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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Friday, November 13, 2009 8:56 PM CST
Charleston bus service may not be available for schools Tuesday

By the JG/T-C
editorial@jg-tc.com

Charleston school Superintendent Jim Littleford is advising parents that district bus drivers may not be at work Tuesday.

Littleford said the district’s transportation company, First Student, and drivers union Local 26 have been involved in negotiations.

“To this date, the negotiations have not resulted in a settlement and a bus driver work stoppage is a possibility,” Littleford said in an announcement to parents Friday evening.

Littleford said officials at First Student and the union both said there will be no work stoppage on Monday.

“However, neither party was able to commit past Monday,” he said.

The State Board of Education has said school cannot be held when transportation is not provided for students.

“If a work stoppage does occur and the District cannot provide transportation, the Charleston Schools would be forced to close until the matter is resolved,” he said.

If a work stoppage does occur, emergency days would be used on dates school is not in session. Extra-curricular practices and home contests could continue, but away contests would be postponed or canceled, Littleford said.

He advised parents to make daycare options should a work stoppage occur sometime next week.

Officials with First Student and the union could not be reached Friday evening.

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medic57 wrote on Nov 14, 2009 8:30 AM:

" Maybe if the bus drivers were not paid just over minimum wages there wouldn't be a problem. They pay just a little mre than minimum wages, and for that, we trust them with our most treasured cargo, our children.

First Student, a very appropriate name. "

two cents wrote on Nov 14, 2009 1:54 PM:

" Love how Charleston schools always tell us this kinda crap on a friday afternoon, after they have all left. I can't imagine in this day and age that most people couldn't find a way to get their kids to school. Do we really need to cancel school??? "

slap63 wrote on Nov 14, 2009 7:13 PM:

" So the bus drivers want a raise. Don't we all in this economy. At least they HAVE a job. I'm sorry, my opinion is probably not going to be a popular one but.... Yes, the drivers probably do deserve a raise. But to demand it at this time when the economy is so strained and people are losing their jobs every day just doesn't seem right. Who will end up paying for it in the long run? The parents and the children. And they know this. That is why they are doing what they are. Shame on the union when so many people in the area are unemployed or soon to be. Some parents are going to lose money because they will have to stay home from work to watch their kids. Trying to find child care at such short notice for so many children is nearly impossible. Some people may even lose their jobs if they are off work for very long. And the school bus drivers want a raise. Be thankful you have a job. Don't punish the children. I seem to remember something about Mattoon school district needing to borrow money because the state hasn't paid the districts. Is that true with Charleston schools also? If so wouldn't that effect First Student? Where is the money going to come from for these raises? I honestly can't say I know anything about how and when First Student gets paid. I would really like to hear more details but from the ones I do have, this is my opinion. It is subject to change if more facts are revealed. "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Nov 15, 2009 8:59 AM:

" Tell the rednecks to suck it up - our children are priority one, not matter what they're getting paid.

Contract talks have been going on for quite some time? Thanks for the last minute notification, Gomer! "

The Question wrote on Nov 15, 2009 10:14 AM:

" "Don't punish the children?"
Having underpaid, substandard bus drivers might just end up punishing the children with death. "

ak927 wrote on Nov 15, 2009 10:16 AM:

" Two Cents-Did you not read the entire the article. It is out of the school districts hand. The Regional Office states that transportation has to be provided. Not only that the law states that so many students have to be in attendance in order for it to be accounted as an attendance day. The school district has provided you with the most up to date information that has been provided to them. "

Mama says wrote on Nov 15, 2009 4:56 PM:

" First of all, no one can signup in daycare on such short notice. Maybe some stay at home moms can handle working parents children, but again SHORT NOTICE. Church open up to accept the children? This was an issue when I worked, and things go wrong. I would think, schools just OPEN, parents drop off the kids (maybe early enough get to jobs?) AND keep school open, not closed.
Parents pickup the kids after work, but if someone stays parents would be glad to pay them for the hours work afterschool, or hour before.
I think this STINKS for the kids, parents, and those having a job. "

medic57 wrote on Nov 15, 2009 6:18 PM:

" Darn, the other day I agreed with Father Bob, Harry Potter and now, The Question. next thing you know, I'll be a Democrat. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:14 PM:

" Darn, the other day I agreed with Father Bob, Harry Potter and now, The Question. next thing you know, I'll be a Democrat. "

Not so fast there fella, we'll have to take a vote first. "

slap63 wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:23 PM:

" The Question Wrote:

" "Don't punish the children?"
Having underpaid, substandard bus drivers might just end up punishing the children with death. "

i think the bus drivers we have are not sub-standard. And yes, they do deserve a raise. But where do you suggest the money come from? More taxes? Its not a good time to ask for a raise. They have a job. They knew what it paid when they applied for that job. People are having to make sacrifices every day in this economy. Some have to give up a raise this year. Some have to lose their jobs this year. Another factory in Charleston is closing. More people just lost their jobs. Bus drivers, be thankful for the job. It is a stressful, low paying job, but its a job. And it is tough times for a lot of us. Especially those with children. Parents and children do not need this burden right now. What we do need, is someone to transport our children to school. So we can go to work. And you can go to work. Now is not the time. "

charlestonmom wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:55 PM:

" Seems like a strange time for this to be happening. We're into the second quarter of the school year. This could be disastrous for families who have to not only find daycare on such short notice but who also have to pay for it, especially with the holidays coming. Praying for quick resolution for all involved. "

CrowWoman wrote on Nov 15, 2009 9:05 PM:

" Darn, the other day I agreed with Father Bob, Harry Potter and now, The Question. next thing you know, I'll be a Democrat."

Sheez, medic, you're scaring me. "

medic57 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:34 AM:

" Not so fast there fella, we'll have to take a vote first.

Well, join acorn first so I can get lots of votes.

Actually CrowWoman, I am a registerd Democrat, of course I registerd when Dems were actually for the people. I always wondered one thing though, if you have to tell them what party you are when you vote in a primary, why are there curtains on the booths? "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:35 AM:

" LOL @ Medic. Hey Medic beware if you keep this up you will not only be a Democrat but you will also be accused of now "being" Harry and company. LMAOOOO :-P "

mommyof4 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 11:07 AM:

" Whats even worse is that not all of the bus drivers want this. Most of them are just like the rest of us are right now, struggling and worried about the economy. If this happens they don't get a check either, they have to live with out money as long as this drags on.
Interesting how Charleston district is spending tons on sports "complex", but little to assure there are children in school to use the "complex". "

The Shadow wrote on Nov 16, 2009 1:18 PM:

" Give them their nickel raise and be done with it! "

CrowWoman wrote on Nov 16, 2009 1:43 PM:

" Just received an automated call from Charleston Superintendent that there will be school tomorrow. Following tomorrow, who knows? We're supposed to find out tomorrow. "

blondie2 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 3:58 PM:

" This is new..mommyof4....what "tons" is Charleston spending on a sports complex...I haven't heard of anything. And if you take the time to read the article once again ...Charleston has nothing to do with the bus service...it is a contracted service..I believe from the way I read it that their hands are tied. But it wouldn't be a good blog if some uneducated idiot did not make a trouble stirring remark ...now would it? "

granny4 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 4:23 PM:

" Several facts are not in order with the information that you have received. First Student pays the drivers not the School system. First Student showed a very grand profit (over 400 million) last year. They supply the schools here with substandard buses (not drivers) for the drivers to try and keep running long enough to get your children to school safely. The drivers have your childrens best interest at heart and that is why they have waited so long for an offer from first student. The company has continually ignored them. I am a driver and no I am not a redneck as suggested. I am retired and wanted something to do and since I am a grandparent thought it would be great to drive a bus. Until I started I had no idea of what was involved. I love the kids, but for all of the responsibility and what is required of a bus driver we are very under paid. No money will come out of the school system, or the tax payers pocket. As far as school closing we were not aware of this, nor have any control over it. You should contact First Student with your concerns and complaints as far as the bus service. There is a shortage of drivers so for anyone that is needing employment sign up and become a driver. The drivers now are covering double routes just trying to get the kids to school and home safely. "

CrowWoman wrote on Nov 16, 2009 4:44 PM:

" Thanks for the information, Granny. I'm convinced you bus drivers have nerves of steel and almost infinite patience. I hope everything works out as it should. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 5:53 PM:

" Granny thank you for your post. I know from talking to my daughter's bus driver that she has a great deal of responsibilty so at Christmas time I always have my daughter get her a "little something " and write a note that says "thank you for being my bus driver" I live in Mattoon but I do have a question for those of you living in Charleston. The YMCA here has a "before and after school" program for the grade schools, does the Charleston Rec department provide anything like that? If not it may be worth getting a petition started to get such a service started or even talking to the Mattoon YMCA to provide the service for Charleston schools as well. It would probaly help out a lot of parents, as well as creating some new jobs in the area. Its a thought if nothing else. "

FL33907 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:22 PM:

" The employees of First Student in Charleston have been very patient with the company. This process has been going on for some time now. The employees have not seen a raise since Aug. 2008. We are a group of very professional employees who work for First Student in Charleston. All we are asking for is fair wages. IF you do a camparison of what Mattoon and Charleston bus drivers make you will see a big difference in pay scales. The Drivers and Monitors at First Student have alot of responsibility. This is not a job for everyone. Driving a 40 foot vehicle is difficult enough. Try driving that same vehicle with 50-60 children onboard. Like I said, its not a job for everyone. "

mommyof4 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:31 PM:

" Well Blondie2 it just wouldnt be a blog without someone calling names now would it? Check out the CHS fall sports book it is all listed in the back of it. Do believe a little over 21,000 was spent in the last couple years. So maybe you are the uneducated idiot on here, hmm? "

mommyof4 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:33 PM:

" Oh and by the way....if you can't handle what is said don't read it. Simple enough for you? "

studentchs wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:15 PM:

" Dear parents and all adults involved,
I like every other student rode the bus from the age I was old enough to go to kindergarten all the way through me getting my driver's license. I personally witnessed many unspeakable things occur on our local buses, and I personally agree with the stress of the drivers to get their hard earned rewards. But on the opposing hand I also realize that the money cannot come out of thin air. The resources we currently have at our hometown high school are stretched so thin, I myself have noticed a deterioration in extracurricular activities and events. I myself am also and athlete, and the vast amount of our funding for uniforms, field maintenance, and etc., were payed for by the Charleston Booster Club and our parents. To be quite honest, I'm very appalled by how our adults and parents are responding to each other on this forum. Leave the politics and budgeting to the people in charge. Things always work out in the end. "

lefty wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:57 PM:

" To those of you complaining about the union, eat it.

It always ends up with the same tired argument that "this time, X is happening with the economy." Funny though that the execs of these companies always do quite well for themselves.

No one else should benefit on the backs of the exploited, not us and not the owners of the state subsidized corporate bussing our kids to school. "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:11 AM:

" FL33907... you haven't gotten a raise since last year???

The company I work for counted overtime pay as part of our benefits and "bonus". After 15+ years (as far back as anyone I know there can remember) they cut this "benefit" for us, thereby costing me roughly $5000 a year out of my own pocket.

I understand you don't have the easiest job in the world, and there is a lot of responsibility involved. That said, you'll have to pardon me if you find me short on sympathy for you. "

blondie2 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:22 AM:

" Let me re-phrase...mommyof4... 1st if you think $21,000 is "tons"..you are crazy...if you read the paper last week you would see where the Booster Club, not the school, is about to spend $17,000 on Middle School track uniforms alone...but again that is the Booster Club not the school. Although I am sure money has been spent on improvements, I just don't see where your statement has anything to do with the current bus situaton, which is obviously out of the hands of the District. "

slap63 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:59 AM:

" blondie2 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 3:58 PM:
" This is new..mommyof4....what "tons" is Charleston spending on a sports complex...I haven't heard of anything. And if you take the time to read the article once again ...Charleston has nothing to do with the bus service...it is a contracted service..I believe from the way I read it that their hands are tied. But it wouldn't be a good blog if some uneducated idiot did not make a trouble stirring remark ...now would it? "

A little harsh there blondie. I believe a new concession stand is on the wish list. I don't know what else. The uniforms the kids wear are paid for by the booster club and parents.

I have read the posts and my opinion is still up in the air. I know the buses are falling apart. I know the one my child rode last year broke down several times. If First Student is going to spend their profits on equipment great. If not give the bus drivers a huge raise!! They definitely deserve it.

And those of you angry at the School. The School has nothing to do with this. this is between the company and the bus drivers Union.

I agree with studentchs that posted. (although I do believe you are more adult than child) People can be pretty rude on these posts. I have had a sarcastic comment or two of my own to a couple of our more hostile regular posters. It's very scary to hear some of the things that some people think. I knew they were out there, just not so many!! "

slap63 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:12 AM:

" mommyof4 wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:31 PM:
" Well Blondie2 it just wouldnt be a blog without someone calling names now would it? Check out the CHS fall sports book it is all listed in the back of it. Do believe a little over 21,000 was spent in the last couple years. So maybe you are the uneducated idiot on here, hmm? "

I'd say so. Good response Mommy. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:11 PM:

" Just another example of the 'benevolence' of unions. They 'hang parents and students out to dry' waiting, while they quibble over how much money they can suck out of their employer, and ultimately the taxpayer, when the economy is bad. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:38 PM:

" FL33907 wrote...

All we are asking for is fair wages.
-------------------

What is a "fair wage, FL33907?"

The per capita income in Coles County is just $17,357 (62nd out of 102 counties).

The median expected salary for a typical Bus Driver in the United States is $18,534 (range of $16,000 to $22,000 for 25% to 75% quartiles).

So what makes First Student bus drivers so special?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_locations_by_per_capita_income "

Bubbacycle wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:05 PM:

" Fire all of them and hire new drivers. I used to work south of Charleston and would be driving through about 4:15 in the evening and be following a Charleston bus. We would approach a school speed zone and need to reduce speed, I would reduce down to 20 MPH and the Charleston Bus would not, and leave me behind going about 35 to 40 through a school speed zone. This happenend on 3 or 4 occasions with different buses and drivers. "

fl33907 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:10 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:38 PM:
" FL33907 wrote...

All we are asking for is fair wages.
-------------------

What is a "fair wage, FL33907?"

The per capita income in Coles County is just $17,357 (62nd out of 102 counties).

The median expected salary for a typical Bus Driver in the United States is $18,534 (range of $16,000 to $22,000 for 25% to 75% quartiles).

So what makes First Student bus drivers so special?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_locations_by_per_capita_income "

Well what you fail to understand is most drivers do not get 8 hours a day. We are guarantied 4 hours a day. Very very few employees make $18,000 per year. "

Mama says wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:23 PM:

" Some are testy when nothing goes right.
I had to pickup my kids before and could arrive before school sent a backup bus.
Ours had the same driver for kids and then a grandbaby, now that makes me feel old.
Our driver faced a male age 14 with a knife and going to CUT THE DRIVER, and another GIRL on bus, had a knife to use on some boys jewels. Each had 3 days out of school and off the bus a week.
SLAP EM ON WRIST AND NOTHING ACCOMPLISHED. The parents of these weren't any better, so I do see where the kids got this behavior. The two teens, would bully the other students and caused their friends shove ones on bus against lockers when saw no teachers or cops were around. One of students moved, and we wished other one had as well. They are still in trouble for malicious behavior. "

Bus Driver wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:47 PM:

" NeoCon Academician, How does around $12,000 a year sound. That is what I made last year working for First Student. I am a Bus Driver and have been with the bus garage for 4 years. I love my job and do not want to do anything else. I just want to be paid close to what every other bus driver in the area is being paid. Mattoon bus drivers I believe start at $12 or more an hour, our starting wage is only $9 an hour. I have a cousin that drives for Jasper County and she is making in the area of $18 an hour. I have also talked to other First Student bus drivers in the area and they are making between $15 to $17 an hour.

Most of our work days start around 6am and end around 5pm. There are many of us that only get 4hrs of pay in that day and there are very few that can get 8hrs.

"So what makes First Student bus drivers so special?"

We love our jobs and we love the kids. That is why we have worked so long with little pay. Now that we are trying to stand up for our rights, we are getting bashed by all of you. Thank you Charleston for all your support. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:03 PM:

" Bus Driver wrote...

How does around $12,000 a year sound.

We love our jobs and we love the kids.
--------------------------------------

With all due respect...being able to drive a bus does not make you 'special', and special in the regard that you deserve higher pay for a minimal skill set...if you are working at a job that doesn't make much more than minimum wage...well...I guess that's your problem...no matter how much you love your job. If your pay isn't enough maybe you should have chose a field that the market deems more worthy of higher pay, due to higher skill set requirements.

Why should you expect to be paid more for a job that requires little more than daycare skills and a traditional drivers license or a CDL any 18 yo can get?

I bet I could go get a worker from across the border, that can drive a bus, that would love to have your job making $12,000 a year.

And for a 200 day, work year, $12,000 sounds about right and I bet some of the folks that come from 'across the border', working at some of your favorite 'ethnic' restaurants aren't making much more than you.

And since, in essence, you are paid by the Illinois taxpayer, and the state of Illinois is $11 billion dollars in debt...

You oughta just be glad you got a job. "

luckydog1 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 6:19 AM:

" This service started out to be a community friendly and needed service. Several retired individuals took on the the task to drive the students to and from schooland events, in order to keep busy and pick up a little extra spending money...What happened? Should never have privatized, kept the bus system under the control of the school district and kept the union out of it.. But obviously closing the barn door a little late! "

mommyof4 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:47 PM:

" Just curious NeoConn, Do you have children? What is it worth to you that they get to school safely? Do you think that the person driving all our little darlings should only make 9 an hour, or are they worth maybe a little more? Have you ever road on a bus with 40-45 school age children, and been able to concentrate on anything else? If you haven't maybe you should ask to ride along one afternoon. These bus drivers earn every penny and them some, all the while trying their best to be sure our children make it to school and home safely every day. Give them a break, i know it sucks for those of us that are parents, but they deserve something also.
And by the way I would love to see the bus drivers replaced just like that. You need to check into the requirements to be a busdriver, it's not something you can just show up and do. "

Lost Confidence wrote on Nov 19, 2009 10:45 AM:

" Looking through I don't see anyone saying what the $/hr wage is for a bus driver. I do see people say that they are below the mean pay of Coles county. However, this is the same argument I've had with my mother for 20+yrs. If you want to get paid the same as the rest of the world get a job where you work the same number of days/year! It would be nice to have summers, a week in the spring, a week and a half off for Christmas (sorry Fr. Bob and HP) I mean holiday break. I make more than a bus driver, but I work more than a bus driver. Until Marxism prevails that's the way it should and will be. BTW my mother was a teacher in the district not a bus driver. For those of you that where in school in the 70's and 80's you might remember the teachers didn't have a problem screwing students out of a few days of school for strikes! "

Bus Driver wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:07 PM:

" Charleston First Student Bus Drivers starting wage is $9 an hour. We are not asking for top pay just a fare hourly rate. "

laveau wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:40 PM:

" There is absolutely NO WAY I could do this job. 50 screaming, excited little ones sitting behind me while I am trying to navigate a bus in rain, snow, sleet and traffic?! On the worst of days, 49 excited little ones and one with a stomach bug puking in my bus? I know a girl that just went through the training courses and tests to become a part-time driver. The pay for this job IS crappy and not everyone could handle it. I know I couldnt. "