Bus monitor urges board that workers were 'misled' as Wright City approves First Student contract

A bus monitor who identified herself as Bethany told the Wright City R-II Board of Education that drivers and monitors were left out of contract conversations, said employees had been "misled and received misinformation" and urged the board to improve communication before finalizing transportation decisions.

Bethany said the current contractor provided stability and high retention, described multiple roles she holds (monitor, bus monitor trainer and PM dispatch) and said changes would force employees to "start over" and could affect wages and student safety. "We have been misled and received misinformation when it pertains to our future," she told the board during the public-comment period.

The public comment came as the board considered transportation items on the consent agenda. Board members pulled transportation for separate consideration; later in the meeting administration presented the First Student contract. Kyle explained that the First Student contract represented a three-year acceptance of rates that had been included in an earlier five-year alternative bid, and the board voted to approve the First Student contract (voice vote reported as 7-0).

Two distinct actions therefore occurred at the meeting: employees voiced concerns about a possible contractor change and the board approved a First Student contract. The board did not directly record a response or commitment in the public-comment segment to retain the current company mentioned by Bethany.

The decision over the contract fulfills the board's immediate procurement action; Bethany and other staff urged the district to prioritize clearer staff communications and to consider workforce stability when implementing the new contract.