Bus drivers get notices

Some Santa Rosa County bus drivers got letters on Monday which caused a great deal of concern and even some panic.
As per Federal Law, First Student informed all bus drivers, bus monitors, and even mechanics their employment with the company would terminate as of June 30 or sooner.

Durham School Services will replace First Student next year as they were officially awarded the transportation contract at the April 24th meeting.
Many drivers who contacted the Press Gazette were upset and concerned about their job, but after contacting Joey Harrell, Director of Transportation for the Santa Rosa County School System, this is standard procedure.

“We went through this about three years ago when we switched from Aramark to Southern Management for custodial services,” said Harrell. “For the most part the only difference there will be is next year the employees check will come from someone different.”

First Student, who originally started out as Laidlaw, began their partnership with the Santa Rosa County School System back on July 1, 1998 with over 240 bus routes ran daily in Santa Rosa County.

After entering into a contract with Durham, the board later approved a three-tier bus schedule, which is expected to help save dollars normally spent on transportation.

But despite the savings issues, Harrell points out there is a need for the drivers currently employed by First Student.

“We have to have good, safe, qualified drivers to continue to move forward as a school system,” said Harrell. “We understand anyone’s concern right now, but the times we are in, we need to retain the drivers, monitors, and mechanics to keep things going.”

Harrell pointed out all employees should be getting a letter by this Friday from Durham Student Services Regional Vice President to explain what is going on and give more specifics as to the transition ahead.

“Durham did a mail out based on the list I got from Union Officials and they were mailed out May 2nd,” said Harrell. “So the employees should be getting the letters by Friday.”

Some bus drivers are worried their jobs might not be secure despite what they were told during the board meeting on April 24 since they now have to go through a physical, interview and meet the qualifications of Durham Student Services.

“As long as the employee is in good standing and finishes up in good standing they should have nothing to worry about,” said Harrell. “The should be able to fill out an application and then go through the procedures Durham has in place to hire drivers.”

Reports have a meeting between the current bus drivers and Durham to be scheduled for May 18.