VALDOSTA — As the city school bus driver shortage continues, Ricky Thomas took it upon himself to make a list of goals.

The Valdosta City Schools transportation director gave a presentation last week to board of education members during day two of the retreat at Valdosta High School.

“If we get 50 full-time drivers and 25 sub drivers, that would help us in covering field trips and still be able to transport our students to and from school,” Thomas said. “That’s our goal.”

As of now, the city schools transportation department has 38 full-time drivers and 22 substitute drivers.

Even just an additional seven full-time drivers would be acceptable, Thomas said, but until then, the shortage will persist.

Thomas said he is looking to hire five bus monitors, one shop supervisor, one fleet manager and two trainers.

The transportation department has been looking for new employees at veterans job fairs, using social media and through partnerships with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Thomas said the department looks forward to two new bus monitors joining its team as soon as this week.

A pay raise was touched on during the retreat meeting, which has been a concern of the board who agree that more pay for drivers would help recruiting and retaining them.

Full-time drivers are currently paid $9,200 with around $11,000 in benefits, while sub drivers get $60 per day for both a morning and afternoon shift.

Despite the year-long troubles experienced by the transportation department, Thomas said camaraderie is up.

“I haven’t had a driver come and complain about Thomas about not being treated fairly,” Superintendent Dr. Todd Cason said. “Morale is fairly good right now.”

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.