Facing an ongoing shortage of school bus drivers, Pasco County Schools in Florida is launching a new incentive program aimed at keeping routes covered and getting students to school on time, reported Bay News.

According to the news report, district officials say 49 of the county’s 297 school bus routes currently lack permanent drivers, resulting in some students arriving late to class. To help solve the issue, the district has approved quarterly bonuses designed to boost recruitment and retain current staff.

Beginning this quarter, drivers with strong attendance will receive a $500 bonus. Those who volunteer for designated high-need routes, often in more remote areas, will earn an additional $250 per quarter.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student gets to school on time so that learning can occur,” said Superintendent John Legg.

For veteran driver Lynn Zion-Weick, who came out of retirement four years ago after seeing an ad for the job, said the work is both meaningful and manageable.

“I’m pretty good with kids and I decided to give it a shot,” she said, adding that today’s buses drive “just like a nice car,” helping ease concerns from new recruits.

While she admits learning the engine components was the toughest part of training, she said the role has only grown more rewarding, especially since she now drives children whose grandparents she once attended school with.

With the driver shortage still pressing, the district is ramping up its hiring efforts. Pasco County Schools will host a school bus driver recruitment event on Dec. 11 and is hopeful  the new bonuses will bring more applicants behind the wheel.

Related: New Incentives in Place to Keep Illinois School Bus Drivers Working During Holidays
Related: Dauphin County School District Considers Paying Parents Amid Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage

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LISLE, Ill.– IC Bus, LLC (IC Bus), the leader in student transportation solutions, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025-2026 IC Bus Scholarship Program. This initiative, created in collaboration with the IC Bus® dealer network, underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a bright future in the communities where its employees live and work.

Each recipient of the program will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support their education expenses for the 2025-2026 school year.

This year, 14 exceptional students were selected to receive scholarships after a competitive application process. Among them, four students were recognized with special honors, exemplifying the values and legacy of the scholarship’s namesakes.

2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients

Harlow Hageness Scholarship:

· Isabelle Forde – Harlow’s Truck and Bus Sales, Bismarck, N.D.

Holly Hoglund Klein Scholarship:

· Livia Takanen – Ascendance Truck Center, Marshfield, Wis.

Richard Wolfington Sr. Scholarship:

· Damon Wright – Wolfington Body Co., Chester Springs, Pa.

Floyd Morris Scholarship:

· Christopher Shoemaker – White’s IC Bus, Greensboro, N.C.

General Scholarship Recipients:

· Ainsley Boyd – Southland Transportation Group, Birmingham, Ala.

· Aiden Herley – Midwest Transit Equipment, Whitestown, Ind.

· Loran Thieneman – Midwest Transit Equipment, Whitestown, Ind.

· Madison Ballard – Waters International Trucks, Columbus, Miss.

· Ava Lazzara – Leonard Bus Sales, Deposit, N.Y.

· Erica Wilson – Leonard Bus Sales, Deposit, N.Y.

· Max Clara – RWC Group, Huntington Park, Calif.

· Alex Rodriguez – Longhorn Bus Sales, Houston, Texas

· Sari Johnson – Rush Truck Centers, Salt Lake City, Utah

· Carter Reineke – Cornhusker International, Lincoln, Neb.

“We are incredibly proud to support these talented students through the IC Bus Scholarship Program,” said Charles Chilton, vice president and general manager of IC Bus. “Education is a powerful tool for shaping the future, and we are honored to play a role in the journeys of these exceptional young individuals. Congratulations to this year’s recipients—you represent the values, ambition, and potential that make our industry and our communities thrive.”

Since its inception, the IC Bus Scholarship Program has supported hundreds of students across the nation. By investing in education, the program has created a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and communities.

The 2025-2026 scholarship cohort continues this proud tradition, paving the way for a new generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

About International:
Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania AB, MAN Truck & Bus and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in the TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit www.International.com.

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A central Pennsylvania school district is considering a transportation stipend for families as it continues to grapple with a shortage of school bus drivers, reported WGAL News.

According to the news report, the Susquehanna Township School District may offer up to $1,000 per year to parents who transport their children to and from school. Under the proposed plan, families would receive $50 per student per month, with a cap of $100 per household.

The move reportedly mirrors similar efforts in districts like Philadelphia, where parental stipends have been used to ease transportation challenges.

The district stated the goal is to reduce the number of students requiring school bus service, thereby decreasing the number of buses needed each day. The proposal reportedly comes as the district canceled classes Monday for two elementary schools due to a lack of available drivers. District officials emphasized that participation in the stipend program would be voluntary. No final decision has been made.

Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage
Related: School District Pays Parents to Drive Their Children to School
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