Every day, 77 bus drivers in the Camas School District transport 2,967 students. In Washougal, 50 drivers transport 1,600 students.
Qualifications: To become a bus driver, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a valid Washington State driver’s license, be first aid and CPR certified, and earn a CDL license. Typically, training is provided by the district. Previous experience working with children, the ability to be flexible, and a good rapport with students and co-workers and is also desired.
Driving a school bus can be a tough job, but also incredibly rewarding.
Just ask Connie Allred.
After a few weeks driving a bus for the Washougal School District, the driver was ready to quit.
“I came to the office in tears, thinking, ‘I’m too slow and too short and too stupid to figure out how to do this right.'”
But when co-worker Rachael Bentley saw her distress, she told Allred, “If I can do this, you can. You have the right personality for it. Give it time.”