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Board approves up-to-$470,000 First Student contract as contingency while bus shortages are reviewed
Summary
After public testimony from bus drivers urging raises and redistribution of routes, the board approved a not-to-exceed $470,000 contract with First Student to cover vacant bus routes as-needed; superintendent said hires since the item was proposed may reduce or eliminate the need to spend the funds.
The board approved a not-to-exceed $470,000 contract with First Student to cover vacant school-bus routes "as needed," following public comment by bus drivers and a lengthy board discussion Dec. 19.
Several bus operators who addressed the board said they lack promised raises, cover multiple routes and would prefer the district prioritize raises and internal reassignments rather than contracting out. "I have been with EBR for 13 years," said one driver. "We haven't had a raise...How do you think that makes us feel?"
Board members and district staff described the contract as a contingency. Superintendent Lamont Cole said the district has been recruiting and recently hired several additional drivers and that, if those hires fill the vacancies, the district would not need to spend the contract funds. "We will not spend it if our bus drivers can cover those routes," he said.
The motion to approve the First Student contract was moved, seconded and carried. Board members asked transportation leaders to reexamine route distribution and internal coverage and to report back to the board, and staff said they will continue recruitment and on-the-job training for CDL candidates.
