Parents say contracted EverDriven service has repeatedly failed Paramount Unified special‑needs riders
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Summary
Multiple parents and caregivers told the board that the district's EverDriven transportation contractor had frequent driver turnover, late pickups and alleged unsafe conduct on special‑needs routes, and said district staff had not resolved repeated complaints.
Parents and caregivers at the Paramount Unified School District meeting reported ongoing problems with EverDriven, the district's contracted transportation provider for some students.
Parent Maile Tom Zambrano said her household had experienced "five to six driver changes" in three months and documented five late pickups this month. She said the VIP app showed drivers were not at the assigned site at the scheduled times, and that prior complaints to EverDriven and district transportation staff produced ticket numbers but no effective follow-up.
Amada Reyes, whose daughters have autism, described more serious allegations, saying drivers were untrained, frequently late, had shown disrespect toward instructional aides, and that a child was left unsupervised in one reported incident. Reyes told the board she now pays $550 per week to personally transport her daughters because she no longer trusts the contracted service.
District staff acknowledged receipt of blue cards and public comments and noted staff follow-up procedures for members of the public who leave contact information. No formal board action was recorded on the EverDriven contract during this meeting; board members asked staff to follow up on individual complaints.
Why it matters: Transportation for students with disabilities is a legal and safety critical service. Parents described alleged incidents that, if verified, could indicate failures in contractor oversight, staff response and training for drivers and aides.
What the board said: Board members asked staff to provide follow-up to the families and to report back. Staff indicated the district collects complaints and will investigate when contact information is provided.
What's next: Parents said they would escalate unresolved matters; the board did not take immediate action on the contract at this meeting but requested staff follow-up and additional reporting.
