Resident urges action on bus‑driver pay; board says drivers are employees of private carriers

During the general public‑comment period on Feb. 26, resident Jay Joyce urged the board to secure retroactive pay increases for bus drivers who supply service to the district through a third‑party carrier (Kraft Bus Company). Joyce said neighboring districts that use the same carrier provided retroactive increases and estimated the district’s cost would be about $45,000.

The presiding officer responded that the district values bus drivers but that the drivers are employed by private carriers, not by the district. The board said discussions about pay would involve those third‑party vendors and that the district would take the comment and any submitted letters under advisement and report back.

The exchange highlighted community concern about transportation staffing and retention as the district advances capital and budget work; the board noted it would consider the public input and follow up with clarifying information.