By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel is not quite ready to relax after drawing up a deal to continue the contract with transportation provider First Student.
The two sides have struck a deal which includes First Student meeting certain requirements by Nov. 22.
“I will sigh a relief when Nov. 22 is here and we’ve reached (the point) where we have zero substitution issues with drivers and all routes are being filled by our drivers,” Daniel said.
Daniel explained not having enough back up drivers has contributed to the number of late buses throughout the school year.
“We’ve told them we need to be ensured of a percentage of drivers that are substitute drivers,” said Daniel. “And that means they’re constantly in the recruiting phase.”
The deal also includes First Student paying Unit 5 $30,000 for violating the terms of the original contract. The contract currently goes through June 2018.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
