Twin brothers and Harding alumni Kyle and Kris Thompson have been driving buses for the Searcy School District since they were students at Harding, beginning in 2001. Though driving a bus for K-12 schools may not seem like an ordinary part-time job for a college student, the brothers loved it, and still drive for Searcy Schools almost 20 years later. Kyle, an education major at the time, said it was beneficial to be around students he was learning how to teach in his college classes. He was able to see behaviors and factors firsthand that would reappear in the classroom setting once he became a teacher.
Why is this relevant to Harding students now? Thompson referred me to transportation director for Searcy Schools, Gary Rieck, in order to learn where current Harding students can fit into this story. Rieck explained that most of their current drivers are retirees and do an awesome job. However, the transportation department scrambles when any of the drivers have to go out of town or on vacation for a few weeks. Rieck said there are one and a half open routes to fill already, along with substitute positions for when drivers have to be absent, this is where Harding comes in.
Searcy Schools need more bus drivers, and university students are eligible; they would be welcomed, even. Any student who is 19 years old can begin the process. The first step, and the only one that costs money, would be to purchase the CDL packet from the revenue office. After studying the packet, anyone wanting to continue the process will need to take the written CDL test at the Carmichael Community Center in Searcy. From there, the CDL permit will need to be brought to the transportation office. The transportation office will then guide the interested individual through a few more steps such as a background check, physical, drug test, training and finally, the driving test — all paid for by the transportation department.
Most morning bus routes leave between 6:50 and 7 a.m., so Harding students could make it back for their 8 a.m. class if necessary. In the afternoon, the drivers head out in buses around 2:50 and are finished with their route typically by 4:10. The time commitment is minimal, and students can choose either morning or afternoon routes — they do not have to do both.
The material takes time and effort to learn but is well worth it, according to the Thompson brothers. For education majors especially, Kyle said, “You are putting yourself in situations that are in proximity to your goals.” Kyle went on to explain that not only would you be getting to know K-12 students in your community, but also other adults outside the community who will be your co-workers and fellow drivers.
The bus opportunity presents the perfect space for intertwined community. Searcy Schools need more bus drivers, and students (especially those interested in education or coaching) need experience with K-12 students — not to mention the position pays roughly $49 a day for running both routes, and half of that for just one route (morning or afternoon).
Rieck and Kyle explained that assuming the position of the supervisor and authority figure in the bus lets college students grow themselves as people. Bus driving teaches responsibility, which is helpful in preparing students, in any major, for whatever their career may be. “Capitalize on any growth opportunity that you are given,” reminded Kyle. For him, buses were one of those opportunities.
The time commitment runs at just above two hours a day total — an hour or a little more on each end. The Thompson twins show us, still, what an awesome opportunity the buses are. Unfortunately, the Thompsons can only fill two routes. However, joining the brothers is simple, and it begins at the transportation office located behind Searcy High School. Searcy Schools, the Thompsons, Gary Rieck and ultimately your community invite you to join them in driving our future.