OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Silver Creek business administrator Lisa Rohloff highlighted the district’s need for bus drivers for extracurricular activities.

SILVER CREEK — What a difference a few weeks can make.

After beginning the year with only nine bus drivers, the Silver Creek Central School District will soon be up to 13 drivers. Two new bus drivers were hired, one came out of retirement, and another new driver is in training, thanks in part to an increased pay rate offered by the district.

“We’re very excited,” said Superintendent Todd Crandall. “We increased the pay rates and it has proved dividends.”

“At least we can breathe, but there’s more to go,” Crandall added.

Crandall said he believes the district can go back to the 2:20 p.m. release from school as planned now that the major shortage has been greatly alleviated. School has been getting out at 2:10 p.m. to accommodate for the bus schedule issues.

Crandall also hopes middle school bus runs can soon be combined with the elementary bus runs, now that there will be more buses to assign students to. “I think we’re getting close,” said Crandall. “It’s really important to get those middle school kids to ride that elementary bus, so we’re pushing hard for that.”

The district is still searching for additional drivers, especially to help with after school events.

“The new drivers who have come on board will allow us to get back to a normal daily schedule for student transportation, but we’re still desperately in need for additional drivers to be able to do our extracurricular activities and sporting events,” said business administrator Lisa Rohloff.