Schools facing busing issues

The MSAD 19 board of directors, during their September 20 meeting, discussed alterations to Lubec school bus schedules to address the issue of high school students returning home after 4 p.m. The issue was brought up by AOS 77 Superintendent Kenneth Johnson as an additional agenda item not listed on the published agenda in response to a request.
It was noted that the matter had been discussed on social media; however, none of the individuals participating in the online conversation were present at the meeting, which had been rescheduled to 6 p.m. to allow better public participation. Various possibilities of rearranging bus routes were proposed by board members; however, each had shortcomings. The lack of drivers precluded several alternatives, and the prospect of problems arising from simultaneously transporting younger students with high schoolers eliminated others.
"People get all worked up on Facebook," said Chair Michael Evers‑Jenkins, "but then they don't show up here."
"The board doesn't need to do anything. We can monitor the situation," replied Johnson. The matter was tabled.
Hiring bus drivers remains a problem, particularly as one recent hire backed out at the last minute. Johnson asked the board to consider advertising for a combination bus driver and part‑time custodian, which would eliminate one objection raised by several candidates. The issue is that a driver will work in the morning and again in the afternoon, but not during the middle of the day, effectively restricting the pool of candidates to individuals who live close by.
"We have a part‑time custodian," said Principal Tina Wormell, "but that individual already turned down a suggestion to become a driver. This won't come as a surprise."
"If the board decides to advertise this and we hire someone," said Johnson, "part of their compensation will come from the driver's budget line and part from the custodial budget. It'll be a wash." The board agreed to advertise for the combined position.
In other business, the board approved Johnson's recommendation to appoint Michelle Mitchell as adult education instructor. The board also tabled, at Johnson's request, acting on bids for diesel fuel, as there was insufficient time to allow prospective bidders to respond.