[Cerek the Barbaric]

Originally posted by Azred: quote: Originally posted by Cerek the Barbaric: quote: Originally posted by Azred: What is this school system's problem that they cannot offer their own buses, anyway? [img]graemlins/1ponder.gif[/img]

I don't know for certain why they use a contract service, but the most logical reason would be that is much cheaper to contract buses than to own. If they owned the buses, then the school system would also be responsible for all maintainance needed to keep them on the road. That means extra tax dollars for gas, tires, parts, repairs, and mechanics to keep the individual buses running. All of this would be in addition to the cost to purchase each bus in the first place.

I'm certain it is far cheaper to simply pay a contract fee to First Student (or some other contractor) and let them worry about all the maintainance and upkeep of the vehicles.[/QUOTE]True, it might be cheaper in the short run; however, I have never known a school district to sub-contract bus service, except for special road trips. Besides, doesn't the bus service act as the legal representative for the school district? If so, then they are expected to follow all the rules regarding non-discrimination and access as the school system itself.

It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. One does not abandon children (or teenagers) miles from home; if there is a pattern of unacceptably disruptive behavior then bus privileges should be suspended, but not on the spur of the moment. [/QUOTE]I agree completely with your last statement, Azred. It is absolutely inexcusable to set children out on the side of the road. As a former bus driver, the one thing were instructed to never do was allow a child (or children) to get off the bus at all, unless we were at a designated stop on the route.

But even if the children in Jacksonville were left at a designated bus stop, that still doesn't excuse the bus driver's actions. How disruptive could they have been that the driver couldn't get them quieted down long enough to get them to their regular stop?

I would really like to follow this story. It has left a bad taste in my mouth as well. If anybody sees or hears an update, please be sure to post it so we can see what happens.