JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Public School District is seeing similar shortages to the ones being seen statewide and nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says the shortage of bus drivers is one of those two concerns being seen locally.

To mitigate this, Dr. Lech says there has been consolidated bus routes and longer bus times. The JPSD sees higher ridership during the colder months, but shortages have become more transparent.

Dr. Lech added that buses remain available, but drivers do not. The school district has been finding alternatives for travel including utilization of the Blue Jay vans, vehicle rentals from dealerships, and even parents transporting student participants.

To help address this shortage, Dr. Lech says they have sent out a message to families to encourage consideration of bus driving opportunities. These include morning and afternoon routes at $24 per hour for a 2 to 2.5 hour route.

Requirements include a Class B License with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements. Dietrich’s will assist with all training and help to obtain necessary licenses.

Individuals interested can call 701-252-1007.

Dr. Lech says they’re also seeing shortages with substitute teachers.

Dr. Lech says they’ve also sent out a call for substitute teachers with a full day pay of $120. It takes 48 college credits to qualify for an interim license. The license fee of $85 would be reimbursed by the district if a substitute works 10 days in the district.

More information is available on the Jamestown Public School website.

You can watch the full school board meeting courtesy of Jamestown Video below: