The entire Chesterfield School Board is up for re-election in November. Eleven candidates met at a forum Thursday night to lay out their goals. Three candidates for the Clover Hill District have given their ideas to solve the County’s transportation issues.
A change in start times last year caused a shortage of drivers. Candidate Justin Smith says the County didn’t look at the impact this would have on students.
“So I think through revisiting these start times, perhaps looking at our districts could help eliminate some bus routes.”
All 11 eleven candidates agree a pay increase for drivers is needed. Currently, the starting pay is under $15 an hour. Candidate Dot Heffron says the County is losing drivers once they’re trained.
“However, we don’t have a mechanism in place to retain the drivers that we trained.”
Candidate Arika Phillips says pulling in retired drivers could help close the gap.
“Number one is we need to have more community involvement.”
Chesterfield school buses travel 9 million miles per year, according to the county’s website.
Ian Stewart/VPM News
