Wake schools face bus driver shortage

The Wake County Public School System is facing a school bus driver shortage.

The district is about 90 drivers short due to higher paying jobs elsewhere, district staff told school leaders during Tuesday's school board work session. Officials are holding open houses this week to recruit new drivers and are also considering job sharing.

Staff also announced a series of school bus updates:

• When a school bus stops, the driver will ensure all vehicles have also stopped before deploying the crossing arm in front of the bus. Students will received updated safety training during their first week of school.
• 85 school busses will receive onboard camera systems. The district hopes to add cameras to all busses in the near future.
• Bus routes for year-round students will be online by the end of the month. For traditional students, they will be online August 14.