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Bus drivers urge board to keep transportation director amid proposed cuts
Summary
Several transportation staff told the board that eliminating Transportation Director Mike Knight would harm operations, citing Knight's hands-on leadership, high state reimbursement rates for transportation, and the absence of capacity to absorb daily tasks.
At least three members of the district's transportation team told trustees they opposed removing the Transportation Director position, warning the loss would damage day-to-day operations.
David Guy, a bus driver and driver-trainer, praised the director's hands-on approach, saying Mike Knight has been "above and beyond" in ensuring student safety and keeping routes moving during storms. Veteran driver Ken Ridge pointed to funding mechanics, stating transportation costs are heavily reimbursed by the state — "up to 70%" in his estimate — and questioned the projected net savings of eliminating the director role. Faith Saunders, the department secretary and a special education bus driver, said staff would likely resign and that "there would be no one to handle day-to-day issues without Mike," stressing limited office coverage before driving duties resume.
Commenters asked the board to reconsider cuts that would reduce experienced leadership; the remarks were delivered during the public comment period and no board vote on the transportation position occurred at the March 19 meeting.
