Springfield school bus drivers and residents voice concern over outsourcing idea

By Susan L. Serbin Correspondent

News about the school districts investigation of outsourcing transportation services drew attention as soon as it became known through an RFP (Request for Proposals). The school boards meeting of March 27 was an opportunity for members of the community and representatives of approximately 50 in the transportation department to express concerns.

The first thing made clear by the administration was that no decisions have been made.

The dedication and service of our bus drivers are, without question, the utmost in professionalism, said Don Mooney, Executive Director of Operations. In our budget process, we need to prioritize all costs and look for opportunities to save. The financial consideration is a big part of this, but weve had no responses yet (from interested vendors), and it would be premature for the district to state any information.

Mooney referenced the challenges of the Act 1 environment under which districts function. With a cap set for spending increases, and costs rising in areas such as retirement funding and benefits, the district looks for various strategies of cutting expenditures without negatively impacting the core mission of education, Mooney said in a phone interview earlier in the day. Transportation run by management services is used almost exclusively in nearby Chester County school districts, but is absent so far in Delaware County.

The bus drivers commented on the business aspect, but emphasized the human story.

Everyone in this room cares about the children, said driver John Ballas who has been driving for four years after retirement from a business career. We know the streets, the families and the kids. Speaking for myself and maybe some others, Id give up the pension and sick days and take a pay cut, but no one asked us to do this.

He said drivers provide the kind of extra service that may have spoiled children and families, but are done out of the love of their jobs.

Howard Collier similarly has been a driver with the district for a short period. He took on the job three years ago after a 25-year career with SEPTA.

I love my job here. There is not a child I drive that I wouldnt adopt. We take the kids to school and bring them home safely, said Collier, who said he drives youngsters from 5 to 21 who are challenged in various ways. I will invite every board member to ride my bus, or any other bus, to see how we take care of our children.

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Springfield school bus drivers and residents voice concern over outsourcing idea