NE Valley Times

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 8, 2024) – The Scottsdale Unified School District's Transportation department is gearing up for the next school year by hosting a "Test Drive and Hiring" event at Pima Elementary School on Saturday, April 13. The event aims to recruit new bus drivers, mechanics, and bus aides for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Transportation supervisor Jack Taylor emphasized that prior experience is not a requirement, stating, "It doesn’t matter if you’ve never driven one before." Taylor, a former member of the Scottsdale Police Department, highlighted the rewarding aspects of being a bus driver, noting, "Being a bus driver is a great job for anyone looking for something different that makes a difference, while not necessarily working full-time."

Taylor also shared the joy of connecting with students and the community, mentioning, "Getting to know the students and greeting their parents and the new puppies at the bus stops was great." He added, "Some kids liked to tell you that they aced a test or did well on their ACTs or SATs, or maybe they had a tough day at school, and you were a friendly face."

Prospective bus candidates must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license, maintain a safe driving record, pass a state Department of Transportation physical exam, and obtain a fingerprint clearance card. The district offers a competitive starting pay of $20.16 - $20.97 per hour, with opportunities for overtime and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.

Interested individuals can attend the event at Pima Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to fill out an application, undergo a preliminary interview, and even take a turn behind the wheel of an SUSD school bus. For more information, contact 480-484-8554 or email Transportation@susd.org.

The Scottsdale Unified School District has been a leading choice for public education with over 21,000 students across 30 schools. The district, serving various communities in the Phoenix area, provides a diverse and rigorous educational environment to engage students in future-focused learning. For more details, visit www.susd.org and follow the district on social media platforms.