Bus driver raises retention and safety concerns; board approves contracts, grants and personnel actions

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Anne Butler, who identified herself as a district bus driver and a parent, described long-term service to the district and raised a string of concerns about transportation operations and employee treatment. Butler recounted a marked rise in driver turnover, contested route assignments she said ignored seniority, and the use of outside temporary drivers under short-term contracts. "We're losing drivers as fast as we're getting them," Butler said, and she added that some drivers make "80,000 while most other drivers, just 30 to 40, probably less." Butler also described an incident in which she said she "almost got hit by a car" while carrying out route duties in snowy conditions. She asked whether the board had received a time-sensitive written letter she said she submitted and requested a response; the board indicated an administrator would contact her after the meeting.

Administrators presented several action items and background information during the meeting. The board approved a motion to consider and approve a series of procurement and contract actions including:

- A three-year renewal with Bush UHR Incorporated for human-resources consulting services as presented. - An award of the second-phase asbestos abatement contract for the Central Campus CTE classrooms to MNO Environmental for about $22,350. - Purchase of 40 cafeteria tables (20 for South Campus and 20 for Central Campus) totaling $86,422 as part of a multi-year replacement plan. - Approval to apply for the state's 2026 school maintenance grant (a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity) to install a new South Campus water heater. - A change in the district's banking services from CIBC to BMO, with administration saying invested carried balances should yield net benefit.

The board also approved the tentative levy consideration and the $750,000 IMRF payment described in the levy presentation (see separate story). Personnel items the board approved included several resignations/retirements, leaves of absence pending receipt of documentation, employment offers for certified staff for the 2025—2026 year pending background checks, extracurricular volunteer approvals and a resignation agreement and release for a named employee. The board upheld administration recommendations on two individual student-discipline matters by roll call.

All motions recorded in the minutes passed by voice or roll-call vote as noted in the meeting transcript. Board members present answered aloud during roll calls; for multiple votes the transcript records affirmative 'Yes' or 'Aye' responses from the governing members in sequence.

Administration and board members closed by directing follow-up: administrators will contact Butler about her concerns, staff will return with more detailed proposals for facilities work and updated enrollment projections, and the business office will proceed with levy filing and IMRF payment logistics.

The meeting adjourned after an executive-session period and concluded at approximately 8:03 p.m.