BUSES: Locals go the extra mile

Recently, the Coeur d’Alene School District and the school board have been discussing the possibility of doing away with the School District’s Transportation Department and going to contract busing. It is interesting that many of the people that I have talked to about this subject seem to know little or nothing about these plans that are “in the wind.” Why is that?

What is contract busing? Contract busing is the outsourcing of private contractors to bus our children to and from school each day. The School District accepts bids from private contractors, such as Laidlaw, First Student, etc. and negotiates the cheapest way to transport our precious children to school. Contract busing provides a less expensive form of transportation for our district, this is true, but what about it’s history? In the long run, it has been shown that contract busing has ended up costing most districts MORE money. Yes, it might look good at the beginning, but when it comes time to renew their contract, the low contract rates for bus driving can be raised at the time of renewal. Also, what about the people driving those contracted buses? Contractors tend to pay low salaries and offer few benefits. The turnover rate is quite high. Your child could have several different bus drivers during a single school year! And what about the background checks? What about training and experience? With a high turnover rate, what kind of bus driver IS driving your child to school? (I could go on…)

Now for a personal testimony. After an early retirement, my husband joined the School District’s Transportation team 14 years ago. He had a thorough background check and extensive training before he could get on as full time as a school bus driver. He had a rural route and made that trip back and forth several times a day. He transported elementary, mid-high, and high school kids and several children with special needs. He became friends with many of their families. He knew their comings and goings and they knew his routine. The children all respected him as did the parents. They knew, each morning, that “Big Jim” was picking up their children and that they would return home safely.

I know, personally, most of the bus drivers that drive for this district. They are solid, hard-working, dependable people. They take their jobs seriously, get to know the children and their parents, and always go the extra mile to make sure your children are transported safely. During the bus meetings each summer, it was reiterated that “you are the first and last person a child sees each day. You could be the one that sets the mood for this child’s entire school day.” They took THAT seriously too. These dedicated men and women love your children and your children love that single, secure friendly face that greets them every morning and waves goodbye to them every evening! Don’t let contract busing become the mode of transportation for the children in our school district. Keep it personal and trusted. It may cost a little more, but it is certainly worth every penny!

JANELLE WHALEY

Coeur d’Alene