Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition | May 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin & Dripping Springs ISDs

DSISD faces bus driver shortage DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD The district is working to fill more than one-third of 2023-24 Dripping Springs ISD bus driver positions that summer, which resulted in students farther from campuses being more likely to receive bus services than stu- dents closer to their assigned campus. On average, it takes about 13 weeks to train a new bus driver. A driver does not need prior experience and will be trained to receive their commercial driver’s license, DSISD Transportation Director Pam Swanks said. remained vacant as of mid-April. The shortage comes as the district continues to experience rapid growth with multiple campuses operating overcapacity. DSISD had previously implemented no-service zones for each campus in the district last Some additional solutions district officials might consider if unable to BY ELLE BENT

hire 20 more bus drivers before school starts on Aug. 15 may include: • After-school care for students while waiting for rides • Double runs, meaning a bus driver would take a group of students on a route and return for another group • Alternating no-service zones • Recruiting and job incentives “The best solution and the most sustainable solution is that we’re able to get more people in the community to come and serve in this role,” Swanks said. “That’s going to be the sustain- able long-term solution.”

BUS DRIVER DEFICIT

Dripping Springs ISD will have to reduce or alter bus services if it is unable to fill driver vacancies for the 2023-24 school year.

33 of 53 bus driver positions were filled as of April 17.

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin ISD trustees approve 7% increase for teachers

COMPENSATION INCREASE The 2023-24 compensation plan approved by Austin ISD on May 18 includes: $4 per hour raises for all classified employees $20 per hour minimum hourly wage 7% raises for teachers, librarians, counselors, instructional coaches and special education staff 3%-5% raises for other employees $7,000 stipends for bilingual and special education staff

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

The compensation package will require the district to spend up to $53 million of its reserve funds, according to a news release May 19. AISD will still have about $221 million in reserve funds. “There's a little bit of risk with this budget, but there's a real risk of not educating our students,” AISD board President Arati Singh said on May 18. Trustees are expected to approve the full 2023-24 budget at its June 22 meeting.

AUSTIN ISD On May 18, Austin ISD trustees unanimously approved a compensation package for the 2023-24 school year that will provide 7% raises for teachers as well as pay increases for other staff throughout the district. The package includes a $4 increase for all classi- fied employees, creates a $20 minimum wage and provides a 3%-7% increase for all other staff.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

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