With the current shortage of school bus drivers in many states, access
to education is at risk for the many students who get to and from school
by bus. Despite the critical role drivers play, little is known about
why they stay in their jobs, and what can be done to keep them. To learn
more about school bus driver retention, 301 drivers in 32 districts in
New York were surveyed. Drawing on an overarching model of
person-environment fit, perspectives of job satisfaction, meaningful
work and public service motivation were used to explore what aspects of
the driver role relate to turnover intention. Findings indicated lower
turnover intention when drivers reported higher extrinsic satisfaction,
when they found their work to hold personal significance, and when they
saw their work as a source of broader meaning for their lives. Drivers
also viewed themselves as making a difference in the lives of students
and considered themselves a significant part of their education. They
also indicated that pay and benefits were important in their decision to
stay or leave. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for
school leadership practice and future research.