Parent alleges unsafe driving by school bus driver; board discusses personnel and approves purchase of three new buses

A Preston County resident told the school board on May 11 that a school bus driver with repeated dangerous driving incidents remained on the job and urged the board to show proof of the driver’s resignation and to hold an executive session. The board followed his request and held personnel sessions; officials said the board received updates but took no formal public action.

The complaint came from Mike Merrill, who said a driver involved in two private-vehicle crashes and other unsafe conduct later drove a bus carrying children. “If this keeps getting swept under the rug … it’s going to get people seriously hurt or worse, killed,” Merrill told the board during the public comment period and asked the board to convene an executive session and provide evidence of resignation.

Board members moved into executive session twice to hear personnel-related information tied to the delegation. After the closed meetings, the superintendent reported the board was briefed on personnel matters and that no action was taken in open session. The district said it would continue coordination with law enforcement in any active investigations related to bus- stop incidents and other matters reported to the county sheriff’s office.

Separately but at the same meeting, the board approved a purchase order for three new school buses from Worldwide Equipment Heritage for $143,581 each, a total of $430,743, for the 2026–27 school year. Transportation Director Steve Plum had told the board earlier that the district maintains 73 buses, runs 54 daily routes (two of them special needs), and operates with 19 spare buses and three mechanics. He also said six buses have been sold this year and four new buses were already purchased, with three more ordered for next year.

Plum reported the district transported 74.7% of students by bus this year, has turned 15 cases over to the prosecuting attorney for motorists running school bus red lights, and noted state reimbursement for fuel is delayed by one to two years. Board members asked about state fuel assistance and about coordination with the county transportation director; Plum said he had not yet received follow-up from the county transportation director on earlier improvement requests.

What happens next: The board did not discuss personnel outcomes in open session; any further personnel action will follow board procedures and applicable privacy laws. The bus purchase was approved at the meeting and is funded from the district’s targeted vehicle replacement allocation. The superintendent said the district will continue to work with the sheriff’s department on safety incidents and will follow up with the delegation’s concerns.

Quotes to note: “If this keeps getting swept under the rug … it’s going to get people seriously hurt or worse, killed,” said resident Mike Merrill during public comment urging action on a bus-driver safety matter. Transportation Director Steve Plum told the board the district maintains a 73-bus fleet and has referred 15 cases to the prosecuting attorney for drivers running bus red lights.

Meeting context: The safety allegation arose during the public comment portion of a regular board meeting that included multiple presentations, recognitions, and a later afternoon budget work session. The board signaled it will continue to coordinate with law enforcement and to address transportation concerns administratively.

Ending: The board approved the bus purchase at the meeting and asked district staff to continue coordinating with law enforcement and to report any further relevant developments to the board; no further public personnel action was announced at the meeting.