KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo Public Schools bus drivers, custodians, and food service managers will be getting substantial raises in the coming year.
The Board of Education approved their contracts last night. Bus drivers will be getting the biggest hike, nearly 20%, after a shortage of drivers this past year caused major disruptions.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Sheila Dorsey-Smith says there were 378 temporary route suspensions because they had no one to drive the buses. She says a rate study found the bus drivers’ wages were not competitive.
Under the new contract, their base pay will be increased from $14.60 to $19.00 per hour.
Custodians and food service managers will both be getting 6% raises, with the custodians also getting step increases for every year they are employed.
School district officials say they hope the increases will make the district more competitive with other schools and the private sector to recruit the staff they need.
reporting from John McNeill
