Nash County school bus drivers, classified staff ask commissioners to fund 5% pay supplement

At the May 5 Nash County Board of Commissioners meeting, a group of Nash County Public Schools classified employees — primarily bus drivers — asked the board to support Superintendent Dr. Ellis’s proposed budget that would include a 5% supplement for bus drivers, monitors and other classified staff.

The request came during the public-comment period after the board temporarily reopened that portion of the agenda to hear the group. Shandak Boone, a special‑education bus driver with 14 years’ experience, told commissioners, “we're just asking now that you would consider Doctor Ellis' proposed budget, because ... he's proposing a 5% increase.”

The speakers said the increase would not erase longstanding pay gaps but would provide immediate relief as the cost of living rises. Tundra Richardson, a driver of nine years who said she currently makes “less than $17.50 an hour,” told the board she and many coworkers have been told repeatedly to “take it to the county commissioners.” Richardson said a 5% supplement “would help us make ends meet as the cost of living continues to rise.”

Melissa Lynch, who described duties that include feeding and cleaning for students, said many classified workers hold multiple jobs to make ends meet and that “no one should have to work two or three jobs just to keep up.” Mary Arrington, a 16‑plus year driver, said at her age she would not be able to change jobs easily and described the hardship of low pay for senior staff. Lisa Battle, a driver of nearly 40 years, asked the board for “a fully funded Doctor Ellis budget proposal,” and said many workers are leaving for higher‑paying districts.

The commissioners did not take immediate action on the request at the meeting. County staff later noted the board had requested the full school budget and that it would be provided in advance of the board’s May 14 meeting so commissioners can review the proposal.

The speakers emphasized that the supplement sought would cover bus drivers, monitors, custodians, cafeteria workers, teacher assistants, office staff and mechanics; they asked the county not to defer action while awaiting potential state funding increases.

Ending: The board accepted the public comments and indicated it will review the Nash County Public Schools budget at the May 14 meeting; no vote on funding was taken May 5.