Effective Immediately for School Bus Drivers & Highly Specialized Professionals

September 18, 2024 - The Boerne Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a $3 per hour pay raise for all bus drivers and fleet mechanics with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). 

The new rate increases starting pay for bus drivers to $19 per hour. 

“We are extremely proud of our hard-working transportation team,” stated Boerne ISD Chief of Operations, Mark Stahl. “In many cases, they are the first staff members our students see in the morning, and the last in the afternoon. They care a great deal about our students and do an outstanding job transporting them safely every day. I commend the Board of Trustees for their commitment to ensuring our bus driver compensation is competitive.”

Over the summer, the BISD Transportation Department focused on recruiting more bus drivers, bus assistants, and staff to lead key positions. Ms. Melanie Lee, Transportation Director, hired an Operations Manager, Fleet Manager, and Route Coordinator. Additionally, staff have been designated to assist parents and guardians with up-to-date route information. Technology resources were also upgraded to review efficiency of routes and fleet service maintenance.

Boerne ISD has experienced a significant increase in student ridership for its transportation services. Currently, the district provides daily transportation to approximately 4,075 students across its 359-square-mile area. The number of students utilizing transportation services represents nearly 37% of the district’s total student body.

NEW STIPENDS APPROVED FOR STAFF
In an effort to recruit and retain highly qualified Special Education professionals, the BISD Board of Trustees also approved the new Highly Specialized Stipend of $7,000 per year for the following roles:

• Speech Language Pathologist 
• Speech Language Pathology Assistant
• School Psychologist
• Diagnostician
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist

This new stipend will allow the district to compete for top talent with surrounding districts, many of whom offer similar stipends, as well as private employers. Individuals in highly specialized roles are required to meet high standards through industry licensure, advanced degrees, and may be required to meet nationally recognized standards for training and supervision that exceed requirements for employment in many other education fields.

Boerne ISD will conduct a full stipend review this year in preparation for the 2025-26 budget cycle. The district recognizes the need for further action, and this marks a solid beginning.

Boerne ISD Board of Trustees President Garret Wilson stated, “As our district continues to grow, it is imperative that we continue to attract and retain the highest quality staff to best serve our families. It has been increasingly difficult for Texas school districts, including BISD, to hire bus drivers and highly qualified special education professionals. This adjustment in salary is a necessary step in recruiting the best educators in Texas. We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of our bus drivers and special education professionals.”

To apply for these and other open positions at Boerne ISD please visit BoerneISD.net/Jobs. 

Learn more here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1350?meeting=652928