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Trustees debate raises for bus-route pay; ask staff for cost estimate
Summary
Trustees spent extensive time reviewing bus-route pay and proposed market adjustments to stem driver shortages, discussing staggered increases (examples: $40/$36/$33 per route or $40 across-the-board) and whether changes should be tied to districtwide classified staff negotiations.
Trustees on Monday held an extended discussion about bus-route pay and market competitiveness after staff presented comparative data across neighboring districts.
Administration said the district is in the top 10 largest-by-area districts in the state and has struggled to recruit and retain drivers. Staff proposed market adjustments for different vehicle types — CDL-driven full-size buses, 14-passenger vehicles, and suburbans — and suggested staggered per-route fees as an incentive.
Trustee comments ranged from support for a market bump to concerns about coupling the change with general classified-staff negotiations. “If we up to 40 I mean that puts us ahead of Smith Center,” one trustee said in favor of a market adjustment; several trustees suggested staggering pay to place higher weight on 14-passenger drivers because of the extra qualification requirements. Staff said they would return with specific cost estimates and the fiscal impact on next year’s budget.
Why it matters: The district guarantees a two-hour minimum per route and provides benefits; trustees and staff said competitive per-route pay may help recruit drivers and reduce reliance on short-term substitutes for routes.
What’s next: Administration will produce a cost estimate for proposed pay adjustments and return with a recommendation on whether changes should be implemented now or alongside classified-staff negotiations.
