Little Miami board approves short-term contract for substitute bus drivers after debate

The Little Miami Local Board of Education voted 3— to approve a one-year contract with an outside vendor to supply substitute bus drivers after a heated discussion about outsourcing and a proposed 120-day compromise.

Board staff presented the contract under agenda item "letter c, item 1," outlining key terms: a one-year agreement that expires 2027-05-31, vendor-provided substitute drivers only, district retains buses and equipment, a mutual non-compete clause, vendor pay at $300 per driver per day, hourly pay above seven hours at $38 per hour, and calamity-day pay at 70% ($210). The motion to approve was moved and seconded during the meeting; the roll-call vote recorded three yes votes and two no votes, and the motion passed.

Members debating the contract voiced concerns about outsourcing becoming permanent and about cost. One board member summarized the tradeoff: "I will not vote to outsource any of those drivers unless it's absolute an emergency," while another answered the operational concern by proposing a time-limited approach. The chair urged a short-term, reviewable contract and asked staff to negotiate a 120-day limit so the district could bring vendor support in immediately but limit the duration.

Transportation staff told the board they had tried internal fixes but remain short of drivers for the initial weeks of school; staff said the vendor option would provide immediate coverage while the district continues recruiting and training. Staff described contractual safeguards and exit options; one administrator noted the contract language allows the district to end the agreement if conditions change. The board set a follow-up to revisit progress during the contract period.

Whats next: Implementation will begin as vendor drivers are onboarded; staff said they will continue recruiting, pursue internal route adjustments and report back to the board on the districts progress toward reducing vendor dependence.