After public appeals from drivers, Kuna board moves to keep transportation in-house

Dozens of current and former transportation employees and district staff urged the Kuna Joint District board to keep bus services in-house, saying local drivers provide continuity, safety and institutional knowledge that a for‑profit contractor cannot match.

Several public commenters described long tenures and deep local ties. "We all feel that they are our children," said Yovana Chandler, who identified herself as a district dispatcher, emphasizing that drivers build personal relationships with students and parents and that the district’s driver turnover is low. Another driver, who identified herself as a long‑time driver, said the district’s transportation staff are "60 plus diamonds" and cautioned that contracting out typically increases turnover and can undermine safety continuity.

District staff said trustees had asked for a formal review. Assistant Superintendent Brian Graves, operations staff and transportation manager Brenda Saxton presented results of an RFQ and cost‑model comparison that included examples from nearby districts and private contractors. The district models showed contracting costs rising in subsequent years; staff recommended not continuing the RFQ process and keeping transportation operations in-house.

"Cost being one of them, also loyalty to the bus drivers... autonomy is another good reason to keep it," a trustee said during discussion, noting that in‑house control allows the district to respond quickly to scheduling and safety issues.

A motion was made and seconded to keep the transportation department under district management rather than award services to a contractor. The transcript records the motion and second; the board discussion that followed focused on staffing and transition plans. Trustees then discussed a hiring process to replace the transportation supervisor (a multi‑stage screening committee with transportation and operations representation and a goal of some overlap or consulting from the departing supervisor).

Clarifying details presented to the board included workforce numbers and tenure: the district reported 42 drivers (including on‑call and trip drivers); 19 drivers have been with the district five years or longer; one driver has more than 40 years of service. Staff said that typical contractor turnover in other districts can exceed 100% within two years, while the district’s driver turnover is under 20%.

Actions recorded in the transcript: a motion to keep the transportation department in-house was moved and seconded; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally but staff and trustees proceeded with plans consistent with adoption of the in‑house recommendation (staff to form a hiring/selection committee and begin recruitment for the transportation supervisor position). That recruitment plan includes a screening round to eliminate unqualified applicants, followed by interviews and selection of finalists for leadership review.

Trustees and staff emphasized the need to document the district’s fiscal review publicly so voters can see the district sought outside bids before deciding to remain in-house.