In terms of recognition and acknowledgements, Idlette


brought some ideas with her from her former job as a principal to create a positive climate in the transportation department. Previously, she had established a relationship with a local Mc- Donald’s owner to provide student incentives. After sharing with him the challenges of providing recognition for drivers and at- tendants, he agreed to continue his support by providing drivers with breakfast and lunch coupon cards. Idlette acknowledges perfect attendance each quarter with cou-


pons redeemable for an Egg McMuffin or oatmeal at breakfast and a premium salad or a Quarter Pounder at lunch. All transportation staff, not only drivers, are eligible. “We also have our ‘Wow Wall,’” she said. “Each time we receive (positive) feedback from schools, parents or community members, their words are posted on the board. Our drivers and attendants can acknowledge each other’s ef- forts as well. Tey appreciate the feedback and having it on display.” Drivers for St. Paul Public Schools in Minnesota work year-


round and are full-time employees. Director of Transportation Tom Burr said the district operates a total of 350 routes a day, but 90-percent of them are contracted out. Te other ten-percent are special needs routes, which are driven by district employees. “We have phenomenal benefits, so we don’t have much trouble keeping drivers,” he added. “Most of my drivers work 10-hour days because we have 100 mid-day routes, plus field trips. I know


that the contractor is struggling to keep drivers, because those routes are six to seven hours, and they aren’t year-round. When we do have a job opening, many of them apply here.” At the Delaware Valley School in Frenchtown, New Jersey,


Transportation Director Jerry Ford offers his drivers paid sick, personal and other benefit days in addition to being able to partic- ipate in the state retirement system. “We also pay for the back- ground check and DOT physical expenses, and pay a $250 bonus if they take no sick days during the school year. “At retirement, we pay one sick day for every three accumulated, up to $15,000,” said Ford. Alex Chandler, director of transportation of Dare County Schools in Nags Head, North Carolina, also pays for inspections and sweeping. His drivers start at $17.16 per hour with $10.50 per day for attendance. “If a driver has perfect attendance, there is an extra $100 in their pay,” said Chandler. “Any driver who does multiple school routes gets an automatic four hours per day, and any driver who gets four hours per day, or 20 per week, gets sick leave and annual leave as well as holiday pay. We are fully staffed with permanent drivers, but are always short on substitutes.” ●


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