Fayette County Public Schools Transportation Employees Push for Increased Work Hours to Enhance Pay and Job Satisfaction

Lexington, Ky. – Fayette County Public Schools’ transportation employees are advocating for an increase in their work hours from 30 to 40 per week to improve pay and job satisfaction. The request is supported by bus drivers, including 17-year veteran Jacqueline Bigelow, who voiced her concerns at a recent board meeting. Bigelow, along with 215 fellow drivers and bus monitors, currently work six-hour shifts but are seeking an adjustment to eight-hour days.

Bigelow explained, “I am confirmed for 30 hours a week. However, I work 40 hours.” This includes taking on multiple roles, such as relief driver and dispatcher assistance. Out of 449 transportation department employees, 125 drivers and 70 monitors are regularly scheduled for extended hours to cover various shifts or field trips. However, Bigelow stated many employees do not receive compensation for these additional hours, resulting in financial instability.

Attendance issues within the department have escalated, with Bigelow noting that the previous Friday saw 85 employees not report to work. “But we still have to cover busses,” she added, highlighting the challenges faced by the remaining staff to fulfill their essential duties.

Daryn Morris, the Director of Transportation, indicated that transitioning to a standard 40-hour work week would allow employees to utilize their paid time off more effectively, ensure consistent paychecks, and potentially enhance staff attendance and performance standards. He remarked, “Staff are dedicated to transporting FCPS children, but they don’t feel supported when they need to be absent or sick for a child of their own.”

Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins labeled the proposal a cost neutral decision for the district, suggesting that it would not only benefit the transportation department but also improve overall operations. “This overall will be not only positive for our transportation department, but will be a positive for the operations of the system itself,” he stated.

The Fayette County School Board is scheduled to vote on this significant change on December 19. Should the proposal pass, it may usher in improved conditions for drivers and monitors, potentially reflecting positively on student transportation services.