PEORIA UNIFIED GOVERNING BOARD APPROVES HIGHER PAY FOR BUS DRIVERS
On October 14, the Peoria Unified Governing Board approved a higher pay schedule for employees in the Transportation Department. The higher pay schedule impacts bus drivers, transportation coordinators, dispatchers, route specialists, transportation supervisors, mechanics and route assistants who have a Commercial Driver’s License.
The increase places Peoria Unified among the highest paying district for bus drivers in the northwest valley. The new pay schedule includes a $3.01 increase to the starting hourly rate, allowing Peoria Unified to offer more competitive pay for its transportation staff, increasing the rate to $17.00 an hour with up to ten years of experience at the point of hire, and an equivalent pay increase for current employees.
The district welcomes the pay increase while experiencing bus driver shortages and temporary cancellations in routes. Although the district is built on a tradition of excellence with attractive work schedules and competitive benefits, Peoria Unified has about 20 vacant bus driver positions. The higher hourly rate will allow Peoria Unified to attract and retain high-quality employees to safely and efficiently transport students to and from school.
The higher pay schedule follows a recently approved stipend to attract and retain school bus drivers, approved by Peoria Unified’s Governing Board last month. Those hired before September 30 received a one-time $1,750 stipend and those hired from this point forward will receive a pro-rated amount.
The district also increased its communication to actively recruit new school bus drivers to the district. Those interested in joining Peoria Unified should visit jobs.peoriaunified.org to apply.
