ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As Rochester city schools continue to deal with a bus driver shortage, the city school district is offering incentives to recruit and keep drivers.

Any driver hired between now and April 1 can receive a bonus payment of up to $2,500.

Current employees, whose position requires a commercial driver’s license, can get a $2,500 bonus. To receive the bonus, employees must remain with the district for one year.

Drivers who are absent two days or less per semester can earn an extra $250 after the semester ends.

"There's no silver bullets, but we have to try different strategies," said Rochester City School District human capital chief Christopher Miller. "And incentivizing folks monetarily is one way to try to recruit and retain staff. And it's one that many school districts across the nation, and even here in Monroe County, have been doing."

“Retaining our employees is critical. These positions are vital to the operations of the District," Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small said in a statement. "We hope to attract more individuals who can join an exceptional workforce dedicated to the well-being of students and families.” 

Schools across the country have been dealing with a bus driver shortage since the summer.