At the May meeting of the School Board, Ralph Brantley approached the members regarding certain concerns he and other bus drivers have brought to his attention.
“I’m only here as a representative of the drivers,” Brantley prefaced his comments. He went on to say that the drivers requested that salaries be increased to $120 per day based on a five-hour day, and that compensation for special trips be raised. In addition, the drivers requested that bus monitors ride on all routes, and that bus etiquette be taught as part of the regular school curriculum.
In other business, the Board heard concerns from three citizens; however, while at this meeting no names were brought forth as had been the case in April, their concerns border on personnel and/or student issues which are protected subjects and not for public disclosure.
As is customary at the May meeting of the Vidalia City Board of Education, retiring school personnel receive recognition from their respective direct supervisors, and recently, two ladies were the focus of this year’s tradition.
Kim Robinson of Vidalia High School is retiring at the end of this year with 30 years of instructing in the classroom, and Vicki Messex is hanging up her apron in the Food and Nutrition Department with 22 years of service.
Board Chair Julee Torrance said the retirements were “bitter-sweet,” and wished the women well from the Board and on behalf of the entire school system.
The Board members also tentatively approved the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and after being proper advertising, that budget is expected to be passed as presented.