Bus driver raises unpaid virtual-day pay; board and administration say contract terms require review

During the second public-comment period at the January meeting, bus driver Tina Gatto asked the board about pay for bus drivers on virtual or asynchronous days, saying drivers have taken extra routes and additional work because of staffing shortages and that drivers were not paid for certain virtual days earlier in the winter.

Gatto identified herself as a school bus driver for Rohrer and said she was concerned that the district’s decisions about delays, asynchronous days and virtual instruction can affect drivers’ pay. She asked where money is retained for virtual days and whether payment should be stated in contracts.

Superintendent Colleen Friend responded in the meeting that she had consulted with business office staff and appreciated the drivers’ work during difficult cold-weather mornings. Mike Statler, the district’s Director of Business Operations, told the board the contract with Roar (the contracted bus provider) states the district is not responsible to pay Roar for the first five virtual/asynchronous days; if the number of such days exceeds five, the district must pay under the contract and corresponding percentages apply. Statler and the superintendent asked administration to review the matter further and brief the board on potential impacts and any needed contract clarifications.

Board members thanked the commenter for raising the issue and said the administration should investigate and report back. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; the district said it would follow up with administration and the business office to clarify contract language and potential changes.

No formal vote or contract amendment was made at the meeting; the comment was entered into the public record and will require administrative follow-up.