From the Editor's Desk

Letter to the Editor: District 15 Bus Driver Talks Potential Outsourcing

Palatine resident, and District 15 parent and Bus Driver Carol Cochran discusses what she believes will be the impact of outsourcing bus services on the school district and children.

Dear District 15 Parents and Community Members, The recent and unexpected disclosure that the District 15 school board is taking bids to outsource its drivers and bus aides has left many in our community feeling stressed, upset and even victimized.  I certainly feel that way. I know many of you do, too. Our drivers and aides live here, work here and devote their working lives to the students. We know that no private company in the world will ever match the safe and reliable service our employees bring to the children every day. They can't do it. They won't do it.  Bid proposals submitted by private for-profit companies were received by the District on January 10. Those proposals will be reviewed at the Wednesday, January 16 school board …

•  31 Comments
• Photos (1)

UPDATED: Parents Concerned Over District 15 Possible Busing Privitization

District 15 issued a press release in response to parent concerns over whether potential cost savings are worth the perceived threats to safety and well-being. A petition has been started on Change.org to fight against the possibility.

UPDATED: Thursday, Dec. 19 9:15 a.m. District 15 issued a press release late Thursday to clarify how the district will move forward in regards to the possiblity of outsourcing bus services.  The release stated that due to significant reductions in state reimbursements for transportation, a consultant was utilized to determine what cost savings would be. There currently is a negotiated contract between the school district and the District 15 Transportation Union (DTU).  "For the 2012-13 school year, District 15 allocated approximately $6 million in salaries and expenses to support student transportation services. Preliminary estimates project annual savings at approximately $600,000," the release stated.  In addition to previously stated …

•  31 Comments
• Photos (1)