Cy-Fair ISD Boosts Pay, Hiring Bus Drivers Ahead of Restored 2025-26 Transportation Services
With full student transportation services officially reinstated for the 2025-2026 school year, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is actively recruiting new bus drivers, attendants, and technicians to join one of the largest school transportation teams in Texas. In a bold move to meet the staffing demands of its expanded routes, the CFISD Transportation Department has increased starting wages and launched new incentives to attract qualified professionals ahead of the fall semester.
As of July 15, CFISD announced the following new starting hourly rates:
- Bus Drivers: $23.46
- Attendants: $16.49
- Technicians: $22.66–$27.90
In addition to competitive base pay, the district is offering up to $3,000 in new hire incentives for CDL-holders with passenger and school bus endorsements. Individuals seeking training can still qualify for a $1,000 sign-on bonus. All school bus drivers will now benefit from a year-round work calendar, ensuring consistent employment and pay even during summer months.
“School bus driver shortages have been an issue in CFISD and nationally for years,” said Dr. Kayne Smith, CFISD’s Director of Transportation Services. “To provide the best service to our students and community, we are truly committed in investing in our employees and reimagining the role of a school bus driver to make it a career option instead of simply a part-time job.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Transportation Fully Restored Following 2024-25 Cuts
The district’s hiring push comes just weeks after the CFISD Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a $1.2 billion budget for 2025-26 that fully restores bus transportation services to all students within CFISD’s attendance boundaries. Last year, many families were impacted by route eliminations due to budget shortfalls. The reinstatement marks a significant relief to parents who relied heavily on bus service before the 2024-25 reductions.
Board President Scott Henry emphasized that the decision “focuses on what matters most: taking care of our staff, keeping our students safe and maintaining the essential services our families rely on.”
CFISD’s transportation services are not only essential—they’re massive in scope. The district operates the third-largest school transportation system in Texas and the 36th-largest in the nation, transporting approximately 75,000 students daily and logging over 8.5 million miles annually.
According to CFISD, its fleet performs over 4,000 daily bus runs and supports roughly 17,000 annual field trips, including those involving vans and cars.
Making Student Transportation a Career, Not Just a Job
CFISD is actively reframing the image of school bus driving, offering a family-oriented work environment, paid training, and clear paths for career advancement. Employees can choose from five district transportation centers, each known for their supportive and tight-knit work culture.
“We offer unique opportunities to serve our students and schools while also offering paid training, professional development, and several career advancement opportunities in a family-oriented work environment,” said Smith.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Other employment benefits include:
- Guaranteed six hours of work per day
- Competitive benefits, including paid time off and insurance enrollment
- Retirement plan access
- Locations close to home within the district
- Guaranteed summer work
Those interested in applying for transportation roles—including drivers, attendants, and technicians—can visit cfisd.net/jobs or call 713-MYCFBUS (713-692-3287) for more information.
Community Relief and a Safer Road Ahead
The full reinstatement of transportation services follows a year of heightened concerns over student safety, as many were forced to walk or bike to school. CFISD’s police department and local law enforcement increased patrols and expanded school zone hours during the 2024-25 school year to mitigate risk. Still, many families viewed the lack of bus access as both inconvenient and dangerous.
Now, with restored routes and increased driver staffing, CFISD is positioning itself for a safer, more equitable school year in 2025-26—while also investing in the long-term stability of its workforce.
To stay up to date on CFISD news and other community developments, follow My Neighborhood News for future coverage.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
