Grant Park School District’s April 16 board meeting was standing room only, as parents and residents piled in for a special hearing to provide input on the district’s decision to open up bids for a new bus service.
Though the board would not decide on the bus service at that meeting, the controversial topic drew several speakers, many touching on the same topics of a lack of communication from the district regarding driver shortage issues and in considering a new transportation provider.
“We will listen to your comments, and we will give them full weight,” Board President Tim Markland advised those wishing to speak. He asked speakers to be cognizant of the regular board meeting, which followed the special hearing, but advised they would not hold speakers to the five-minute rule.
“I don’t believe we have a driver shortage. I believe we have a driver application, appreciation, retention, and a huge communication issue,” said resident Jim Crocker, a 23-year Grant Park school transportation department veteran. Crocker has trained school bus drivers and handled transportation maintenance for the district. He also serves the community as Grant Park Fire District’s Battalion Chief.
Crocker advocated for the current lineup of drivers and felt slighted the district wouldn’t consider his help. He noted since he became vocal about issues, he felt essentially blacklisted.
Crocker admonished the district for not informing drivers in advance of the bid opening, as they found out, either on Facebook or from parents on their morning route, that they might not have a job with the district if a change in bus service occurs.
“We have not done enough to obtain drivers, to keep drivers,” Crocker added. He provided the school board with a list of seven drivers, who had tried to obtain employment as bus drivers at Grant Park schools, and said that of the current drivers, none were planning on retiring. One driver offered to stay as a sub if a replacement full-time route driver was found.
Crocker also pointed out there have been no bus driver meetings during the school year, noting there were no opportunities for drivers to discuss and find solutions to problems, discuss experiences, or determine route plans.
Markland inquired about the driver’s list to learn who on Crocker’s list would be willing to drive.
Parent Mary Eckoff addressed the board and said she could not find discussions on transportation service or driver issues reflected in meeting minutes from this school year, noting the word “transportation” only appeared four times.
She also felt the district didn’t do enough to advertise for drivers, especially when Supt. Palan told her a shortage was the primary reason why the district was considering transportation bids, along with a 35 percent increase in bus service costs, resulting in just over $31,000 per bus per year from the current provider, Midwest Transportation. She felt there should’ve been more communication about the need for drivers and the decision to open bidding for a new transportation service.
Eckoff became emotional when she talked about the bus drivers’ service, how kind they were to her children, how they go above and beyond, and how important they are to the district.
“What you’re doing is putting our hard-working people out of a job, and this is not the GP way,” Eckoff said.
Eckoff also requested and encouraged the district to find a way to broadcast their board meetings for more transparency.
Eckoff and Crocker’s concerns were echoed by middle school coach Keith Trompler, who said he “got nowhere” when he tried to apply to drive a bus. Trompler said he has been a tractor-trailer driver for the past 15 years.
“I am capable, able, and willing to do this, but there was no cooperation when I tried to get the process started,” Trompler said. He also said he’s never seen any advertisements for drivers.
Palan said the district had searched their files but found only two applications. He sought clarification whether Trompler had applied or simply inquired, which Trompler explained he had inquired. However, Trompler thought the process would’ve been more cooperative, especially as he coaches in the district.
The final speaker, Annie White, spoke to the board about her knowledge of some of the larger, contract companies. White said she wouldn’t trust the contract bus drivers with her kids because they are young and don’t want to be there working for minimum wage, and that they don’t care about kids or safety. She praised her kids’ current driver, but said if the district changes, she would drop her kids off personally.
White urged the district to inquire about turnover, how long the drivers stay with them, how many applicants they get, and more before making any decisions.
The district began accepting bids for a new bus service on March 23 and will continue to accept sealed bids through May 1. Bids are requested for a five-year contract to serve the district through the 2029-2030 school year. Instructions for submitting a bid can be found on the district’s website.
Currently, Midwest Transit services the district’s schools. The district also has a one-year lease agreement with Midwest Transit for one activity bus for the 2025-2026 school year at $29,990.
The board advised that a decision on the bus service will be made at the May 19 school board meeting.
In other news, the district has selected Stacy Glenn as the new Grant Park Middle School/High School Principal. Glenn is a Manteno resident and Kankakee High School’s current principal. She will begin in Grant Park on July 1. The district also promoted Kelly Toppen to Assistant Principal/Coordinator from the Middle School/High School Dean of Students.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.