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Cannon County board approves three‑year contract amendment for contracted bus drivers with 9% increase
Summary
After reconsideration, the Cannon County Board of Education on July 29 amended contracted bus-driver agreements to a three‑year term with a 9% pay increase, following public testimony from drivers and administrative review of routes and equipment.
The Cannon County Board of Education on July 29 voted to amend contracted bus-driver agreements to a three‑year contract with a 9% pay increase. The board voted 5–0 to approve the amendment after reopening discussion of an item from its July 10 meeting.
The motion to amend the contracts to a three‑year term at 9% was made by Mister Mullins and seconded by Miss Thomas. Miss Curtis, Mister McMackins, Mister Mullins, Miss Thomas and Mister Bell voted aye.
Several contracted bus drivers spoke during the reopened discussion and asked the board for a multi‑year contract. A representative for the drivers said they had not received raises in recent years and asked for stability, noting “we’ve got investments” and that a three‑year agreement would help them plan. One driver said they personally paid for fuel and some repairs: “If my bus goes down… I will put fuel in it… out of my pocket.” Other drivers gave oral histories of long family service as bus operators in the county.
Miss Lisa (staff member) reported she had reviewed routes and vehicle inspection records. She said drivers’ buses had passed inspections but that one driver’s mileage ran higher than others. Staff recommended caution about drivers investing in new buses if the district intends to consolidate or phase out contracted routes; the transcript records staff advising drivers not to purchase replacement buses if the board planned to discontinue contracted routes.
During discussion the board also addressed operational implications if the district phased out contracted drivers. Staff estimated the district would need three buses and three certified drivers to absorb contracted routes within one year.
The board’s action followed a motion to reconsider item 11 from the July 10 meeting, which the board approved earlier in the session to reopen discussion. After discussion and amendment, the three‑year contract at a 9% increase was approved.
Ending: The board directed staff to monitor vehicle mileage and inspections and to include contract details and transition planning in upcoming budget and workshop materials.
