(La Porte, IN) - There’s not much of a shortage of bus drivers this week in the La Porte School Corporation.

 

Superintendent Mark Francesconi says almost every driver calling off last week for medical and other reasons came back to work on Monday. He noted fewer students, as a result, were late for school and returning home.

 

“Much better this week regarding the numbers,” Francesconi said.

About a dozen drivers cited sickness, death in the family, and other factors in their excused absences last week. As a result, all five of the substitute drivers in the school corporation were activated to help make up for the shortage.

 

Francesconi would like to grow the pool of substitute bus drivers to eliminate future shortages. Typically, five substitute drivers would be enough to fill openings throughout the school year, but the number of drivers taking time off at once was unusually high.

 

Francesconi said he’s also flexible to accommodate the schedules of future applicants so they can work both shifts or just one shift. The school system encourages people interested in becoming a driver to contact the school.

 

“It’s a respectable position. The pay is decent,” he said.