Zūm Ramps Up Hiring for Rockford Public Schools Ahead of 2026-2027 Contract

Event summary

  • Zūm is hiring 257 staff (88 bus drivers, 131 van drivers, 38 attendants) for Rockford Public Schools ahead of its 2026-2027 contract.
  • Hiring event runs May 18-21, 2026, at 7479 Walton St., Rockford, IL.
  • Starting pay ranges from $21/hour for non-CDL drivers to $32/hour for top CDL drivers.
  • Zūm offers CDL training and ongoing certification programs for student transportation.

The big picture

Zūm's aggressive hiring push in Rockford underscores the operational challenges of scaling student transportation services. With over 4,500 schools already using its platform, the company is positioning itself as a dominant player in the $50 billion student mobility market. The focus on competitive wages and advanced training reflects broader industry trends toward professionalizing school transportation workforce.

What we're watching

Recruitment Success
Whether Zūm can attract enough qualified drivers to meet Rockford's operational needs by the 2026-2027 school year.
Operational Integration
How quickly Zūm can onboard and train new hires to integrate with its Connected Mobility Experience platform.
Market Expansion
The pace at which Zūm can replicate this hiring model in other districts as it scales nationally.