The Campbell County School District approved a stipend for bus drivers after employees threatened to strike over current wages.
The Campbell County School Board approved a $1,470 stipend for new and existing drivers. The stipend comes as districts across the Commonwealth are struggling to fill positions in the classroom and beyond.
Campbell County Schools issued a statement on the decision, which was made Tuesday night during a special board meeting.
“At Tuesday evening’s special board meeting, the Campbell County School Board approved a stipend for our bus drivers which was proposed after meeting with driver representatives. This stipend will be available for all new and existing drivers at $1,470,” the statement says.
Superintendent Shelli Wilson said she’s pleased the board has come to a resolution.
“We will continue to prioritize competitive pay for all employees, and we will do everything we can to offer the best for our community,” Wilson said. “Our board continues to recognize the importance of looking at pay rates of all positions. It will take ongoing work, improved efficiencies, and collaboration, but it is a priority.”
On July 18, drivers attended the Campbell County School District Board of Education meeting in protest over the wages amid a steep bus driver shortage.
Bus driver Don Schmidt was among many who showed up at the July 18 meeting to protest their salary for the upcoming school year.
“I’m here tonight with our bus drivers and monitors to publicly protest the amended salary schedule for the upcoming school year,” Schmidt said.
At the meeting, Schmidt said pay scales for teachers, principals, and administrators were only within 1% of other districts, while bus drivers and monitors were significantly lower over the last three years.