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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Michael Hawkins
Director of Communications
Del Norte Unified School District
Phone: (707) 464-0237
Email: communications@dnusd.org

Del Norte Unified Launches Bus Driver Incentives and Hiring Information Session

The information session will help interested candidates learn about paid training, job requirements, application support, and eligibility for the new incentive.

CRESCENT CITY, CA — April 29, 2026 — Del Norte Unified School District is taking new steps to strengthen student transportation services by offering a $5,000 signing bonus and driver retention incentive for eligible school bus drivers.

The new incentive is part of the District’s ongoing effort to attract new drivers, retain current transportation staff, and ensure safe, reliable transportation for students and families.

Like many districts across California, Del Norte Unified is facing ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining qualified school bus drivers. School transportation positions require specialized training, commercial licensing, medical clearance, background checks, drug and alcohol testing, CHP certification, and ongoing annual training. Combined with retirements, turnover, and a limited local applicant pool, these requirements have made transportation staffing increasingly difficult.

These challenges are already affecting the District’s transportation workforce. Prior to the
pandemic, DNUSD had 18 school bus drivers; today, the District has 9. Because school
transportation directly affects students’ daily access to school, meals, and essential services, the District is taking a targeted approach to stabilize and strengthen this critical service.

As part of this effort, the District will host a bus driver hiring information session where potential candidates can learn about the position, ask questions, review requirements, learn more about eligibility for the $5,000 incentive, and receive support with the application process to begin the pathway toward becoming a school bus driver.

“Our bus drivers play an essential role in the daily lives of our students,” said Greg Bowen, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. “They help ensure students get to and from school safely, and they are a critical part of keeping our schools running. This incentive reflects the District’s commitment to investing in the people who serve our students and families.”

No prior bus-driving experience is required to attend the information session. Interested community members are encouraged to come learn more about the process, including paid training opportunities, job expectations, pay and benefits, and bonus eligibility

“In a remote rural county like Del Norte, school transportation is not optional for many families,” said Michael Hawkins, Director of Communications. “For many students, it is the only way they access nutrition and education each day. We are looking for people who want to be part of that mission and help make sure students can get to school safely, consistently, and ready to learn.”

The District plans to continue hosting bus driver information sessions regularly to help interested applicants understand the process and get started.

Bus Driver Hiring Information Session
📅 Monday, May 18, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 400 W Harding Ave, Crescent City, CA
📞 Questions? Call: (707) 464-0250