Whitehall-Coplay School District is looking for new members to join its fleet of bus drivers. The district has many current employees who have been driving for 17 to 23 years for the district. Although driving a bus filled with students can be a challenge, these drivers find many rewarding benefits.

Drivers agree the working hours are great, can be flexible and fit into many different schedules.

“It is an ideal job for a retired person who wants to keep busy or stay-at-home moms,” said Larry King, who has been a bus driver for WCSD for 23 years.

The district offers pensions, paid time off, paid holidays and summers off.

Bus drivers find it rewarding in making a difference in children’s lives.

“It’s not a job for everyone. You do have to like kids, and being a parent really helps because you know what things to look for. Sometimes you are a child’s safety person, someone they can talk to,” said Kim Phillips, who has been driving buses for 17 years for the district.

Many drivers really enjoy being with the children every day and love the appreciation they receive from the kids and parents through thank-you notes and more.

“It makes me feel like what we do makes it all worthwhile,” King said.

As with any job, there can be challenges. There comes much responsibility, and the safety of the students is their absolute No. 1 priority. Staying in tune of what’s going on in the bus while also keeping your eye on the road can be difficult. Over the years, many factors have changed, too.

“There is a lot more traffic today, and there’s always some type of construction. You cannot take your eyes off the road for a second,” Phillips said.

As seasoned drivers, they both agree they have become very on task to timing and schedules by keeping their routine the same. A rewarding and successful factor was learning patience and creative ways to work with students, they both acknowledged.

King expressed that as a driver, he thoroughly enjoys field trips with the students.

“One of my favorites was the trip to Hershey with the middle school band. It’s a long day but a lot of fun,” King said.

Phillips shared a memorable event on one of her runs. A few years ago, she had a fire on her bus. She pulled the bus to a safe area, got her students off the bus and made sure everyone was safe and accounted for.

“Everyone and everything came together, and all went in order as it was supposed to,” Phillips said. “The kids all thought it was the coolest thing ever because the police and fire trucks came.”

If you would like to apply to become a WCSD bus driver, contact the district at 610-437-4780, ext. 1856, or apply in person at 2640 Campus Drive, Whitehall.