Bus drivers protest outsourcing trips in emotional plea

In a heated government meeting, local bus drivers expressed their outrage over a decision to outsource school transportation services, which they argue undermines their livelihoods and community ties. The discussion centered around the district's choice to transfer athletic trip responsibilities from Smith Bus Company to Myers Bus Company, a move that has sparked significant backlash from drivers and community members alike.

One bus driver, who identified herself as a resident and taxpayer in the district, passionately criticized the decision, claiming it effectively takes food from her children's mouths. She emphasized the emotional and financial toll of losing work to an outside company, stating, \"You're stealing from your own community to give to someone else outside of your district.\" Her remarks highlighted a broader concern about prioritizing external contracts over local employment and community support.

Another speaker, Jill Morrison, a long-time resident and fellow bus driver, echoed these sentiments, revealing that Smith Bus Company had been informed it would no longer handle athletic trips, despite fulfilling all transportation needs in the past. Morrison argued that the decision to outsource at a significantly higher cost—three times more than what Smith Bus would charge—was a misallocation of taxpayer funds. She urged the district to reconsider its approach, emphasizing the importance of local drivers who have built relationships with students and families over generations.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among community members regarding the district's transportation policies, with calls for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. As the debate continues, local bus drivers remain hopeful for a reversal that would allow them to continue serving their community and supporting local students.