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Bonny Eagle bus driver raises safety concern over outdated radio system
Summary
A veteran bus driver told the RSU 06/MSAD 06 school board the transportation department—s radio system is severely outdated, leaving drivers unable to communicate when buses are out of range and creating what the speaker called an "accident waiting to happen."
A 20-year district bus driver told the RSU 06/MSAD 06 School Board during public comment that the district—s bus-to-dispatch communication system is outdated and poses a safety risk.
Bonnie Wentzel, identified herself as “a 20 year veteran bus driver of RSU 06 and a Hollis taxpayer,” and said she has raised concerns about the radio system repeatedly at meetings and via a three-page email. “When we have buses that are a half a mile from each other and you can't talk to each other, you can't hear dispatch,” Wentzel said. “Limited driver that says, ‘I'm gonna be out of range soon. So if you need me, call me on my cell phone or text me. And we all know how many dead areas there are within our school district.’”
Wentzel asked the board to investigate upgrading the transportation department—s primary communications system, saying drivers rely on cell phones in areas with poor reception. The driver said safety is the district—s top priority and that unreliable communications are an "accident waiting to happen."
Board chair Welch and staff did not provide a real-time response during public comment but acknowledged the submission and said the information would guide future work. The superintendent's office and transportation staff were not recorded offering immediate follow-up at the meeting.
The comment was placed into the public record and board members invited additional written follow-up; no formal motion or vote related to transportation communications was taken during this meeting.
Board procedures: the chair reminded the public that the board does not accept complaints against district employees or students during public comment and set a three-minute time limit for remarks.
