South Raleigh News

Governor Josh Stein has officially designated the week of February 10th to February 14th as School Bus Driver Week. This proclamation aims to honor the contributions of school bus drivers who ensure students' safe transportation and highlights the need to address driver shortages in North Carolina.

"North Carolina’s bus drivers are a vital engine in our students’ success," stated Governor Stein. "I am pleased to dedicate this week to the hardworking bus drivers who, regardless of road or weather conditions, ensure that North Carolina’s students get to school safely. Let us also use this occasion to raise awareness of the need for increased pay and better benefits, so that we can better recruit and retain employees for this critical role."

North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green supported this initiative by emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation for academic success. "Every child in North Carolina deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, and that includes reliable transportation to and from school. Each day, thousands of students across North Carolina rely on bus drivers to make that happen," he said. "I join Governor Stein in calling for increased pay and respect for our talented bus drivers."

The issue of driver vacancies is significant, with approximately 13 percent of positions unfilled as reported by state school systems in 2023. These vacancies have resulted in longer commute times, extended walks for students, and less predictable schedules. Despite these challenges, over 10,000 school buses continue to transport more than 620,000 students daily across North Carolina.

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