Drivers, union push board to keep transportation in-house as district plans outsourcing

Union representatives and dozens of district bus drivers urged the Evesham Township Board of Education to reconsider plans to outsource a substantial portion of school transportation, arguing the district can consolidate runs and keep routes in-house while saving money.

Angel McDermott, the NJEA representative for the Evesham Township Education Association, told the board the association had initiated a review with drivers that found many Hillman-owned runs carry few students and that drivers could consolidate routes to reduce cost. “By keeping operation under your control, you have total control. And you will know what to budget and how to budget,” McDermott said. She said the association will meet next week with district leadership and expects board representatives to attend.

Drivers who spoke at public comment described persistent operational problems they say the district has not addressed: buses left unrepaired, flat tires unresolved during school breaks, malfunctioning radios and cameras, and repeated outsourcing of runs even when district drivers were available. “We do this day in and day out. We deal with so much that none of you even can fathom,” said one driver who testified she had to evacuate preschoolers when a bus caught fire on a route two years ago.

Several speakers challenged the district’s savings estimate. Administration presentations had said privatizing would save about $800,000; union and drivers pointed to projected transportation costs rising to roughly $8 million next year and questioned how outsourcing is cost-effective long term. Drivers also said no competitive bids had yet been processed and asked why the board would vote on a budget that assumes outsourcing without receiving vendor bids.

The board and administration said they will meet with association leaders and drivers; Doctor Smith agreed to a meeting with association leadership and drivers next week, and McDermott said the union would review documents and propose alternatives to preserve jobs and improve operational efficiency. Drivers also asked the board to require administration to provide complete bid documents and a transition plan before finalizing outsourcing decisions.

The public comments included personal accounts about service problems and pleas to preserve local drivers because of their familiarity with special-needs students. Several parents and service providers warned that private vendors unfamiliar with the district and students pose risks for children with complex needs.

The board took no immediate action on transportation at the meeting; public commenters and union leaders requested follow-up, and the administration said it would provide requested materials to the union and engage in bargaining and operational review.