Houston Independent School District’s Transportation department recently received a community service award for its recruiting efforts from the Near Northwest Management District. HISD school bus drivers Perry Johnson and Charles Brodie were recipients of the award on behalf of the department.

The Near Northwest Management District was created by the state of Texas in 2001 to address concerns about economic development in the northwest area of Houston. The HISD Transportation department partners with the agency to recruit bus drivers living in the area that the Near Northwest Management District serves.

In addition to partnering with local community agencies, HISD Transportation has a recruiting team at each bus terminal that visits neighborhoods, businesses and churches to recruit bus drivers. Current bus drivers can also receive $100 for each successful candidate referral. During the 2013-2014 school year, the department has received almost 80 referrals compared to previous school years of only three referrals, showing that current employees are actively recruiting their friends to join Team HISD.

HISD currently has more than 1,000 school bus drivers. Bus drivers receive $14.95 per hour and are guaranteed five hours per day. Once hired all bus drivers receive thirty hours of paid training and are also eligible for field trips. Bus drivers are eligible for benefits including retirement and health insurance. The HISD Transportation department also offers free Commercial Driver’s License training to candidates interested in becoming a school bus driver.

For more information on the requirements to become a driver for Houston ISD, please visit www.houstonisd.org.