No Drivers, No School: Windsor Forced to Cancel Classes May 16

The Windsor Central School District will be closed today, Friday, May 16, due to a significant shortage of bus drivers.

According to an email sent to parents and shared with Townsquare Media, multiple bus drivers are scheduled to be out today. The district stated it simply cannot operate with so many absentees.

Students Stay Home, Staff Reports In

Per the email, while students in all grades will have the day off, teachers and staff are still expected to report to work on May 16 as usual. As a result of the unexpected closure, the district announced to staff and parents that the last day of classes for students in grades UPK through 8 has been moved to June 24.

Windsor Is Training Drivers but Needs More

The district has been actively working to remedy the shortage. Several new drivers are currently in training, and Windsor has continued efforts to recruit more for the last several years. In a push to find additional qualified applicants, the district will host a Bus Driver Open House on Friday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Windsor Central School District Bus Garage, located at 206 Main Street in Windsor.

Windsor Offers Competitive Pay and Benefits for Bus Drivers

The Windsor Central School District is actively hiring both new and certified bus drivers, offering a starting pay of $20.50 per hour. In addition to immediate openings, drivers have opportunities to earn extra pay and are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This includes access to the New York State and Local Retirement System, as well as health, dental, and vision insurance.

For those who choose not to enroll in the district’s health insurance plan, cash buyouts are available. Drivers also receive annual sick, family, and personal days, which can be accrued over time and applied toward the cost of insurance during retirement.

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State Waiver Aimed to Help, but Shortages Remain

In January, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to reduce barriers for prospective school bus drivers applying for a commercial driver’s license. The New York State DMV implemented a federal waiver allowing applicants to skip the “under the hood” component of the road test. While this change was intended to make it easier for more people to become certified drivers, districts like Windsor are still struggling to fill the gaps.