BUSES: Keep system public

To Whom Our Dedicated School District Employees Concern:

I am appalled at the lack of consideration toward the hard working, loyal, dedicated and long term employees who have given their years to our community’s children. I am referring to the Coeur d’Alene School District Bus System. Privatizing a public system is an oxymoron.

I know some of these drivers and garage mechanics personally and have found that they dedicate themselves to the safety of the kids and not just the paycheck. Taking their jobs away is a great example of how far away we have gone from humanity within the public school system. I believe that hiring a private contractor to care for our kids’ well-being would most certainly have a negative impact.

Whatever happened to the folks that earned tenure and were able to retire with pride? Greed! That’s what happened. I have seen so many people lose their jobs as they get close to retiring. It is downright embarrassing that our school district would deprive their own of what they have earned.

Furthermore, is this how we want outsiders to view the Great Northwest? Ruthless to their own people! Some of these folks went to school here as children and are now getting close to retirement. Needless to say, how do you think a public company will handle this business? With love and compassion as the district is receiving from current bus garage employees and drivers? I think not. This is no better than shipping our jobs overseas.

We care a lot more than you think.

NITA ROBSON

Hayden