they leave,” said Bond. “Training has to be scheduled around the driver’s availability and the school calendar.”
Bond hopes to negotiate higher wages in the unit contract, but she’s mindful that her bargaining unit also includes clerical staff, maintenance workers and nurses.
“I can’t push for only bus drivers,” said Bond. “The district needs broader funding to fairly support everyone.”
She added that the job used to appeal more to stay-at-home parents looking for part-time work, but longer hours have made that difficult. Today, more retirees are stepping in, treating it as an “encore career.”
While the district offers decent benefits, drivers only get four paid personal days per year—and can’t use them during school breaks.
“Those breaks are unpaid for drivers,” Bond said. “If we could use our personal days then, it would help supplement income and reduce time off during school days.”
Training also remains a challenge. Iroquois Central School District is now a state-certified training center, with Bond and the transportation supervisor handling most of the instruction. “That pulls us away from our regular responsibilities,” said Bond.
The district prides itself on not charging drivers to train but applicants must pay out-of-pocket for their permits and road tests, which can be a barrier. Bond suggested a scholarship program for new drivers could help ease the cost and build long-term loyalty to the district.
As part of its ongoing efforts, CSEA is highlighting the school bus driver shortage to raise awareness not only about the challenges—but also about the opportunity. These are vital public service jobs, and they are available now.
— Sara McNicholas
