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Board proclaims School Bus Drivers' Day while a union representative publicly accuses transportation leadership of retaliation
Summary
Trustees adopted a proclamation recognizing School Bus Drivers' Day and celebrated the district's role in adopting electric buses; in a separate public comment, a union representative alleged intimidation, favoritism and retaliation by transportation leadership and demanded transparency and accountability.
The Board of Education adopted a proclamation declaring April 22, 2025, as School Bus Drivers' Day and recognized the transportation department’s work, including participation in a milestone for electric bus deliveries in California. Director of Transportation Christina Celeste Russo thanked staff and invited trustees to a bus-yard celebration and noted video testimonials about electric buses.
During public comment on the following agenda item, Esteban Diaz — speaking as a union representative for transportation employees — used his allotted time to make detailed allegations about the transportation department’s treatment of staff. Diaz accused management of ‘‘intimidation, favoritism, misinformation, and in some cases, outright retaliation’’ against employees who speak up, claimed contract rights have been ignored, and asked the board to hold leadership accountable and ensure transparency and due process.
Board members acknowledged receipt of the public comment; no formal response or investigatory action was announced during the meeting. Trustees encouraged continued dialogue and thanked the transportation staff for the service they provide to students.
What’s next: the board acknowledged the public comment; any follow-up (investigation, personnel review or formal response) would need to be initiated by staff or a future board action. The proclamation for School Bus Drivers' Day was adopted as presented.
