Pender County Schools boosts bus driver pay

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Schools is making significant investments in bus driver recruitment, retention, and transportation safety with money provided by the Pender County Board of Commissioners.

The district is raising the starting wage for bus drivers from $16.26 to $17.75 per hour, a $1.49 increase. Bus monitors will also see a pay adjustment. School officials say this move will make the district more competitive with surrounding areas and help retain experienced staff.

“This is a significant step forward for Pender County Schools,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove said. “We need to listen to our bus drivers because they are on the front lines every day. Their feedback has been instrumental in shaping these improvements, and this wage increase allows us to attract and retain quality drivers.”

The district is also improving transportation safety with a $400,000 investment to upgrade radio systems in school buses, schools, and the transportation department. The new systems will enable real-time communication and enhanced support for drivers.

The funding was approved at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, with more than half of a $1.3 million allocation directed to the district’s transportation program. The remaining funds will be used to upgrade 2,000 Chromebooks for Pender County Schools students.