There's a new driver behind the wheel of the Hillsborough County School Bus system.
Jim Beekman, 53, is now the General Manager of Transportation for the Hillsborough School District. His first day on the job was Monday, October 13th.
"I’m looking forward to the challenge and I think it’s going to be great," Beekman said.
Beekman is credited with turning around the school transportation system in Orange County. Workers are hopeful he can do the same in Hillsborough.
For months, drivers have complained in town hall meetings and forums about everything from low morale to low pay.
One issue Beekman said he plans to immediately address in Hillsborough county is the bus driver shortage. Beekman said he wants to be aggressive with a speedy application process.
"If somebody needs a job, they need a job today," Beekman said. "We don't need to go through a process and have that process continue for a period of time."
To recruit bus drivers, Beekman said he wants to hold job fairs in different parts of Hillsborough County. He said he will talk with Human Resources about recruitment efforts next week.
Beekman will also take a look at how behavior is managed on buses. He said it's important to treat the bus like a moving classroom.
Behavior management training sessions are already underway to make sure the drivers know what to do.
"The kids need to see consistency in drivers," Beekman said. "They need to see consistency in bus attendants or monitors, and consistency in the way that they’re treated and the way that they act."
To help boost morale among the department, Beekman said it comes down to respect.
He plans to have an open door policy for all workers, including those who have complained in the past.
Beekman will earn $109,599 a year.