More than 50 signs displayed different sayings but the same message ? don’t privatorize bus drivers and custodians in Clarkston Community Schools.
‘This is our first step in the effort to educate the community to the real value of the people who hold this district together,? said Karl Bell, Uniserv director with Michigan Education Association.
As the district looked for ways to cut $13 million, both services are on the chopping block ? outsourcing transportation would cut $300,000-$600,000; custodial services, $700,000-$850,000.
But the focus for bus drivers and custodians isn’t money, but students.
‘From the time a kid first steps on a bus in the morning to when they get off that bus in the afternoon, they are in our charge. Whether it be a busdriver, a secretary, a teacher, a custodian ? they are our charges,? said Bell.
‘They are there to serve them, protect them and provide them very best we can possibly give them in all phases of school and life. We think it is pretty important as to who those people are that perform those jobs.?
The growing concern is shared throughout the community.
Independence Township Trustee Larry Rosso and former Clarkston Schools teacher shared privatization is a concern and should be used as a last resort.
‘Whether it’s professional staff or support staff, they have a rapport with the students and to bring in some outside people you have to think twice about that sort of thing,? Rosso said. ‘There may be cost savings and I’m not privy to know that for certain, but I know children are secure with longstanding employees who have worked with kids and understand kids.?
Pine Knob Elementary custodians Cindy Haggitt and Bob Trim know first hand the security they bring to students, beginning in kindergarten.
‘If they are scared or lost and don’t see their teacher they can come to us,? Haggitt said.
At the end of the day Haggitt and Trim will walk them through the parking lot to their destination.
‘Bob and I walk them so they don’t get hit,? she said. ‘They just see their parent’s car and get tunnel vision.?
They will also dress up for Halloween and listen as the students share with them what they want for Christmas.
‘We have a good relationship with them,? Haggitt continued. ‘I think if they get a private company, you don’t have the same person every day. I don’t think they will have a one-on-one with the public like we did.?
Another concern is theft.
‘The school district my wife works at outsourced their custodial services and it has been a nightmare for her,? said Clarkston Junior High School teacher Bill Gunther.
‘In my wife’s district, they have kids that leave stuff and have new custodians every day. Things are missing or they find things and they don’t know who they belong to. Here, the staff knows who it belongs to.?
Clarkston bus drivers shared the same concern.
‘The drivers change every day, routes change every other day. No one know anybody. Nobody knows where they are going,? said Bell. ‘It’s not just a warm body ? it is a career. Most of them are citizens here, many went to school here.?
They know parents? and guardians? vehicles, know bus stop routines and raise questions if something is out of the ordinary at the bus stop.
‘We know times are tough but give us a chance,? said driver Charlie Robinson.
The transportation department has supported the community through the annual Stuff-A-Bus, collecting toys, food and monetary donations for Lighthouse Emergency Service. They also have been part of Relay for Life.
Some parents shared a concern of what it could come next.
‘Once busing and custodial is outsourced, is outsourcing teachers next,? asked a mother of a Sashabaw Middle School student, who asked to remain anonymous.
Mark Petterson, a trustee with Independence Township, said privatizing could help solve school problems.
‘The schools have no real incentive to save money because money is coming to them no matter what,? Petterson said. ‘A private company has an incentive to save money because if they don’t, they won’t get paid.?
Outsourcing transportation would cut 55 drivers, two mechanics, one supervisor, and two support staff in the district. Outsourcing custodial services would cut 42 custodians.
Both groups have support from the community, signing petitions. The community has also reached out on Facebook on group sites, ‘Save Clarkston Custodial Services? and ‘Save Clarkston Schools Transportation,? each with more than 450 supporters.
‘We are talking to the district now to help them save money to get through next year,? said Bell. ‘We are doing our part like every other employee will.?
The district uses the same Request for Proposal (RFP) process that is uses for all other bids.
‘We send out and publicize our RFP and then companies who can meet the stated requirements submit a proposal,? said Anita Banach, director of communications. ‘Our own staff and unions have the right and ability to provide a bid as well.?
Superintendent Dr. Albert Roberts was unavailable for comment.
Trevor Keiser contributed to this story.