New Kent school bus drivers, parents speak out on benefits

With New Kent School Board choosing an option at its December meeting to provide permanent part-time employees healthcare coverage with premium assistance at a reduced level, school bus drivers and their supporters attended Monday night’s board meeting to state their case in efforts to prevent the policy changes.

More than 200 drivers, parents, and staff members filled New Kent High School’s auditorium to voice their opinions on policy changes stemming from the Affordable Healthcare Act. The act forced school board representatives to approve policy changes, defining bus drivers and some cafeteria workers as permanent part-time employees. Now, those employees are speaking out over concerns that the loss of benefits will affect not only their families, but the New Kent school system as well.

“Bus drivers are responsible, caring people who drive children,” said Nancy Garthwright, who is a special needs bus driver. “Virginia’s Department of Education says bus drivers are essential for special needs students and they build trust with their driver over that particular time.

“If these changes are made by the school board, this will force bus drivers to seek new jobs,” she concluded.

Earl Clayton, an 11-year school veteran behind the wheel of school buses, became emotional as he defined a true school bus driver.

“After the accident [in 2006] that killed a New Kent girl, I worked on a board to help find ways to keep children safe. We do what we do because we care.

“Anybody can be a driver, but not everybody can be a school bus driver,” he concluded, receiving thunderous applause from supporters.

“We have 468 years of total service from these car and bus drivers,” added Athena Parsley. “The acronym KIDS stands for Kind, Intelligent, Dependable, and Super, and that’s what bus drivers are and that’s what they do each and every day for children.

“If we have a problem, we need to work with the school board to resolve the problems,” Parsley continued. “We are all one big family.”

Tansle Ferrell, the bus driver who helped save the life of a 15-year old New Kent High School student, spoke on behalf of the group, emphasizing the impact on each and every one she represented and how they would be affected.

“These are real people,” she said, pointing to numerous occupations bus drivers hold that included small business owners, realtors, and church leaders. “We consider ourselves as an extension of their [students] parents.

“We are the eyes of the community, reporting suspicious activity, accidents, and hazardous road conditions even before emergency officials can respond,” Ferrell continued. “We are often told by [director of school transportation] Stephen King ‘Do not be a wheel holder.’

“We can’t let money dictate what happens with the safety of the children,” she added, speaking on how previous budget cuts prevented emergency training classes. “What are we willing to lose to save money?

“Outsourcing and employing new bus drivers is not the answer,” she concluded, presenting the school board with several letters from parents, students, and bus drivers.

A pair of New Kent parents followed suit, speaking up on the importance of providing benefits for those who transport their kids to schools.

“I have six children who are either in the school system or graduated from the schools,” said Mark Daniel. “I understand that it’s a change in the law, but there is not one thing more precious than a child.

“Make it a priority to keep these people and let them have their benefits,” he concluded.

“Bus drivers are safeguards for our children,” said Frances Cogbill. “It brings me great distress as a parent to know that they may lose their benefits.

“I depend on them to be a vocal advocate for my son,” she continued, speaking on the special needs that he receives. “When my son sees the bus, he dances and laughs in his chair. It is one of the brightest spots of his day.

“Please maintain the staff’s benefit package,” she concluded.

Wayne Meade approached the school board members, concerned about the feasibility study conducted in late September that has yet to yield results.

“I think a feasibility study is a good thing, but what I don’t like is that the information is not provided to the appropriate parties.

“I hope that we can open up lines of communication so we don’t have any hardships for some of the best employees in the county,” he concluded.

After hearing a few more speakers, school board chairwoman Leigh Quick spoke about the feasibility study and her appreciation for bus drivers.

“We haven’t heard any results on the study,” she said, emphasizing that New Kent Supervisors asked the school board to conduct one. “As for the bus drivers, we count on each and every one of you for not just the physical safety, but also emotional safety.”

Superintendent of schools Rick Richardson chimed in with comments, speaking on the impact of the Affordable Healthcare Act and Virginia Retirement System (VRS) rates and the potential impact on the upcoming budget.

“We are still waiting on the pieces,” Richardson said. “As soon as we have a close and clearer picture, we relay the information to the public as promptly as we can. That is when we will meet with the transportation department.

“I understand that it’s frustrating for you all but don’t let it labor you,” he added. “We will do our best and consider what you said tonight. Just know that VRS and the healthcare act will impact the budget.”

Richardson added one more comment for bus drivers in show of support.

“I’m not very objective to how you all feel,” he said. “We have the finest transportation in the state of Virginia.”