The new school year is right around the corner, and now there is a new problem with trying to get all the students to and from school each day…. a shortage of school bus drivers. Many of the local bus contractors say a driver shortage has been an ongoing problem, but it has worsened since the shutdowns and changes last year due to coronavirus fears. They say it has become critical now for most bus contractors statewide. But COVID isn’t the big problem. The real problem now according to many bus contractors, is the same issue facing other businesses, such as restaurants…. it is now often more lucrative to continue to collect unemployment than to return to work. Another issue is the amound of schooling and training that is necessary. Drivers also need to have a physical every year. In a new effort to address the driver shortage, the Pennsylvania School Bus Association has launched a statewide recruitment campaign aimed at raising public awareness of the shortage as well as providing a number of resources that can be used to recruit new school bus drivers. They say driving a bus can be a great job for moms, grandparents and people who need flexibility. If you think you might want to learn more about becoming a school bus driver, visit www.YouBehindTheWheel.com where you can find a job portal that connects interested individuals with driver openings.