Transportation Issues Continue For Marion County Schools

 

In the November 14th School Board meeting, transportation seemed to be a serious concern for several board members. Others were more concerned with the here and now and being “fiscally responsible” while being somewhat shortsighted towards the concerns for future students.
In a 3-2 vote, for example, the beleaguered transportation department's request for another bus driver trainer was approved. Reverend Cummings was the most vocal against the new trainer and bus driver being hired right now, even though his district 3 which is SW Marion County is one of the fastest growing and most in immediate need of trained bus drivers. If hired today, the trainer education would take an additional 3 years to complete. The demand for more bus drivers has made the current trainers use their skills training, while also providing bus transportation. Currently, there is a bus driver recruiter who is spending only a portion of the time recruiting, reviewing applications, and interviewing while the other portion is being utilized as a trainer and bus driver as well.

Two new student representatives have joined the Marion County School Board

Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) rotates two students from its eight high schools, juniors or seniors, each quarter of the school year. The students are selected by their school’s principal and join the board every Tuesday evening for its regular meeting.

Seniors Bryce Mctier from North Marion High School and Olivia Bittinger from Dunnellon High School were selected to represent their schools and the students of the entire district.

MCPS spokesperson Kevin Christian said the students are chosen based on their “leadership, service and excellence.” This includes a leadership position in school activities, community service or tutoring, and a high grade point average with accelerated classes.

Selecting two representatives instead of one was a board decision, opening the opportunity to more students and allowing them to share at a greater capacity during board comments.