The Burlington School District is setting a new standard for supporting school transportation professionals, transforming bus driving into a more attractive and sustainable career with significant pay increases and expanded opportunities.
Starting wages have jumped from $18 to $30 per hour — a remarkable 67% increase achieved through proactive union negotiations. “As a district, prior to even coming to the table, we were able to say we want to give this position a significant increase,” said Michelle Meola, Director of Human Resources.
To further strengthen recruitment, Burlington is eliminating financial barriers by offering free CDL training for prospective drivers. “If we were not paying for people to get their CDL license, it could be anywhere from hundreds of dollars into the thousands of dollars, which is significant,” Meola explained.
The district is also creating full-time career pathways by expanding roles beyond traditional routes. Drivers can now take on additional responsibilities within property services and other departments, ensuring access to comprehensive benefits and long-term career growth.
“We’re excited about that because it allows us to impact people’s lives,” Meola added, emphasizing the district’s commitment to valuing transportation professionals as essential members of the school community.
Burlington’s investment approach demonstrates how districts can successfully support their transportation teams — through meaningful pay, training, and professional development — creating win-win solutions that benefit both drivers and students.
Source: NBC5
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