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Bus contractors and drivers urge corrections and renegotiation over proposed contract model
Summary
Contractors and bus drivers told the board they believe portions of the 2026 operations and efficiency report contain misinformation, oppose a proposed single-payment contract model, and asked for renegotiation and correction of the public report; drivers also raised concerns about hours, pay, and job security.
Several public commenters used the meeting's public-comment period to press the board on student-transportation procurement and contractor relations. Gail Reed, a bus contractor, asked the board to correct what she called misinformation in the district's 2026 operations and efficiency report and asked that contracting proposals (including a single annual payment based initially on hours and possibly later on miles) be renegotiated with local contractors in line with state procurement rules (COMAR). "Before we can do that, we request that the 2026 operations and efficiency report be corrected in the following areas for public review," Reed said.
Bus driver Dale Shaner told the board drivers want to remain united with contractors, keep eight-hour routes, and obtain cost-of-living raises, noting safety and years of service. Shaner said drivers and contractors have historically delivered punctual, safe service and asked that the board and staff recognize drivers' contributions while contract negotiations continue.
