 While with summer half over it won't be long until school buses are back on the road, but a shortage of school bus drivers has created a need for area school districts to do what they can to recruit new drivers. The Bemidji School District kicked off its campaign on the last day of school and has been actively recruiting and advertising the need for regular route and substitute drivers. Bemidji currently has a shortage of drivers and had to use support staff to drive buses which means there could be delays if the driver's seats are not filled. We've always had this need. Last year it was one of our worst years and when we don't have enough drivers then we're using our mechanics, we're using management including myself to drive a school bus. So when something happens like a bus accident or a breakdown, the support staff is not there for the drivers and there's delays because we're out doing the basic function of driving a bus. So is there a need? Yes there is. Starting pay for drivers is $18 an hour. For more information you can call the name or the number I should say on the screen. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.