The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education showed little support and will not be moving forward with an additional bonus for bus drivers. In the last several meetings with board members and administrative staff, discussions were had regarding retaining qualified drivers for routes. Board members recently updated a policy for student conduct on school transportation in hopes that improved student behavior would attract more staff. Director of Business Affairs Nicole McCarville explains the current numbers for transportation drivers and their rates.
What was presented in front of the board members during Monday’s work session was a bonus to be paid at the end of the 2024-25 school year for completing their contract. Three scenarios were presented, a $250, a $500, or a $1,000 bonus offered to all 25 drivers, creating an one-time expense of between $6,500 to $25,000. This new bonus would be paid out of the general fund and only to bus drivers. Additional funding from the state was allocated to all classified staff, to serve as a bonus payment for working 90 percent of contracted hours, which was approved by the board earlier in 2024. Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau says the bus drivers are included in the classified staff bonus.
Board member Jim Friel raised concerns over the message that it would send to other classified staff if bus drivers received an additional payment on top of bonuses already approved. Friel says he would like to explore other options, like guaranteeing a salary increase for next year or other transportation choices for the district.
Board members will continue to consider different options to ensure the district is supporting the transportation department staff and working to solve the challenges that arise.
