Transportation worker urges higher wages, cites route cancellations and mediation

During the special communications portion of the Jan. 12 meeting, Catherine Briggs, a transportation driver and SEIU Local 284 steward, told the board the district should have canceled school on a December day when police investigated a credible threat, saying that by not doing so the district “placed students, teachers, school staff, and transportation employees in danger.” Briggs also addressed ongoing labor negotiations and mediation, and argued that the district’s starting wage for transportation employees (she cited $24.15 per hour) is not competitive with South Washington Independent School District's starting wage (she cited $28 per hour), which she said contributes to recruitment difficulties and route cancellations.

Briggs said support staff (dispatchers, routers, mechanics) are filling driver shifts, which reduces available operational support and creates unsustainable staffing practices. She urged board members to increase wages so the district can retain experienced employees and reduce cancellations.

No board action on wages was taken at the meeting; superintendent Michael Bolsoni acknowledged transportation challenges and said the district is working on both short- and long‑term solutions. Briggs also noted the district is preparing for mediation that week in contract talks.

Quote from the public comment: “Cancel school.” Briggs said of emergency decisions that should be considered to prioritize safety. Her remarks were delivered during the public comment segment reserved for registered speakers.