Job seekers interested in school bus driver or bus aide positions at Dysart Schools can come to a Ride and Drive Event from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Dysart Career Fair at the district office, 15802 N. Parkview Place.

Prospective hires should first check-in at the career fair, and proceed to the transportation booth to get placed in the queue.

Ride and Drive participants will get the chance to sit on a school bus, and drive the bus forward in a controlled environment with the assistance of a trainer.

Information about the paid training process and obtaining a CDL permit will be shared, and staff will be available to answer questions.

"Anyone with a curiosity about school bus positions is encouraged to join us,” said Danielle Moehr, director of transportation. “Bus drivers and aides are a critical part of the  educational process, ensuring students are transported to and from school safely each day. The impact that these staff members have through their interactions with students is immeasurable, and extremely rewarding.”

Transportation positions within a school district are a great opportunity for anyone, including retirees, college students, or single parents of school-aged children.

Benefits of being a Dysart Schools bus driver or aide include full medical, state retirement, holidays, weekends and summers off, and the ability to select additional shifts, when available.

One of the most unique benefits is a split schedule, which can allow flexibility to run errands during the day. Drivers receive paid CDL training at their full hourly rate.

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs nearly 3,000 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.

The starting pay for a Dysart bus driver is $21.43 an hour for those with zero to three years of experience. The rate increases to $22.50 for four to six years of experience, $23.57 for seven to ten years of experience and $24.64 for 11 or more years of experience.

All current Dysart job openings may be viewed at Dysart.org/Careers.