Madison County board approves shared-services plan for transportation amid bus drivers’ concerns

The Madison County School board on June 2 approved a shared‑services agreement to combine three administrative positions with Jefferson County, including a shared transportation director, in a 3‑2 vote.

The vote follows an extended public comment period in which multiple school bus drivers and transportation staff pressed the board for details about the proposed shared transportation director position and raised concerns about operational continuity. “Are they going to be required to carry a CDL, perform dexterity test, and fill in bus routes just like we previously have and have had past years?” bus driver Jennifer Fulmer asked during public comment.

Board members said the agreement is intended to reduce costs and share scarce administrative resources between small neighboring districts. Under the plan described at the meeting, Madison would host the transportation director 60% of the time and Jefferson 40% of the time, with recruitment and advertising to take place in both counties. The superintendent confirmed the positions will be posted and that district employees will be allowed to apply first, per the district’s agreement with employees.

Drivers said the arrangement would leave Madison without a full‑time, on‑site director and that daily operational questions — opening gates, responding to breakdowns and staffing last‑minute route needs — depend on a local point of contact. “If we don't have a director here full time, who do we count on?” Michelle Rasmussen, a Madison County bus driver who described herself as a CDLA holder and more than a million miles of safe driving, asked the board. “Please reconsider not having Mister Ansley here because he is the reason why we are strong,” Rasmussen added, referring to the current transportation leader.

Drivers also raised specific operational and labor concerns. Fulmer asked whether the shared director would be required to hold a commercial driver’s license and whether the position would be posted locally first; she also asked that “interest‑based bargaining” meetings be published under the Sunshine Law. Fulmer said some drivers did not receive extra pay for a field trip until the May paycheck, though the work was performed earlier, and urged more timely payment in future.

Board members responded that some questions (for example, precise certification and job description details) depend on finalizing the shared‑services job posting and Jefferson County’s board approval. The superintendent said the district will advertise the positions in both counties and will comply with bargaining‑unit posting rules once Jefferson’s approval is complete.

The board approved the shared‑services agreement after debate. Board member Knight moved to accept the shared‑services agreement and the motion passed on a 3‑2 vote with Board members Gibson and Thompson recorded as opposed. The superintendent said Madison and Jefferson will bill each other for time worked by shared staff and will swap days in emergencies.

Supporters said the agreement is part of broader cost‑saving and consolidation efforts. Opponents, including drivers and two board members, warned the shared positions could weaken day‑to‑day operations and urged guarantees that local needs will be prioritized.

The board did not finalize a detailed job description, CDL requirement, or an exact timeline for the posting at the meeting. Board members and staff said those details will be circulated when Jefferson County completes its review and the district posts the openings.