Sunday, March 21, 1999
Lebanon hires Laidlaw buses
Vote follows angry, tearful arguments
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer contributor
LEBANON — In an emotional meeting, the Lebanon City School Board on Saturday agreed to privatize its busing for at least five years.
The 3-2 vote to hire Laid law Transit came after an angry show of opposition by school bus drivers and parents. Nearly a dozen people spoke against the proposal, and no one spoke to support it.
The 5-year contract with Laidlaw was signed Saturday, the latest it could be if the company is going to operate in Lebanon next school year. Laidlaw takes over in August, said district spokesperson Carole Dorn.
Parents said they are con cerned that Laidlaw drivers won't care for students the way current Lebanon drivers do. They also voiced concern about safety.
“I don't want to see it (privatization),” said Kathy Cregier, who has three children.
Bus drivers, who fear for their jobs, were bitterly opposed to the move and screamed in protest when the vote was taken.
“Where are you for us when we stand here with our jobs on the line?” asked Jackie Frommling, a driver for four years.
All drivers will be offered jobs with the company, but many at the meeting said they would refuse.
That worried eighth-grader Tosha Stephens, who broke down when the vote was taken. Her mother is a driver for the district.
“I care about all the people that are sitting here and now they're all going to quit,” Tosha said. “We have nothing that's going to guarantee we'll get to school safely.”
Lebanon's rapid growth has overwhelmed the district's transportation system, Ms. Dorn said. She said some children are on the bus until late in the day.
“It is not a reflection on the bus drivers at all,” said board member Katie Poitinger.
The company hopes to work to make the transition a positive experience, said Ste ven P. Abel, director of business development for Laidlaw. The company will bring in newer equipment, a better transportation system and provide a stronger focus on safety.
But Angie Farra, a driver and parent, said she worries just the same.
“This is more than just a job,” she said, crying. “Children are important. My children won't be riding a bus with the Laidlaw driver.”
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