Bus drivers tell Pasco board schedule changes created safety, staffing problems

Board President Lerman opened the Pasco School Board meeting and took an extended public‑comment period in which several current and former drivers described operational problems after the district changed school start times and bus routings.

Don Wright, a long‑time Pasco teacher, said the district “has a bus problem” and argued the district redesigned schedules around vehicle availability rather than student needs. A bus driver who identified herself as having driven for 15 years said she faces routes that may include five different schools with no practical time for restroom breaks and asked, “Did you ask the drivers’ union?”

Several drivers who identified themselves by name raised contract issues. Linda Fraley, speaking for the Teamsters, said the district implemented zone and route changes without negotiating and stated that “the district [is] not following our CBA.” Melissa, a bus aide on special‑needs routes, said the changed assignments altered her contracted working conditions and left students worried about sudden reassignment. Maria Lee, speaking for PAE, asked the board to treat drivers and PSC staff as key stakeholders and said the breakdown in communication has caused community distrust.

Drivers described specific safety concerns at Ray Reynolds Elementary’s load zone, where parents’ vehicles have blocked buses and forced children to cross between vehicles; Shauna Alspaugh said parents “drop their kids off in the middle of the road” and that lack of enforcement creates risk. Drivers and several teachers asked the board to consult drivers, their unions and school staff before finalizing route and schedule decisions.

The board did not take immediate action in response to the public comments during this meeting. Board members and superintendent Michelle Whitney acknowledged the concerns and said staff would follow up; no formal directive or vote on route changes was recorded in the meeting minutes.