The Kingsland School Board met in a special session at 6:30 p.m. on December 1, to address an issue regarding salary concerns from the school’s bus drivers. All board members were in attendance, as well as Superintendent John McDonald. Approximately ten citizens were in the audience. In a recent letter to the editor, the bus drivers stated that, (in part), “In a draft agreement we were offered a raise of approximately 1.5% the first year and 3% for the second year…During discussion, it came to our attention that (from our understanding) every other district employee receives a paid holiday benefit…We will not continue driving under this agreement beginning December 5.” Thirteen of Kingsland’s bus drivers were listed as signers in this letter to the editor.
As the special board meeting opened, board president Doug Plaehn shared that, “The agenda item is our transportation. The terms and conditions that we approved at our last meeting were presented to the bus drivers… If you read the paper, basically they indicated that effectively after tomorrow afternoon’s route, they’ll be quitting, so John and Kevin have been busy pursuing other options come Monday.” He also reminded the board that the bus drivers are “at will” employees, meaning they are not under contract, and their employment can be terminated at any time by either the employee or the employer.
Superintendent John McDonald then added, “Kevin and I looked at what options may be available. As with teachers, bus drivers are also in short supply. We did reach out to a number of companies that provide services… They did not have the resources to meet the need at this time.”
In discussing what other options the board had, Ann Oeltjen shared her opinion that, “I think since the other employees get holidays, I think it’s fair they (bus drivers) get their holidays.” She stated that she understood there are budgetary concerns, adding, “But at this point, we need to get our kids to school.”
Gwen Howard asked if Kingsland would lose any funding if an outside transportation provider were used instead of employees, and Plaehn explained that “it’s almost a wash” and that no significant loss of funding would occur. He added that if anything, funding might go up slightly if the district’s bussing costs rose.
The board discussed options, and a motion was brought forward to offer the bus drivers “the full salary package that was originally offered, with no reduction in the salary package, and adding holiday pay.” The board unanimously approved this motion. The meeting adjourned around 6:45 p.m.