WS/FC Schools Considers Pay Raises For Bus Drivers, Other Essential Workers

Bus drivers in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools system could soon get a pay bump. The board of education is considering a proposal from the district's compensation committee that would raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.  A $0.50 hourly raise is also part of the plan.

Chief Human Resources Officer Jevelyn Bonner-Reed says there are challenges in hiring and retaining bus drivers. The district is short around 60 of these positions. She says they need to move quickly as they prepare for more students to return.

“We also want to have a pilot program where we have $200 for a referral bonus for bus drivers that refer other bus drivers because they're closest to the job, understand the job and would understand the best talent for it,” says Bonner-Reed.

District officials say money for the raises would come from efficiency savings in the transportation budget that accumulated during school closures.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board is expected to vote on the proposal at its December 15th meeting.

The district is also reviewing possible compensation adjustments for other essential employees including child nutrition workers, teacher assistants, custodians and occupational and physical therapists.

Bonner-Reed says pending funding, possible pay adjustments for those workers will be brought forward to the board for consideration by February.

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