ELKHART, Ind. – Elkhart Community Schools will move forward with a pay raise for bus drivers.

The school board approved the increase in pay as part of an effort to retain more drivers at a time when, according to Doug Thorne (district counsel/chief of staff at Elkhart County Schools), there is shortage of people in the U.S. who have a commercial driver’s license.

It is being reported by the Elkhart Truth that the hourly wage will go from $18.51 to $19.26 for drivers in their probation period, and then it would increase to $19.99 an hour after 55 days.

That rate will peak at $22.47 an hour for veteran drivers.

Drivers will also receive a $250 bonus every semester as well as $15 an hour for field trips.