Board of Education - February 24, 2026

001called meeting February 24th, 2026 for the Rutherford County School Board. We'll be opening the meeting with a brief moment of silence or prayer and a pledge of allegiance to the United States flag. No one is required to participate or be present for any of these and being in this portion of the meeting is completely voluntary. Tonight we have Mr. Butch Vaughn in charge of flare and pledge. >> Please bow your heads. Heavenly Father, we just thank you for all the blessings that you've given Rutherford County that you've given America and you've given all of us to be able to live in such a great country. We're thankful for the school system we have. Uh we just pray for the everyone that's connected. Uh we pray that uh we continue to finish up the school year

002and Dr. of and and leadership the staff. Father, just pray that decisions we make are ones that you would like for us to make in your will and guide us and direct us in these decisions. In your son Jesus name I pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please stand. Pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Before we get to the approval of the agenda, I want to say that there are many that are with us tonight in the gallery and I would ask you to please refrain from any outburst as it will result in your immediate removal. I would also ask the board uh to please ask permission to speak tonight. No fingers,

003no, you know, nodding of the head. Uh I want it this done properly and correctly and I want to make sure I get to everyone. So, please if you just look at speak into the mic and ask for permission to speak, I'd appreciate that. First up, we have the approval of the agenda. Any comments or questions? >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Tales. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have three that have signed up to for public comment this evening. First, we have Miss Christy Crosslin. >> [snorts] >> Good evening, members of the Rutherford County School Board. My name is Christy Crossland and I stand before you tonight not only as a transportation contractor, but as a family member who

004has children that ride these buses every single day. I'm deeply concerned about the recent situation involving a contractor losing bus insurance coverage. My first and most urgent question is, were children transported on this bus or on these buses without insurance? That question deserves a clear and transparent answer. Not a general statement, but facts. When a parent places a child on a school bus, they are placing their trust in the this board and in this system. That trust has been shaken. Insurance coverage is not a minor technicality. It is a foundational safeguard. It is the bare minimum standard of protection. Buses [clears throat] transporting children should never under any circumstance be operating without proper active insurance coverage. We all understand that no system is perfect and no child can be protected from every possible event. But

005insurance is something we can control. It is required. It is measurable and it's verifiable and it's non-negotiable. As someone with family members riding these buses, it's disturbing to even consider that any child in this county may have been transported without the protection in place. Parents and taxpayers deserve transparency and they deserve accountability. I also want to be very clear. The negligence of one contractor should not stain the reputation of the many transportation businesses that operate daily within the law, maintain proper insurance, and run their companies responsibly. Many of us sacrifice greatly to meet every requirement because we understand what it is what is at stake and that's children's lives. I respectfully ask the board to address how a contractor who has who is grandfathered in has multiple contracts and allowed to control such a large

006portion uh of routes. If this situation had involved a contractor with five or fewer contracts, the response likely would have been swift and contained. Instead, because one contractor held such a large share, this has caused widespread disruption, concern, and instability. For that reason, I'm requesting that the board establish firm limits on contracts. No single contractor should be able to be positioned to sweep the county in a way that creates this magnitude of risk and chaos. Reasonable caps protect students, protect the system, and protect the compliant businesses. K&M Transportation has offered assistance during this time and I personally stand to be and help in any way necessary because our shared mission is simple to transport students safely every single day. The decision made in response to this incident will set a a precedent. They will show

007whether this board stands decisively with the Rutherford County parents and taxpayers when student safety is at stake. Thank you and I appreciate it. >> Thank you very much. Our next speaker is Miss Lisa Adams. >> Good evening. My name is Lisa Adams and I'm here tonight to speak about an issue directly affects the safety of children in our community. Our school district entrusts the transportation of students to private contractors like myself under the clear expectation that they meet all legal and contractual requirements, especially maintaining proper insurance coverage. This requirement exists for one reason, to protect children. In fact, maintaining insurance coverage is not just a contract requirement, it is the law. Insurance is required in order for school buses to legally operate and transport students. It has come to light that one of our contracted

008transportation providers experienced a lapse in their required insurance coverage while responsible for approximately 40 bus routes in our district. Because of this, it is reasonable for parents in this community to seek clarity on an important question, whether any students were transported during a time when the required insurance was not in place. Parents deserve to understand the facts because they place their trust in this system every single day when their children step onto a school bus. They trust that every requirement has been met. They trust that every safeguard is in place. Insurance is not a technicality. It's not paperwork. It is a legal requirement and a fundamental safety protection. When situations like this occur, it raises concerns not only about compliance, but about how we ensure safeguards are consistently verified and enforcing moving forward. This is

009not about speculation. This is about transparency. This is about accountability. And this is about maintaining the trust of the families this district serves. Student safety must always remain the highest priority. Our children deserve nothing less. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And our last speaker is Mr. Gary Carter. Dear members of the Rutherford County School Board and parents of Rutherford County, I'm here tonight to address a matter to which I take full responsibility and to sincerely ask for your forgiveness. I take full responsibility for the laps and the insurance for the buses that I operate. This was my mistake and on that part, I'm truly sorry. I want to also apologize to the students and their families that this has affected. I'm sorry for any inconvenience that you may have seen. I also want to

010thank all my fellow contractors and drivers who've stepped up this week to make sure that all of our students have had a ride to school. We do this every day for our students. I fully understand the seriousness of this matter. The safety and well-being of Rutherford County students is not merely a contractual obligation. It is a sacred trust. I do not take that trust lightly. In any of my years of service, this is my first and only incident of its kind. And I give you my word it will never happen again. I remain committed to faithfully serving the parents and students of Rutherford County with integrity, accountability, and diligence. I appreciate the opportunity to correct this mistake and to continue earning your confidence. Please do not punish our students, their families, and all these wonderful

011drivers who do want nothing more than to get back to their students that they care for each day. Thank you for your time and allowing me to speak. Next [clears throat] we run we run to the bus contractor not maintaining insurance. Dr. Sulliv first I just wanted to give a rundown kind of of our situation and thank some people first and then I think Mr. Reid kind of go from there. So I thank the audience and everyone for being here. So our this situation, we were notified Friday afternoon of Ursa Major Logistics um their insurance being terminated. We called the owner once we were notified, but of course uh that was in the middle of afternoon dismissal, so he was driving the bus during that time. Um transportation took that certificate of liability insurance um

012that was issued back at that point at October 29th, 2025. Um, and then it had an additional form attached to it that had a form title, bus schedule, and there were 39 buses with a VIN number attached. So, what we received did have a cancellation date of Thursday and the buses did run on Friday. What we took then was we took the VIN numbers to identify the buses and we discovered uh multiple contractors as well, not just Ursa Major Logistics. So what we discovered first again is the buses were not covered on February 19th, 2026. Those were there were 39 buses again more than we had signed contracts for this contractor. That's that was fine. Nothing prevents a contractor from subleasasing buses. And so there in the contract there is nothing that pres prevents a

013contractor from subleasasing buses or having buses with other contractors. The subleasasing though did create issues for other contractors as they were listed under this insurance policy. So there are 39 listed under this insurance policy um without having insurance. This is a violation of our county contract and it is a violation of TCA Tennessee code annotated 4662111. Uh we next had to identify the other impacted contractors. Uh we are still working to determine if there was insurance coverage for these individuals, supplementary insurance uh possible. At that point, working through Friday night and on Saturday, um I made the decision decision in consultation with our schoolboard attorney, Mr. Reid, to not to permit buses that were impacted to transport students, even if insurance was restored over the weekend. because as a school district that was this large,

014we needed to have time to plan to provide transportation services. And so we began planning at that point. Saturday, we identified the impacted routes and the closest contractors, which took quite a while. We worked on that throughout Saturday. Sunday morning, we continued to identify our routes, called contractors, had our first releasement of our statement. Sunday afternoon, we continued to coverage our route, cover our routes, program our phone messages, uh let those impacted routes be known. Monday morning, uh we had our phone lines set up uh very early in the morning, answered phone calls, picked students up, made adjustments throughout the morning. Overall, uh we had several buses that were late, but our I can't thank [clears throat] our contractors enough, and I'll get more to that. Uh it was a much smoother morning than I

015anticipated. we did not have we had four or five routes that were not covered that we knew weren't going to be covered that we announced but outside of a couple minor issues we I can't thank them enough for what we were able to do then Monday throughout the day we made adjustments uh for timing and then Monday afternoon we made adjustments we communicated those to schools for afternoon dismissal there's a couple people that I want to thank and a couple groups first who are bus contractors and drivers Uh that was an unbelievable turnaround. Uh we I grew up here. The Saders drove my buses. 83 and 127s what I grew up riding. Uh was a huge impact on my life. I've mentioned that it wasn't perfect Monday. It wasn't perfect today. Um but we were

016able to cover the large majority of our routes. Um to our school staff, being able to communicate changes to students on the fly was a huge deal. whether that were our administrators, our support staff, our teachers, our students. Uh, one of the things we say as a school district this big is that we're a battleship and it takes a while to change and we were able to shift like a speedboat which is really tough for us to be able to do so. So, we are proud of that. I also want to thank um our team, our transportation team, and I know I won't get into everybody, but we spent so much time together. Um Tammy Gilland, Kathy Todd, Susie Lam, Elizabeth Brown, um and then Trey, our leadership team who worked on this. Uh Dr.

017K. Martin, Trey, James Evans, Monica Ridley. Um and I miss anybody tra you can think of right off the top of my head. That's that was kind of our control center, if you will, that we spent all weekend um together. And that got us to kind of where we we are today. And so the other portions that I I do want to kind of bring out for the public, we have had a couple other breaches of contract with this contractor, we had route descriptions that were an issue that we had back in the fall to where we had to issue a couple different letters. Um I'm thankful we got those route descriptions in time. if or for this semester, if we would have had this issue in the fall and not had our had our

018route descriptions, we would not have been able to pick up students as quickly. And so that is why those route descriptions are so important. He was not the only contractor that we had issues with. So I do want to be fair to that, but we did have to discuss this at other board meetings and give extensions for breaches of contract, which they have 30 days to cure. And that gets us all to where we are today. be happy to answer any questions or discuss. >> There any comments or questions? Please address the >> Yes. Thank you. >> So, um I spoke with Dr. um Sullivan yesterday and I got a couple questions. So, I know that there was a meeting yesterday between um Dr. Sullivan and Mr. Reid and Mr. Carter. So, how did that

019meeting go? >> Great. U Mr. Carter was very remorseful. One of the things I don't question is that Mr. Carter cares about kids. Um, that's not anything that I've ever questioned. His [clears throat] heart is uh for students, for kids. Uh, just this was a an error that caused a lot of issues for our district, for our students, and put us at a huge liability risk that I've had to have multiple conversations with county leadership about the risk that put on the county as a whole as well. Um, but came in very uh remorseful. Um, Mr. Reed and I had that meeting with him as well along with Mr. Lee. >> Okay. I've got a couple other questions and I I don't think there's anybody on this board that's happy about what happened. Um, mainly

020because it affected the children. So, do you feel like the issue has been resolved and do we have safeguards in place now? >> Sorry. >> Do I'm sorry. Do you feel like the issue has been resolved and that we've got place place cards because I mean somebody's credit card could not go through that possibly could happen. >> This was a longstanding over multiple months issue for not making payments. So I'm not going to get into that type of issue. >> Yes. My question was do you think we've got safeguards in place and do you think the issue has been resolved? The issue has not been resolved for this contractor as far as having insurance to my knowledge. No. >> Okay. Um what's your recommendation to the board? >> To terminate the contracts and I'll get

021further into that recommendation after we get further. >> How many contracts do we have now that are not filled? >> At least 39 right now. >> Note no outstanding before this. [snorts] >> We only had one or two. And how many routes is how many how many routes is that >> for this particular that fall under this issue? >> Not this issue, but do we have any outstanding contracts that have not been filled other than what this issue is? >> We we had two that were still out. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other comments or question? Yes, Miss Darby. >> I was looking over the contract. Um, it says each policy shall include a provision that it may not be cancelled without the insurance carrier providing 30 days advanced written notice to the board.

022I'm going to assume we didn't receive any such notice. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, that tells me that as a board we probably need to look at some other method of insurance verification. if we're not getting what's in the contract to give us notice that there's a potential cuz it looks like we tried to prevent something like this from happening and we did not receive any type of notice from the insurance carrier. Is that correct? Correct. >> Until it was actually cancelled. >> Correct. >> And that notice came from the insurance carrier. Is that correct? Okay. So, I don't know if [clears throat] I don't know what that looks like. I'm just bringing up the point that it seems like it's something that we need to address. And I don't know, Mr. Reid, if that

023would be an amendment to the contract or something in policy because obviously this 30-day notice from the insurance carrier did not work. And so being that through the rest of the school year, our contractors carry their own insurance. [clears throat] >> Yeah. there needs to be some other way of us making sure and verifying on a regular basis that they are in good standing with that insurance so this doesn't occur again. We had a couple other contractors ask us, different people over the weekend said, you know, of course the rumor mill goes rampant, so we had to check some other ones Monday. So we've even discussed, do we make it a requirement of picking up paychecks? What is the right way to verify? So we've discussed that internally as well because we have a fail

024safe built into the contract, but you're only you're only as good as a third party send you the information, >> which is probably out of the norm for them, I would guess. But um [snorts] >> another question I had was when it comes to if a contractor is leasing a bus >> to another contractor, do we need to put something in here that the insurance needs to be with the person leasing that bus rather than the owner of the bus? Mhm. So, just another after you and I had that discussion and after I had some other discussions with some contractors that called concerned. >> Yeah. >> It sounds like that's another thing that maybe needs to be addressed within um the contract. I think that's it for now. >> Miss Maxwell. Yes, Miss Rosales. >>

025I have a question. We had a change in the department in transportation. So, so when did we hire the new person? When did they start? >> Mr. Johnson, were you October? No. October. >> October. >> In October. And these contracts were signed in June. >> When did they have to have that insurance submitted to the um to the school insurance >> to get a check? They had to have the insurance before we could sign the contract. >> Remember, we did the $4,000 stipen which they received and they had to get proof of insurance, bring that proof of insurance back before we could sign the contracts. >> Okay. So, this was this happened before October. So, there was a change in transportation. And normally, if there was a 30-day notice, it will have gone to the

026person that's in over transportation. Correct. So, I don't know if we can possibly say that we didn't receive the 30-day notice. >> I'm glad you mentioned that because it did go to Wanda's email address, but it went the same day, the 20 what? The 20 that night before >> they mailed out the cancellation notice. They did not mail out a 30-day notice. Correct. Okay. >> Yes. >> so notice was not mailed. >> Yeah. So it went to Wanda but at the end day that information needs to be cleared up. So who clear so that >> who will be responsible to make sure that the right the right name that's in that if there's a change in precision >> our new yes or we've already put that safeguard in place too but >> I'm sorry >>

027we've already put that in place too. >> That's me now. >> Yep. >> Okay. Great. So then we tell the insurance carriers that we have a change in the department. >> We'll catch the best we can. But again, it's going to be on us to match every single insurance carrier. So it's going to be up to the contractor then to tell us if they change insurance carriers in the middle of the year. So that's why the paycheck idea is the best because if they change insurance carriers in the middle of the year ver or the middle of the month, change seeing that new insurance carrier would be our way. So this insurance was changed in the middle of the year. >> It wasn't. No. >> Okay. >> It just wasn't paid for a year in

028advance. >> Right. Right. Right. Instead of monthly. So I guess I think [snorts] I guess I'm trying to understand is when there's a change somewhere, who's going to be responsible to make sure that that change is known about the insurance carrier? That's all I'm trying to say at >> up to the drivers. >> Right. That's what I'm thinking. that if they're coming and finding the insurance then if there's a change in the position then the in because the relationship really is between the the insurance carrier and the ones who pays for it. So, I would think that they would be the one responsible to go and tell the insurance carrier, hey, there's been a change in the department of who is um who the communication is supposed to go to. Please make the change in

029your records because I think it'll be really hard for us to continue to make those changes ourselves. When there's a change in personnel, when there's a change in insurance, I think some of this responsibility needs to go goes back to the the contractor. >> That's why we're under a contractor model. You're exactly right. Yeah. >> Okay. just a moment. You know, did you have something to say, Mr. Vaughn? >> Yes. I tell you one thing I guess I'm really really concerned about. We paid uh every [clears throat] every contractor uh $4,000 something dollars for the insurance for the year. And there's really no excuse for insurance not to be paid when we were we gave the money to pay for the year. You know, that's a it's just it's just something that um will just

030put us in a really liable position. >> Yes. Miss Sharp, did you have something to say? >> Yes. Yes. I just like to make a suggestion that we have a generic transportation email address that goes to several different people. >> So like transportation and RCS or something like that. That way it >> several people can check that. >> Yeah. And that doesn't it doesn't matter who changes who is there. Thank you. >> That yes >> M Maxwell. >> Yes Mr. Tidville. You know, whenever we was going over the contract, we put in a stipulation that and it was after the contracts, we added the policy that the amount cap the amount of routes that a contractor could have specifically for stuff like this. We did not want there to be a monopolization of contracts in

031case we had an issue and then somebody had way more weight. We enjoy the mom and pop side of it. Felt that it was working very well. Um, and so it's frustrating for me to to see this. So, I think if we need to go back, as I heard mentioned tonight, there's nothing in there that would prevented this in the contract as far as subleasasing buses. If we need to go back and look at that for future, like we've adjusted the policy, I would like uh to mention that to Miss Ridley so that we can possibly add that to our bus or transportation contract so that we don't run into these situations. This is not what we're desiring to happen. We're not if we wanted to centralize the buses, we would move toward a centralized

032system. Um, that being said, uh, Trey, how many routes do we have? 330, something like that. >> It varies, but that's close. Yes, >> roughly. How often do we have a lapse in insurance? >> In my tenure, this is the first one that I'm aware of. >> How many years is that? >> Five going on six years in this position. >> Okay. First time this happened. And Mr. Bond made a great point that this the insurance payments were made upfront. So that's a decision. You can decide if you want to pay monthly or I don't know if the insurance works quarterly, at least my personal insurance, or you could pay it all up front and get it taken care of. So I'm not I'm not seeing the excuse. I'm understanding the liability. My other questions,

033did the contractor know? I'm sure that he would have known, right? Is it fair to say the contractor had knowledge that the insurance had lapsed and still ran the buses by all the data that we're seeing right now? >> My understand statement. >> Yes, my understanding. Yes. >> Okay. >> Mwell. >> Yes, Mr. Rosales. >> Okay. So, I understand that. How many contracts does the um does a contractor holds? And there's buses or lease. How many buses are leased? It's a great question and the you want to try to take a stab at it. [snorts] >> Best we can tell it's pretty even >> 21 to 22 >> around 20 and 20. >> That's a that's because there are other still working through some >> there are other buses that are some are leased to

034other contractors, some are on loan to other contractors. Um there's a bus that is um and this was probably the most concerning part of my conversation yesterday. Um we have two contracts that I know the board is very specific. We allowed the board we allowed contractors to switch routes at the end of the year. Um this contractor and another contractor have switched buses because it it probably is better for them. I don't doubt that. Um but we have in policy or in procedure that we switch one time a year. Um, these contractors have switched. We we have on we have a contract for one bus with a contractor. They're operating two different buses. And so they're they're not operating the bus that we have them under contract for. Um, and that was that was pointed

035out in our conversation and we just kind of left it at that. And so when we say how many buses, it's the best guess that we know at this point. So those are the type of things that I just do not know. >> Okay. So um the other question I have so since there were 40 um buses and these 40 buses were insured by one main contractor when you're leasing the buses and there's 20 of them is the whoever sitting in that driver and holding that contract are they covered? >> We're not sure yet. >> So that is one of the biggest questions we have. We're still trying to determine what was the insurance coverage for those individuals. >> So, there's a possibility that if you're leasing a bus and you don't know that you're

036leasing a bus and you're you're not carrying that policy as a bus contractor, they may not that bus contract may or may not have coverage. >> For sure, they were not covered on 21926. As far as before that, we're still trying to determine. So, there's a possibility that some bus contractors may not have insurance since the beginning of the year. That's in August. >> Okay. Um Okay. So, we know for sure in the 2019 in um February 19th, there was no insurance covered that whole entire day. And the and the bus contractor didn't call us and say, "Hey, >> [clears throat] >> um there's a l lapse of insurance. there's a I I'm going to make a payment. Um there's a possibility that I that my insurance carrier may drop me. Um I mean, is

037there any word of communication that was done from the contractor because the contractor will know whether they're paying the insurance policy or not to RCS so that we could make arrangements ahead of time and not allow these buses to drive on Friday? I did, Mr. Lee. >> We were notified by the insurance carrier around 2:30 Friday afternoon. Did >> the bus contractor contact us then after it was identified after we learned that the buses were not being insured? We made a we called the bus contractor then. Okay. >> I notified Dr. Sullivan immediately. >> Yep. >> Okay. Okay. But there was no communication by the contractor to say that there's a possibility that the insurance may be dropped. I'm going to make a payment ahead of time. >> Mr. Johnson. >> Okay. Mr. Johnson would

038like to Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. I called the same. >> Oh, you called the contractor the same day >> right after we notified him. Y >> Madam Chair, can he come to the mic, please? >> Yes, Mr. Johnson. Yes, come up to the mic, please. We can hear you better. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. When I was called, because I was actually at the airport getting ready to go out of town, when I was called by Dr. Martin and Dr. Sullivan, I actually called him and spoke to him directly. Told him what had happened. He admitted, "Yes, it did happen." And my comment to him was, "We need to fix this. We need to fix it today. Pay your insurance today so that we don't affect any kids on Monday." That was just me talking with

039him. I also talked to him on Saturday. I called him on Saturday to find out had he made the payment. He stated he had made the payment and of course I texted Mr. Lee to let him know but again it's all I wasn't involved in all the board talks but I wanted to make sure I spoke with him directly to see what happened why it happened. I didn't get a why and to me at that point it didn't really matter. The point was he had violated he had done something that was unforgivable actually but nonetheless he admitted he was wrong. He admitted it had lapsed and he wanted to make up pay for it. That was my conversation with it. >> Thank you, >> Miss Maxwell. Yes. >> The issue I'm wrestling with is that

040um there's it impacts a ton of people. Um first of all, um I am a parent. I my daughter does not ride the bus, but I've got her friends that live in our neighborhood ride the bus. One of them is a 5-year-old. Um, and the where I'm struggling here is that even though it was one day without insurance, thank the Lord nothing happens. Um, if something were to happen, Rutherford County Schools will be 100% on the hook. The other thing that I'm that I'm wrestling here is that it's also impacting the bus drivers who are trusting someone to pay the bills. And now there's a conversation now that the contracts may be terminated and that's their livelihood. I I take this very seriously. I know what it's like to be in a situation when you

041have to um lay people off. It's it's not an easy easy decision. And so I'm wrestling with this because someone's m some I'm sorry, someone's mistake has made a a huge domino effect. And then on top of that, um, our our staff had to work around the clock Friday, Saturday, Sunday trying to figure out how to cover these buses, these bus routes because there were 40 buses that were going to be parked. And I will have to defend RCS and say that the right decision was made to park the buses at that time till this gets um resolved. So, um, I'm really here really, it's hard for to wrap around my head thinking that there were buses that were driving on Friday with no insurance until we were notified that those buses were not covered.

042And if we have not gotten that phone call, then who knows how long those buses will have continued to be on the road with no insurance. That's where I'm at. >> Thank you. Any other comments, discussions? Mr. Vaughn, do you have something to say? >> Yeah, we didn't we uh one time bring up about voting for not having more than 10 buses per contractor. Wasn't that something we voted on earlier in the year? >> Yes, it was. >> And it was voted down. >> No, >> he was grandfathered in. >> Miss Maxwell. Yes, Mr. Tidwell. >> Uh to to the points that Mr. Rolls had just made, um yeah, that would have been over 10% of our buses, >> correct, >> were driving around uninsured on Friday. >> Correct. >> I think that's a pretty

043secure pretty big security risk. Um so didn't didn't like that information. >> Yes. >> Which has been pretty hard to defend for the county government officials who have called me. Any other comments or discussions regarding the insurance? >> Okay. Like to move to route coverage and the students affected. >> So, we are covering routes to the best of our ability. Anytime you take 10% of your fleet um or your contractor fleet off, uh we're going to have impacts. We're going to continue to have impacts. Um, we have absences just through daily absences of bus routes and we are any absences at this point are going to just us even more. And so we're limping through right now um because we're it's just it's just the reality. And so just because something is difficult though doesn't

044mean that you defend something that's not right. And I think that's where where we have kind of landed at in our recommendation. Um we're going to whatever the board decides we will of course implement, but we're going to do the best that we possibly can to provide transportation for all the students even if they are late um if we have to stay late to make sure they all get transported. And I believe that regardless of what the board decides, um, we can all make it work and our bus contractors can continue to pick up the needed slack. [snorts] >> Yes, Mr. Ba. >> U Question related to that. I know and I personally want to thank all the contractors and the drivers that have stepped up to fill in this gap. I know it's, you

045know, spur of the moment on Sunday night to get a phone call to do this. And I know you guys live this way. You're always ready for somebody's bus not to start, somebody's driver not to show up, that y'all are flexible enough to do this. But when, as they said, 10% of the fleet can't show up for this reason. I I appreciate personally. I want to say that question being related to that, Dr. Svin and and Mr. Lee when that happens, you know, a lot of times I've heard some of the contractors say, "Well, they'll swap out, they'll swap time for something." In this particular instance, what what will you do as far as compensating those routes? I mean, if somebody takes, you know, one contractor takes a half a route, another contractor, will you

046just split the paycheck between them? Is is there is there a formula? Is there a policy that y'all go by >> before Mr. Lee answers make the courthouse extremely mad? [laughter] >> That's what I That's the reason they do a lot of swapping. >> I already gave them a heads up and I was like, >> I'll run for you today. You owe me one next. >> Smith, just understand bus payroll is going to be ugly. So, >> all right. A a as a general rule on a normal day a most contractors have got friends that run buses in that area and they cover each other and as long as they're covering the route we allow them whatever their financial agreement is between them that's between them. When they are unable to cover their own routes

047they call us and we and that that point we step in. They don't that contractor that is unable to cover their route is not paid that day. >> Okay. those funds for that day are then redistributed to whoever >> whoever did it >> and it and it can be split. It can be one contractor covers it. There's also a formula in here for adjusted mileage. So we look at it both ways, whatever is fair. >> So there is the ability to >> basically two mechanisms. >> Yeah. Because you I would sit here and think and I know I've heard some of them talk about, you know, they have a motor go down and it's they're out of commission three weeks or a month. So they've got to do something, right? So that that's more than

048just helping somebody out one day, right? >> So there is a provision there is a provision to keep it square. Yes. And let me just read three buses. So you know, we've got four. You read this afternoon what we sent to the school. So, when I said that we're a battleship pivoting like a speedboat, here's three of the 40. >> Bus 39, Rock Springs Elementary students ride 74. Rock Springs. So, this is bus 39. Bus 39, Rock Springs Elementary students ride bus 74. Rock Springs Middle students that ride bus 39, those students ride bus 246, but the third load. Bus 39, Stewarts Creek High School students, you ride bus 263. So, that's all. So, we're going to split that payment three ways. Bus 65, Stewart Creek Middle students, you ride 243. 65, Smyrna High School,

049you ride 126. And then one last, just as an example, bus 75, Smyrna Primary students ride 67. Smyrna Middle School ride 245 and Smyrna High ride 67. So, we are adjusting that every morning and every afternoon with our routing to try to make it as good as possible. And it is it is and the reason we warned them that it was going to be messy for the first few days is we're still working through it. And the contractors are working with us. They're actually talking to each other. And that's where, you know, we they may have rode in on a bus today, but the contractors talk and they go, I think I can a little bit more efficient. So, we make a change today. Emma Dr. Sullivan with our route update. We call it tweaks

050and adjustments, >> right? that we made after yesterday and today this morning. We still making we're trying to we're making it better all the time and we send that back out to the principles so that the the most difficult part in the mornings and it mornings are difficult. But if a contractor sees a child standing out, they either radio in, call the person that may be picking them up, that should be there, or they pick them up and they take them to school. We don't leave children on the side of the road unless there's another bus coming that they should be on coming closely behind it. >> But they communicate that with us. The afternoons when you start changing these buses is where it gets difficult for the schools, especially with our smaller children to

051make sure they get on the right bus. >> That that brings on another >> and that's why we've been communicating. We do it every day at one so that the Dr. Sullivan can disseminate it, send it to the principles. The principles at that time can get their staff. And so it's an added additional work, not just for us and the contractors, it's additional work for the schools to make sure we're getting all of those children on the right bus >> and the parents, too, cuz I, you know, >> Yes. They're they're looking for a bus. They call into the office. My child's standing out. >> The bus went by. >> There's my bus. No, that's not your bus. The other bus is coming in a few minutes. So, so it >> compensation and logistics. That's

052what you've helped me with right here. >> There's two or three mechanisms to make sure. >> I thought there was, but I just wanted to clarify that. Thank you, [clears throat] >> Mr. Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Tidville. >> And I think that's a beautiful thing that our contractors are the relationships they have where they're picking up these extra routes working with you guys shows that there is really a community that's trying to protect these kids and get them to school. And that's the aim. And I'm I'm very thankful for that. Um I do have a couple questions now that we're on the students portion. How many students were affected? So if you have roughly 40 buses roughly, I'm guessing 30 to 50 students, maybe 30 to 60. >> 60ish. >> What's that? >> Between 60

053probably just on >> Okay. >> Two to three routes depending on the bus. Between four and 6,000. >> I'm sorry. >> Between four and 6,000. >> Four and 6,000. >> Yep. >> Okay. Now, on Monday and Tuesday, we kind of ran this hybrid model type situation. Um, and that that's going to lean into most likely tomorrow, I'd imagine. How many students did not get to go to school? >> And I know >> the reason I'm asking is cuz I went to a a Cub Scout thing um on Monday night and I was talking to some kids and this kid tells me he's like, "Yeah, I didn't go to school today." And talked to his parents. Obviously, it was due to the bus situation. So, how many students didn't make it to >> I know yesterday

054our absences were up 300 from Friday. Um, which could be I'm sure buses hit some of that, but it's also right in the middle of flu. So, we're right over 8% absent. We're normally between 6 and 8% this time of the year in February. And so, I know I'm at Dr. Martin pull our attendance for today, our overall numbers, we were right over 4,000 absent yesterday. And so we don't look at anything for closure-wise until we get into the 15% which we're so big we've never knock on wood ever gotten to. Um so we were at 3700. I know that you had that yesterday. I'm sorry putting you on the spot. Thursday of last week we had 3,113 students absent. On Friday of last week we had 3,795. So that from Thursday to Friday of

055last week that was a 682 student difference. >> On Monday we had 4,151 students absent which from Friday was 356 student difference. >> That was from Friday to Monday. The last one was Friday to Monday. >> Yes. >> So less of an increase from Friday to Monday than we saw Thursday to Friday. But still over 4,000's not only happens a couple times a year for us, but it's this time of the year it happens too. But I have no doubt that busing hits some of that. >> Yeah. And the kids might have getting picked up by their parents or something. I know there's no probably no direct way to figure that out. What I want to make sure is that as we are developing a plan, and I know this is all fresh and quick,

056uh that we are making sure that all kids are having an opportunity to go to school and that we're not leaving anyone out. >> Right. >> I had a question. Um, I know we want to pick up all of our kids. We want to get them all safely to school, but we had to prioritize also the special education because we're federally mandated. What percentage of those I know I got an email from a parent today who was frustrated and I I feel her pain, but what percentage of those routes were we able to successfully get those children and get them to school? >> Sure. So, um, as of the email that I just got this afternoon, I think we only have three buses that we haven't been able to fill as far as students with

057disabilities. Um, as far as the Monday numbers, um, based on the numbers and information I've been given from the schools, 17 schools were affected. Um, as far as the students with disabilities buses, um, that's in their IEPs and 48 students did not show up at school on Monday. I do not have the updated numbers from today. Um, so and several I I had several parents reach out. Um, some there was no bus, some there was um there must have been a lag or something in the pickup times, which you would expect with with a situation like this, there's going to be different pickup times. So when they went outside, there wasn't anybody there and then they tried to make other arrangements. Um and then also sometimes uh parents were just some of the students have

058um very severe needs and the parents were uncomfortable with a different bus picking them up. So, >> okay, >> that's what I've heard so far. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, I can attest to one of the the three routes we have not brought back on board yet. Um are the three We have three shuttles that go from the north end to central Oakland and Holloway. Those three are we have not brought back there. We don't provide transportation to McFaden or campus school or Thurman Francis. Uh we thought we were going to be able to use our activity buses and we had a a pretty unique way to be able to do that because they are not doortodoor but we're not going to be able to do that. So we found out today. So >> Okay.

059>> I just wanted to also make you aware that um due to this and us covering routes we have not been able to take students out to work-based learning during the day which is also part of their IEPs. So, yep. So, we're working that going as soon as possible. >> Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other questions? >> Have we started using ours yet? Our bus that's coming next, right? >> Yes. I was waiting on the decision tonight before I started that. >> So, we we have one bus in our entire fleet. Um I say fleet, we have a singular bus and so uh we are the one special education bus we have to use sometimes for a field trip. So, depending on what happens tonight, we very well may that bus will I

060don't know who will drive it. I guess somebody with a CDL license. You have somebody in your office, don't you? You have two. So, >> we we also have several people on staff that have that, but it is gassed up and ready. >> So, >> thank you so much. Thank you so much, Arthur. Any other comments or questions? Before I ask for a possible motion, I would like to ask Dr. Sullivan, what is your recommendation? >> Mr. Reed, was there anything that you wanted to cover? You feel like we >> Yes. I'm sorry. I think you've covered most of it already. I would know, you know, of course the board will remember we had a major discussion about the whole about the insurance issue and bus contractor's obligation to maintain the insurance. So it was

061a big topic of discussion for months that we had with contractors and you know um the board of education went out of its way to make sure that these contractors had money to purchase insurance at the beginning of the school year. So in the contract, there was $4,000 being paid per bus for each contractor for the contractor to then use towards purchasing insurance. So that was something that the school board did in an effort to help bus contractors get insurance. Um so and this this contractor would have received that money as did the other contractors. the um the contract provide. So, you know, given the extensive debate we had over the whole um insurance issue, the contract was very explicit with respect to what happens if a contractor does not uh maintain their insurance. So

062it does provide that if a contractor fails to maintain the insurance required under the contract or fails to provide proof of that insurance to the board, the board may doesn't have to, but they may either suspend or terminate the contract. So um under the provisions of the contract, the board can elect to do nothing in the situation. It can suspend the contractor or it can terminate the contract by virtue of the way the provisions of a contract are written. the um the um on the 30-day notice thing. That's a very typical thing for insurance provision. So, if you have a house mortgage or car loan payment, um the insurance that you have um on your house or your car will say before my insurance is is terminated, u the lender should be given 30 days

063notice before the termination takes effect. So that's the origin of that language that came from that contract, which is not an unusual provision to have. It's not unusual for insurance companies to to be to fulfill that obligation. I'm not sure why that didn't happen in this case, but um we did not receive the school system did not receive notice of cancellation until um the 20th at 2:30 as um has been talked about earlier. So um but the termination notice that we h we received did provide the termination had been effective on February 19th 2026. So because the cancellation notice that we got say it was effective and the termination was effective February 19th 2026. >> So um with that so I'll you know it's up to the board decide what they want to do about

064the situation. I think the contractor's been very apologetic about the situation been um I think he understand they understand that a mistake was made. They've been a contractor for us for a while for for a while. So, it's up to the board to decide what it wants to do. >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. >> I'm sorry. I just remember I had a question that someone um was texting me about or sending me about and I don't know how to answer it because I I don't know. So, um, so we gave the contractors $4,000 for the insurance, but we know that, um, 20 buses were leased. So, that $4,000, where did those that were leasing the buses? Yeah. >> Where did that $4,000 went? Did they go to the per to the to the to

065the owner of the buses or did they use it to have their own policy? We don't know. That is something we need to find out >> because I I don't know what to do with the people that are leasing these buses. >> Well, right now they don't have insurance. >> They don't have insurance right now. >> We're not sure whether or not they ever had insurance. >> Okay. >> Yes, Miss Sharp. >> Sorry. Could we suspend the rules and ask Mr. Carter what he >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I Yes. >> Mr. Carter, could you come up, please? >> What was your question? >> Yes. Um, so if when we give out contracts for the bids, there's a $4,000 stipen that we give towards the

066insurance. And I understand that the $4,000 that went to the buses that you hold in your contract. But what I don't understand is the $4,000 for the insurance that go towards the contractors that are going to be leasing the buses that you furnishing them so that they can fulfill the contract. So my question to you is, did you receive the the $4,000 stipen from the contractor who is leasing the bus for you so that they can be part of your policy? I guess >> the the checks were issued to whoever holds the contract. So, they were each giving they were each given their $4,000. >> So, you did not get a $4,000 check from them or any >> of them gave me that. Yes. And others have made monthly payments to me for that. >>

067Okay. So, Okay. So, but so technically they're going they're getting the insurance through you. Whether they receive they whether they gave you physically the $4,000 check or not, they're still making some payment of insurance for insurance purposes and coverage for through your policy. >> But some they also had to use part of that money to get their own general liability because they they were required to get that separate from this from this insurance. >> Yes, and that's true. But that's for every contractor. Every contractor has to get liability plus regular insurance. I think my question is not about the liability portion of it. is more about the insurance piece of that covers the whole >> yes >> passenger however many passengers that are there and that's a question I want to know from those that

068are leasing these buses if they're if they obtain the policy through your company or if they went out and got their own policy but right now technically they're not insured correct >> so it it kind of makes me led to believe that they're going through you for the insurance >> well they and we submitted all this back in July to transportation because it all had to be approved. Our the lease agreements that we had had to be approved. The insurance had to be approved. And what I got from the then transportation director was it was all good because I know she was sending it all to Mr. Reed's office and then it was coming back. We were all told that the way we were doing this was within the contract and we were good. That's

069what we were told back in July. >> Gotcha. And and thank you for that. I think where I'm trying to understand is that when you buy a house um and you have a renter in the house, you have a different type of policy. You have a renter insurance. So I would I'm not an insurance business. I don't know anything about insurance. So I would think that if you are leasing a bus for that person that's driving has to be covered in a different [clears throat] type of policy. I think it'll be I think it would be a different type of policy that that will not be necessarily rolled into your one policy. How we did it is they are listed as >> that's what I would think >> drivers under my policy and then we

070have added them as additional insured just like you as the school board are an additional insured. >> Okay. I guess we just need to make clarification of how they are insured because I want to make sure that we have the right coverage for everyone that's putting K that that is putting a bus out on the road and kids are coming inside [clears throat] the the bus to be transported because this is a very serious matter when it comes to an god forbid an accident that can result in liability. I mean this is litigation that we're talking about. Um and the the county the Rutherford County schools will be on the hook for anything that happens on the road because they're still a property of Rutherford County. The children are a property of the Rutherford County

071schools. I know that you guys own the buses and you guys are furnishing that, but it's the the children are coming to school for Rutherford County schools. So, I need clarification on how that insurance works because we need to make sure that they're covered correctly. And like I said, back in July, we submitted all this. We were required to submit our lease agreements and all this. And we were told by the then transportation director that what we had in place was sufficient. >> Okay. And you would have never known either if they're telling you that >> because we were we were required to submit it and she we were told that she had submitted it to Mr. Reed's office. They had reviewed it that we were all good to go. >> Gotcha. Well, I think

072that we've got to make sure that they're covered. Well, I can we're so I will address that. >> We're not insurance agents. >> That's right. You wouldn't know. >> I mean, we're not. And so the insurance company has them all listed under Ursa Major Logistics. And so if the insurance company issues it, whether or not the insurance company is covering them is a question for the insurance company. >> Exact. And that would be something that you responsibility have to talk. Yes. >> And we have not gotten that answer yet still. We have been trying for unless Mr. Reed >> We've been trying since Friday. Yeah. So, exactly. So, I think that this is a is something that if buses are being leased >> that the proper um policy agreement is done, but Rutherford County isn't

073know either whether the insurance is correct or not because I'm not in the insurance business. They're not in the insurance business. They're not going to know what insurance to carry or not carry. That's really a responsibility between you, the contractor, and who you lease the bus with because this is a serious matter. when it comes with li when it comes to an accident and it then there may be a possibility that there's no insurance. >> Um so anyway I think I don't want to continue but thank you madam chair. >> Mr. Carter, when's it when's the last time you paid your insurance? >> Um it was it's paid in full for the remainder of this school year. >> When I mean when did you pay before >> last Friday? Um, it was paid up through

074January and then or paid up till the beginning of January and then of course on Friday we made a payment to pay the pay catch it all the way up through March and then on Monday we paid it for the rest of this school year. >> Yeah. Well, I'm talking through July 1st. >> Yeah. I'm not talking about what you did now. I'm talking about before that time. [clears throat] Um cuz for them to terminate it, you had to be in the rears for a certain period of time, I would think. So I'm just trying to figure out uh you know when you you knew that you didn't pay your insurance. >> Yes. And that's that's the thing, you know, you knowingly put these people at risk and you put Ruff County schools at risk

075and the taxpayers in Rutherford County, you put them all at risk. >> I understand that. And for that, I'm truly sorry. I did not mean to do that. That was a mistake on my part. >> Mr. Darby, did you have something? >> Mr. Carter, when were you notified that the insurance was canled? >> I was notified um on Friday. I got a call just the same as the district did saying that the insurance had lapsed. >> Was that before the afternoon routes? >> Um it was actually at the beginning of the afternoon routes. I think I got the call about the same time they did. >> Okay. So, can you speak a little bit I guess to the decision to continue? >> Well, at that point, which you know, I was on a bus myself.

076I was not on one of my buses. I was on another contractor's buses covering a route for the county that's unfilled. Um, and of course couldn't do anything about that because I'm mid driving and can't you know and I you know you know on a bus it's difficult to make business decisions and to do things like that. But the buses at that point were already in route. >> There were some already in route when >> they were already in route because it was after afternoon after afternoon afternoon after afternoon after afternoon dismissal. Okay. >> Don't have it. >> To your knowledge, has the insurance been reinstated yet? >> Um, I know it's all I think um auto owners have been having technical difficulties in Michigan. That's what I've gotten from my agent for the last

077two days. Um, and I know everything has been submitted. I know we're just waiting on the actual letter that will back date till Monday. >> Okay. And then you've you said you've paid it through the end of the school year. >> It's been paid through July 1st. >> Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. >> Yes, Mr. T. >> Uh, Mr. Carter, I think this may been the question that Mr. Vaughn was alluding to. The insurance didn't have a set date that if you didn't pay by this amount, like year if you're paying monthly or quarterly, whatever, if you miss it, is there typically a grace period? >> Uh, yes. And from what I was under the understanding I had until the 27th of this month, which is, you know, a day after our payday was my

078understanding because that was the date that I had to pay it. But that was what my understanding was. But that's not what was true because that's what was listed online on my policy. So So the date that it was actually due is the date that it was canceled or was there a pre-warning, which I think is what he's alluding to, Mr. VA's. Um, there really wasn't like a pre-warning. It was, you know, my understanding was I had until the 27th to catch it up, which that was my plan was to catch it up this week. Um, which we were able to do. Um, but didn't know that, oh, hey, it's just going to cancel. >> Well, you know, when the bill was due, you just didn't you were just playing to the potential >> what

079I thought was the the last date I had to pay it was trying to get it paid by then. >> Okay. Had that happened before? Um it has happened um back in December, but I was able to but I paid it as soon as well before it was going to be terminated. >> Okay. >> Can I can I ask usually before they terminate you you get late notices? Are you telling us you never received any late notices? >> That I cannot I did receive but I also we actually I moved over Christmas break and those notices were going to an old address. How much is your insurance payment? >> My insurance is about $5,000 per bus. >> And how many? >> Paid me four and I'm paying five. So, it's cost me an extra 39,000

080more than what you get stipened. >> And you don't know whether you didn't pay it or not? >> Well, I I knew it had gotten behind, but like I said, I thought I had until the 27th to catch it up. Man, tell you what, if I had to pay that kind of money, >> but on a monthly basis, it's only eight. It's I think $8,000 a month is what it boils down to. >> How much? >> $8,000 a month is what the monthly payment is >> per bus. >> Well, no, for the entire policy. >> We're paying y'all too much money for insurance. >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Alice, >> you just said something that I wanted clarification. Okay. So, you said we gave you $4,000 for the insurance, right? >> But it cost

081you $5,000 for the insurance, correct? Okay. So, >> it's actually $965. >> $965. Okay. >> I think it's $4,965 is what I average for the bus. >> Okay. So, if you are leasing the buses and they're paying the insurance, are you charging them the full amount, $4,565? No. >> So, you just charging them $4,000. >> The $4,000 that they were given. Yes. >> Okay. >> and I will let you know I'm not the only contractor that leases out buses. I do it because new contractors starting out have a hard time buying buses. They have a hard time getting it started. And you know, I've always done this to help new contractors get on their feet. >> Mr. Maxwell. Yes, Mr. >> Sorry. Okay, this might probably be my last question. I shouldn't really um ask

082this question, but anyways, um so when they're leasing the buses to you, you're not charging them the full amount of the insurance? >> No, I take it out of what I get from their regular lease. >> You take it out what they give you in the regular lease? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I just make that much less off of their lease. >> Gotcha. But then you charge them something plus the So, you charge them some amount. >> They pay a lease payment. Yes. They pay rent on a house. >> But irregardless, you made the decision to eat that $1,000 if when you enter into that agreement. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. Dr. Sullivan, >> Mr. Carter, the insurance that was sent to us by your agent says it was issued on February 6th.

083Can you answer that >> on February 6th? >> Yes, >> that was a reinstatement on February 6th. >> So, was it cancelled in January then? >> No, >> Mr. Lee, what other cancellation notice did we receive? >> Uh, it was one that was rectified, but it was in October, I think. >> So, we had cancellation, but it was rectified the same day. Is that correct? Okay. So, it was this policy has 216 cancellation effective 219. So, it was a two week insurance policy is what I is what your insurance >> the only policy I've had since July. >> Okay. >> Say that again. I'm so sorry. I don't understand. The policy term says 121 am 712025 to 712026. And I'm not an insurance agent. I I not what I know with insurance documents, but it

084says issued 262026. Cancellation effective 219 2026. So that was the cancellation date. >> Oh, I can tell you normally they reissue every time I add a new driver or add a bus, they reissue the policy. >> Okay, >> I will tell you that. And I think that was about the time that that would have been when we had two new drivers that passed their license. So they would have had to been I know every time we change it's a brand new they reissue the same policy because it has to add them as drivers. We did have some new drivers that just got their license at the end of January. >> Thank you. That helps. >> And that's probably what that is. I'm trying to think. I know they I don't know why they reissue the

085policy just to add driver. >> That's the only thing they sent us. So that was weird to only see a two week. And also when they normally send it, it'll have, you know, the list of drivers again and that changed since the previous time. >> Okay. Yeah, that was just the only thing they sent us. So that was a weird >> and that that's the only thing I can think of because I know every time I add a new bus or add a driver, they send me this the whole proof of insurance all over again. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Are there any other questions for Mr. Carter? >> Thank you, Mr. Carter. I appreciate it. >> Can I give a couple updates? >> Yes. >> All right. Couple updates that Trey, can you Mr.

086Lee, can you speak to the special education? I think we fixed that. Correct. Or Miss Dr. Rston, either one. >> We've been looking at this afternoon's list. We're pretty sure we've got everybody. >> I thought we covered every route today. >> There there are still some parents it they are choosing not to put their child on a bus. Now, how how many that is, I don't know. Um but we are still running into that some and we have had a few students that have uh parents have reached out to me. One yesterday, one today and we've made sure that those students are now covered for tomorrow. So as we learn of students that were not on our list have been added um they are we're continually working every day. >> The other about absences, Mr.

087Chill, I'll give you an update on where we were. So yesterday we were at 4,194. Today we're at 3,494. >> I'm sorry, >> what was that second number? >> Yesterday was 4,194. Today is 3,494. So well back down to average again. And then I think to what >> absence is 3,494 today. And I think one of the things that's going to be the hardest for me this year is that $4,000 stipen. I know it's part of the contract. Getting the county commission to do that before they they really worked hard to issue that in June before the fiscal year ended. That's going to be tough this year. And so I just think everybody we had to do a special motion, get the county commission to cut checks. That's that's going to be a heavy lift.

088>> Madam Chair. >> Yes, Mr. Derby. >> Dr. Solivan, you mentioned, I think, on one of the examples you gave on the bus routes what that you're covering that one of them was like on a third run. Do we know what kind of like what our most severe time delays are looking like for some of these students? >> Dr. Martin, do you have the I know you're checking with um the time delays that we have. We're checking every morning and afternoon. our data is only as good as what the schools are reporting. But >> um and again, I want to reiterate the hard work that our transportation department has put into this and our contractors that have really picked up um the slack in this to make all of this happen and then our schools

089as we give out new communication morning and afternoon. Um, receiving feedback from our schools, um, talking with the principal leads in each of those schools, it's been very minimum. Um, elementary, um, really did not report any issues. Um, maybe one or two isolated. Middle school yesterday. We had about 30 minutes. Um, a later than usual on some of those routes, which I think is is pretty good. Um we did have one middle school that I know of that was um significantly later um but that was worked out today and addressed. And then high school the same very minimum maybe 30 minutes 45 minutes in some areas. >> Okay. >> Yes, Miss Sharp. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Solomon, if we vote to revoke his contract, what is your plan? continue with what we're doing

090right now the best that we can and limp along. I that's the best we can being down 40 buses. It's it's going to impact us. There's no way it doesn't impact us. Um but as I mentioned earlier, just because it's hard doesn't mean that it it means that you don't do what's right. >> Okay. Any other comments or questions, >> Madam Chair? >> Yes, Dr. Sullivan, I think it's very obvious that through the rest of this week, we're going to function this way for sure. Would it be possible to potentially give some time to hear from the parents of the students that this is affecting on their feelings? I'm I'm concerned on multiple levels. I'm extremely disappointed that we're in the situation that we're in all. I'm torn between what's best for students in the

091safety sense, which if the insurance is reinstated, the safety issue is fixed, but I [clears throat] do feel like there's a bit of a trust factor, that's an issue now all the way around. And I also know there are some parents that are it's going to present a hardship if there's a 30 to 45 minute longer delay in their kid getting home. So, it's a big issue all the way around and I'm just wondering if the best people to answer how they would like to proceed with that are the parents of those students that this affects. >> I think that's up to the board. I mean, I truly do, >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Table. >> Um, I'm just thinking through all these all the facts that we had before and it does there's

092a domino effect. So, there's a lot of different pieces that are happening. Um this is again I want to reiterate this is what this board tried to prevent by putting a cap on the amount of contracts that can happen. So it's frustrating that we're here. Uh even though there was a legal workaround I guess it's still frustrating. Uh but where we are at now I mean I'm certainly more in the corner of termination um basically mainly for precedent. If you let this slide then what else are we going to let slide? Um but in the other side uh I also got some emails about students being crammed on buses and that is not something that we can do. Transportation is a privilege. We're doing the best we can. I appreciate if they saw the mountain

093that the transportation department was working through this past weekend. People would have a lot more sympathy um in that particular regard. But where we set now? I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to go to move forward. At the bare minimum, a a severe consequence. And I don't know what that looks like. I don't know if that means this contractor gets to keep five buses as long as we have straightened out all the things or if it's a termination and uh we hope that the other contractors are able to step up with more buses. Trey, let me ask a question. in the middle of this. These routes, I mean, there's 30 40, excuse me, 39 close to 40 routes that we're talking about here. These are not all going to be like

094super hard to fill route. Like, these are not the routes that everybody else is has avoided before, right? So, there may be contractors that are willing, if they see that these are legitimately up uh to be filled, there may be contractors that are willing to step in and fill some of those routes. Would you Is that fair statement? >> It's going to be some of both. There's going to be some that will be attractive and there's some that are not as attractive, >> which is how the contractor was able to get some of them. >> Yeah. So, but but you could alleviate some of the pressure um if these routes went away. I think that there would be other contractors that would step up and fulfill those. So, that's just my two cents on the

095topic. I'm not completely set. Um if there's more discussion, I'd love to hear it. Uh but as far as emotion and where I'm currently sitting, at the minimum a severe drop down to the amount of routes available. Uh but I'm not completely against termination either. I just hate it for for two groups. I I hate that this happened because it could have been prevented. So I hate it for the drivers uh for this contractor. They're going to be affected. And I hate it for the parents whose students are going to be affected whether that means their their rout's going to be changing from here till the end of the school year depending on who's available and what's there or whether their students going to be crammed onto a bus because they don't have another route.

096They don't have they can't take their kid because they leave for work early and this that's just where they're at. Um that is who I'm trying to find some sympathy for to figure out what would be the best to move forward. >> [clears throat and cough] >> What's your recommendation? >> Yeah, Dr. Sullivan, what is your recommendation? >> For me, it would be to recommend we terminate all contracts associated with Ursa Major Logistics. And that's strictly on principle. Uh because I think if you let this stand, then where do you draw the line? And it is going to be hard. Um are we going to have hiccups? Yes. Are we going to have routes going to be uncovered? I have no doubt we will. Um and that's going to be a hardship. But just as

097we have to look out for our students, we also have taxpayers that we have to to look for. And there was definitely some issues here. Uh we also have a funding body that we need to look at. We have some liability issues that we have to question that I don't know we all have the answers to. I still have grave concerns that we have close to 20 buses that may have not had insurance coverage and may still not have insurance coverage. And so we've got a a one contractor issue and then we have other contractors that are listed here that are another issue. And so there's and I hate that for them. We've got a lot of issues here and I don't like that recommendation. I don't want anybody to lose their position. But the

098other part of if it was just by itself, but when I go back to the route description issue, I go back to yesterday, you know, we talked about we just switched routes kind of flippantly. >> Yeah, >> Mr. Mr. I'd like to recommend that we terminate all contracts associated with earth of major logistics and any and all contractors with impacted contracts by the loss and insurance coverage of this policy. Further uh impacted BIN numbers must come to the board for contractor or other entity approval before servicing Gford County schools in any manner. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Bot. >> Any discussion? Yes. >> Now, yes, I want to try to break this out a little bit. I've sat here and listened to us for almost an hour right

099now. And I know everybody's dealt with this as soon as we were all notified over the weekend, I guess, and tried to break this down and and simplify it and and maybe maybe that's a good way to look at it. Maybe it's not. I think as Katie said, there's there's other issues here. How does it impact the parents? Dr. Svin brought up. How does it impact these subcontractors or whatever these lease holders or whatever? But I think you got to go back to the principle of it. You got to start at the beginning and and and soon as you make that decision, it leads to making the other decisions. I think there's four or five decisions that either need to be made tonight or at least a couple of them forwarded to policy to to

100help us with over the next couple of months because the and I've looked at this and thought about it over the weekend and and I'm going be pretty simple-minded about this. I've leased a car before. I've leased a truck before. Our company has leased vehicles before. And most of the time when you do that, you know that lease holder owns has the title to the vehicle, but you have a contract with that person and the insurance is in your name. It's [clears throat] not in GM's name or Chevrolet's name or Beam and Pontiac's name. I think the first we ever did. So the the structure that that I say this board has allowed to to happen here that needs to be looked at very very closely. Uh I I almost believe this these leases are

101set up as a way to circumvent the cap on the number of routes. I'm not accusing anybody of anything tonight, but it just does not look right. They they I they're not legitimate leases in the business world as I see them. Okay. So, those that are getting caught up in this, I feel bad for them. those that got the $4,000 upfront and and you know, we're going to have to claw that money back, I guess, because we're basically two what twothirds of the way through the school year. We got about a third to go. And so that, you know, if we terminate these contracts tonight, there's I think there's provision in that $4,000 stipen that we claw back that unused portion. That's unfortunate for some of these people. They're going to lose their bus. they're

102going to lose have to pay the stipen back also. But going back to this, I endorse this idea. I think you I think you've got to you've got to set precedent. We we are accountable the taxpayers of the county. First and foremost, we got to look out for the betterment of our children that are on these buses. God forbid if one of these buses had had an accident and there was no insurance in place, whoever those parents were, if those children were hurt very badly, they'd own this county. So, first and foremost, we've got to take care of that. And then I think I've got a couple other ideas I want to discuss, but I don't want to get bogged down in that, but uh I think we terminate. >> That was a very lengthy

103motion. Did you get all of that, Don? >> No, ma'am. If Mr. can read it. How many take? >> Yes. Could you read it again for us? Sir >> recommend we terminate all contracts associated with the Earth of Major Logistics and any and all contractors with impacted contracts by the loss and insurance coverage of this policy. Is that it? >> Father, further impacted BIN numbers must come to the board for contractor or other entity approval before servicing Rutherford County schools in any manner. Yeah, let's just go into >> question. >> Yes. >> If it's found that any of these impacted subcontractors had insurance and that was covered, I'd like to recommend we allow them to continue to serve because there's there very well could be some that had insurance. >> Madam whole time. >> Yes,

104Mr. Arby. I'm glad you said that because that was one of my things I was going to ask about with kind of the knowing that this we're going to limp through this for this week >> would give us time to get the answers hopefully on the insurance side for those that were subleasasing those buses because if they can come to the table with their contract and their lease and the proper insurance I don't it really wasn't in their purview what what happened with Mr. Carter and I I I appreciate your point that they're they entered into that agreement and that's but to Mr. Tidwell's point too, it's it's affecting I mean it's just a such a widespread between the students, the contractors, the drivers, the district. I mean it's it's just a huge a huge

105ordeal. I I would be in favor of postponing the motion until we get the answers on the insurance for the subcontract the leases. >> Mr. But >> let me let me let me suggest this because as I said there's I think there's two or three other motions you come back and take care of those people. I I have some concern and sympathy for them. We're going to have to deal with reassigning these 40 um routes contracts. It's going to be a nightmare for Trey and Transportation Mr. Johnson and staff. If you want to do a separate motion that would give some type of priority to those legitimate contractors that they would either retain their route once proof is done. You got to throw this whole thing out start with cuz it's one policy. It's one

106set of circumstances as I see it and then allow those people to either reapply for the routes before they're reassigned to somebody else. That would be my suggestion. >> Makes sense. Yeah, >> Dr. M. Miss >> Maxwell Rosales, >> I think that to be in a fair situation because the ones that were leasing are impacted by this. They were not aware that this was going to happen to them because they were trusting someone else to carry that to do pay the bill, per se. Um, I'm following Stan's vein of thought that we make another motion to allow after this one to allow those are the ones the 20 that are impacted that they get their own insurance for cover for the coverage for that for the bus and to rebid or whatever to because it'll

107essentially be a new contract. Correct. >> At this point, can you go ahead? Yes, but I would also I think a portion that's important is kind of what Mr. Vaughn was talking about. The VIN number needs to come back before the board. Okay. >> Or otherwise you very well could end up in the exact same situation with one of these people subleasasing 15 or 20 buses and we're right back where we were. >> Okay. And well, what your recommendation I think the point is that we're allowing those that were subleas leasing a chance to stay in business. And I think this goes to our next point which is any other Yes, understand. >> Madam Chair, may I ask Mr. Reed a question? Mr. Reed, since this was a special call meeting, are we limited to

108just his contract and nothing else as far as motions? >> Robert's rules. >> I think you're fine. Looking at the agenda, um it >> says there >> says any other action regarding bus issues and or related to contractors. So that is a pretty open-ended agenda item. So that does allow the board flexibility to do other actions that would address what would affect other contractors. >> Okay. Thank you. >> That's what I was thinking. I was that's what I was going to say. I just >> another motion would go under number eight. M >> Maxwell Mr. >> I don't think we've ever came back in session from suspending the rules. We probably want to make sure that we do that as well before we put that motion on so that that's record. >> Thank you, Mr.

109Tidbull. I think you're correct on that. >> So, >> we're back in back in session. >> Thank you. >> So, >> good catch. >> Thank [laughter] you. So, we have a motion. Can you read that back to us and then we can vote? >> I still cannot read that. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Recommend we terminate all contracts associated with Ursa URA. Next word is major logistics. Got that? Okay. And any and all contractors with impacted cont contracts by the loss in insurance coverage of this policy. Now that means everybody's leasing my guess and ones that are on further impacted BIN numbers must come to the board for contractor or other entity approval before servicing Brother County Schools in any manner. Is that the end? Okay. Thank you. And we have a

110second by Mr. Ba. Could we do a roll call, please? Mrs. Darby, I still would have really liked to have given the parents a chance to weigh in, but yes, Mr. Ba. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Rosales. >> Yes, >> Mr. Vaughn. >> Yes, >> Mr. Tidwell. Yes, >> Miss Sharp. I'm voting yes. And this is a no-win situation for my area because the majority of the buses are in Sper and Leverne. >> Yes, this was very, very serious and should have never happened. But this is going to affect the district. Us terminating his contracts is not going to cure him losing insurance. But I'm voting yes. >> Is this a yes or a no? >> Mwell. Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Now we move on to section 8. Wishes any other action regarding

111bus issues and or related to the contractor. Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Rosales. >> I would like to make a motion um and maybe Dr. S can help me word this motion so I can say it correctly to where those that were leasing the buses, they get a chance to come back to us and bring proof of insurance with the VIN number. correct the VIN number and um does that and then they can still bid for the contract so that they can obtain the contract. Does that make sense? I hope that makes sense. >> Let me have a clarification. I don't think that if they're leasing these buses, they don't have ownership of them. >> That's the problem. >> That is the problem. >> Own them and they leasing from him. They'd have to have

112Yeah, that's the problem. >> So, they got to have a bus to drive. >> Yeah. I got Doc. What? Mr. V. >> You're talking to me. >> You reporting to somebody else. What? [laughter] >> No. I I was going to say, All right. Now, we got to get into the logistics of reassigning these 40 contracts, right? I mean, you got to have something. So you were going to say [clears throat and cough] the the the first thing I would ask for I think Francis would be that we would ask transportation and I don't know how much time you guys need. I don't know if you need a week, two weeks till we get to the next board meeting to look at any efficiencies maybe that could be gathered. I'm not saying the routes weren't efficient

113to start with. I'm just saying what makes sense right now that could be combined and let us limp through the end of the year and and then because there there are I'm sure there are other contractors that are watching this at home or sitting in the audience right now. Some of them are thinking, well, maybe I pick up another contract right now. Maybe I've got a spare bus I can put somebody on. Maybe Bluebird's got a used bus for sale right now and I'm pick up one of these drivers or something like that. There's fixing to be a lot of activity in your office. And so before we make any type of commitment, um I wonder if you need time to work through that or or or would you rather have direction from us tonight

114about where we go? I'd prefer direction. >> All right. >> But before you do that, and I'm not trying to muddy the water, there are a few of these affected contractors that do have their own bus and their own driver and their own insurance. >> So, [clears throat] they would be first priority >> and they're going to want to keep what they've got. >> Correct. And they should I think >> I mean that that I'm asking is that because there are a few that instead of following the contract and coming to us to swap the routes, they had a handshake agreement to swap the routes. In other words, >> so they've gotten caught up in the fray in the middle of the year. >> Yes, sir. >> Can you identify which ones those are? >>

115Got two of I can. Uh, I would like to make sure I've got them all straight cuz it's kind of been an a an adventure untangling all of the webs. >> Okay. So, if I offer if I offer a generic motion that gives you the authority, you and Mr. Johnson, the authority to figure out which ones those those contractors are. Let's start there. >> Well, I think the first thing is we assign them back to the contract they signed. >> Right. That's what I'm saying. So, so I I would move that we do that specifically first thing in the morning. >> Second. >> Yeah. >> Does that make sense for everybody? >> But those have gotten caught up in the fray right here that they get that ability to keep those get those contracts back

116or retain those contracts or whatever. Okay. >> Okay. >> Madam Chair, >> thank um first Mr. Title and then >> is she withdrawing her motion? Miss Maxwell with >> Well, he made a motion. I didn't make a motion. I I make one with Dr. S. >> I said to give me guidance, but I never was able to give any motion. But I know we normally don't do this. Um, and I know that this is not something in proper etiquette of Robert Rules, but someone out in the audience does want to speak. We allowed Gary Carter to speak. Um, you were I thought you went I know we need I really don't think we need to do that right now. >> Depends on what the subject. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Yep. >> Uh, Mr. Reed,

117>> could you come up here, please? I have a question. >> Use more shoes. >> I like I like the idea we got going on here. Here's my question. We already have contracts. So would we be in violation by prioritizing a group of contractors over our bidding process that we have in policy? If you want to try to deal with these contractors who are leasing buses that were affected, um I think you probably want to give the opportunity to those buses those contractors who you have existing contracts with to present proof of insurance. And if they can present proof of insurance that is accepted by the transportation department, they keep their routes. >> Okay. So, yeah. So, we're not in any violation of our contract by doing that as far as the bid process goes.

118>> So, I think >> because I don't want to be getting emails about, hey, from contractors. >> Yeah. >> Dr. Song would say something. Yes. >> I just think we need to clarify because that would go in contradiction to Butch's motion to Mr. Bond's motion because the motion that we passed was that had any contracts. Okay. >> Or association with Ursa Major Logistics. All of these are being subleasased. Some of these are being subleasased. And my biggest concern would be some of these are going to go back and be proved that they didn't have insurance, I'm afraid, all year. >> So, well, I I [clears throat] was in the assumption that we just terminated them all. So, we are a clean slate. And my thought is we're at a clean slate. As much as I

119love the priority option, um can we contractually do that? I think very unusual situation. I think this board decides that it wants to provide an opportunity for those bus contractors who were leasing buses to present proof of insurance to the transportation department which the transportation department accepts that they keep their routes. >> See, I guess I'm just I'm just confused. Go ahead, Trey. >> I I think it would be cleaner for everybody. We identify those people, tell you what their VIN numbers are, their bus, and proof of insurance, and we bring them back to you to approve. >> I'm I'm I'm good with that. Here's what I don't want to get into. I don't want to get into an unnecessary legal battle because someone wants those routes and we didn't follow the process. So, >>

120it's going to be a very few. It's It's going to be five to seven at the most. I'm okay postponing it. >> Mr. Darby, >> to your point, Mr. Tidwell, would we want to open that up for them to have the contract for what they're currently under contract for? So, it's basically like a change of paperwork. Since we're terminating the original one, we would reinstate them with that same contract they had. And any of the routes left that are uncovered >> [cough and clears throat] >> would be addressed in a different manner to the whole >> Yeah. I I wouldn't personally have, but you're asking You're asking me, so I'm sorry. >> Well, I'm just I'm trying to get to I think what you were >> Yes, I I wouldn't have an issue with that

121at all. As long as we spent so much time on the bidding process, I just imagine that is these are these contracts are completely separated now. We are a brand new clean slate. So there's not really a connection other than the connection that we are making in this meeting. So from a legal standpoint, I'm just wondering if we have the authority to go in and go over top of our bidding process and give them to and I would love to do it. I think that would be the best in this situation possible. I just want to make sure we're following the the correct legal strategy. >> Of course, with there with bus contracts, they're not bidded. So they're you know, you have this award process. to go through the lottery and all that through the

122board process. But um if the board decides that it wants to allow the affected contractors who you have contracts with who have been subleas who have been leasing their buses from um whomever to present proof of insurance and you want to keep those contracts and reinstate those contracts, you can do that. Okay. >> Thank you. >> That and I don't disagree with having that come back to the board and having you review it so you have the final say so so you know that from a board standpoint you're okay reinstating that contract. >> Mr. Vaugh. >> Well, I think what I'm referring to here I think I know what I'm referring to here. There's there's we believe there's three or four two or three situations, correct me if I'm wrong, that and I'm going to

123put it in simplistic terms that I understand it that at the beginning of the year had route number one and Ursa Major had route number two and they have swapped. the guy that had or lady that had number one now has number two. And so so number one is in the name of Ursa Major, but but this guy's already spoken for it. They they've legitimately swap because our policy gives them the right to do that. And so we're trying >> if it's approved by the transportation director and they've skipped that step. >> Okay. They've done a you and I are buddies and we've done exactly what you've just said and we're not telling anybody. We're going to take our money and we're going to wait and swap later. >> We're going to do it later.

124And so what I'm referring to is those people that have gotten caught up in this that they would have the ability to either and I don't know if you get them go back and have that route, their original route. They don't want it. They want this other route that they keep that new route. Speak to that, please. >> Both of those routes are affected by your original mot. We've killed both of those routes. >> Are y'all with me on this? What's happened? >> Both. >> Yeah, but everything is >> Yes, Mr. T. >> Everything is, if I'm understanding correctly, is blank slated. I I I'm catching what you're saying that they swapped like a handshake swap, but the way the motion read, it seemed like we terminated everything in >> and and and so you

125you you kind of got ahead of me. You got to the next step there. There's going to be as I see it in my mind, my feeble mind right now. There's about three steps we need to address tonight. And and this is the first legitimate one as I see it. Then the next one is going to be okay, how do we want to reassign all of these? Do we want to combine routes and limp through to the end of the year? Do we want to put them on the re roulette wheel right now? Do we want to allow the contractors that stepped up and have helped us the last two days to take these routes over? That's what you're getting to now. So, I'm trying to methodically take us through the stepby-step process. If you'll

126give me a little latitude, I think >> M. Can we have a fivem minute recess here, please? just for five minutes and then we'll come right back. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Mr. Vaughn will join us in a minute. Yes, ma'am. >> Yes, M. Mr. >> So, I think it's vein we're talking about here. Uh, we got a board meeting next week. So, I'm going to make a motion for the transportation department to bring us back a list of contractors that were affected that could be reinstated. And then we'll make a decision. If the board is good with it, this motion passes, we'll make a decision on those. That gives them time to figure out who could be in compliance, who has their paperwork together, who has a bus, who doesn't have

127a bus, and what that looks like. >> I'll resend my motion. >> You make that one. >> Will that work? >> I think give it a week. >> So, he's seconding his motion, Mr. V. >> I'm pulling mine off the floor, but yes, I will second his. >> Okay, Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. I just want to get clarification that this is going to allow anyone that was impacted by the buses that were sublisting that they get a chance to find a bus lease a bus and then get their own insurance >> in their name. Yep. >> In their name. So this gives them a chance to find a bus of their own a bus with insurance policy in their name so that they can get retain that contract. >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr.

128Tidville. There's an interesting distinction though between those that were subleasasing and because they were the contractor that was getting the check. So, they would be getting their route reinstated. As far as my question earlier about the process of whether or not we would have to go through the picker wheel, I don't know yet legally how that would look for the contractors that did not have a contract in their name. Um, so that also gives our transportation department and legal department a little bit of time to figure out the differences between those two, answer the questions about insurance, and let everybody kind of get in the same vein um of success so that yes, we want to give as many opportunities to those who were, as Mr. Vault put it earlier, caught in the fray of

129this situation. Um, but we want to make sure that we're doing it in the right way. So, this puts it back to the transportation department and the legal department to find out what that list actually looks like, especially between those that had the contract in their name already and those that were operating under the umbrella of the previous contractor. >> Mr. Vaughn, I just want to let you know that Mr. Vaude has withdrawn his original motion and Mr. Titull, could you read your motion and Mr. Vaude has seconded this, but could you read it again, please, for the audience? >> Yes. So, the motion is for the transportation department to bring us back a list of contractors affected uh by this incident that could potentially be reinstated and they will give us guidance on that

130and then we can make that decision uh on our next board meeting which I don't have it in front of me but coming around next week. >> Okay. Thursday. Okay. >> Thursday. Next Thursday. >> Okay. >> Next Thursday. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Could you make a roll call vote? >> Yes. I'm sorry, Mr. things I just think the board needs to consider. >> Um, when we had new contractors, then we were given the $4,000. So, this could have a huge fiscal impact to people we've already given $4,000 to. So, that's another thing that we're going to have to to work through. >> Um, and then I've got one other motion I think we need to make afterwards to for one >> Oh, I've got two or three. >> Okay. Well, I got one

131other one individual that is ready. >> We're going to methodically work through this tonight. >> Okay. So, now we're ready to vote. Thank you. >> All right. Mr. Va, >> yes. >> Mr. Vaughn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Darby, >> yes. >> Miss Sharp, >> yes. >> Mr. Tidwell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rosales, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maxwell, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> I've got I've got one question. >> Yes, Mr. B. We talk about these loose buses, you know, we want these people to come back and give them opportunity to see if they want to continue to drive, [laughter] but the problem is that how many of these buses were owned by Mr. Carter that they're leasing from him? So that mean that tells >> that tells me that these drivers have no buses

132to drive. >> Correct. >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Tidwell. >> Yeah, I think that that is uh a worthy point. That's why we're giving them a little bit of time to work out those details to figure out who can get a bus in time, can get insurance, can get coverage uh versus those that cannot. And it might be a small number, but at least it's an opportunity. >> Okay. Anyone else? Yes, Dr. Sullivan. >> I've got a recommended motion. Um because we have two buses that were impacted, but the drivers had either were connected or contractors were connected or they were using a loner bus. So, this was of no fault of their own. They were listed under the policy, but they had their own. So, one is for bus 313 contractors, Miss Donnell,

133and the other one's for Stewart 140. So, I'd recommend those two to be reinstated because they are driving right now. They have their own insurance. And is that correct, Mr. Lee? >> Yes. And so, 140 and 313. Um, those should not be impacted. Those had their own insurance. >> I'll make a motion we reinstate those two. >> Okay. Second. Thank you. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. >> Yes, Miss Darby. Dr. Svin, I would they have been affected by the motion because the motion that uh was stated said that any that were affected by that insurance policy, >> they would have been added because he was loaning them a bus. So they automatically add them. So just to make >> even though they had a separate policy, they still fell under that one as well.

134>> We initially told them they couldn't drive. They gave us proof and we're like, "Okay, you can drive just to question it." They were under two. Okay. >> And there's a there's a couple that I haven't That's why I asked >> to be given time. There's a couple that I haven't seen yet. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And if I can So you and you and you've also got this situation that you've got somebody that is a legitimate contractor has, you know, a route over here, contract over here, bus in their name even. driver in their name over here, but they have gone and leased a bus over here to add that second route even though they had that insurance there or they've swapped that route. Let me rephrase that. may have swapped it route. And

135that's what I was trying to get to while ago, but I before I mess up, I I think this is probably the best way and give him time to document and see who these are. And how we can prove that is verifying VIN numbers to insurance policies to contracts. All that stuff's got to match going forward. I just need those two running because they're they're fine. So, yeah, those >> Well, if it's all it's all right with you, can we just vote by acclamation? >> Sure. >> Okay. All in favor with the motion say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now, um I think we need to give transportation some direction. Mr. Johnson Trey and them some direction as to what type of semi-permanent assignment of

136these routes over the NE because we we've still got a third of the school year left. But I'm reluctant to turn it into the Wild Wild West again, so to speak, and permanently assign these routes to other contractors at this point because this is this has happened so quickly and so fast that there may be some young contractors out there that would pick up another route right now, but they don't have a spare bus sitting there. They don't they need a little time. We've got to get everything covered now between now and the end of the year. And maybe some of our older contractors that's got a couple of spare buses sitting around may make a deal with some of Mr. Carter's previous drivers to run one of their older buses the balance of the

137year and let y'all assign those routes that way. That's what I'm looking for now. I don't want to do I don't want to do anything permanent tonight that that is going to impact the ability for somebody to grow their business because this has come about real quick. Ideas. >> My ideas put them on a picker wheel tomorrow. Start giving them out. [laughter] >> More I can get out, the more I the more coverage. >> I'm not opposed to that. I just I I hated to do it. That's if if this is this is what y'all voted to do, these routes are now available. >> Okay. >> Now, can I will I get through them all between now and the end of the year at the rate this goes? No. >> And and that's the provision

138I'm trying to you know, >> I wish it would. I I'd like to have them all done next week. I mean, and I'm not being >> No, but realistically, that's not >> the sooner we can get these. >> By policy, that's what we're supposed to go ahead and do. >> By policy, that's what we're supposed >> All right. How long All right. Before their name can go in the picker wheel. Do they have to have a bus? Do they have to have the insurance policy? >> We give them once their name comes, we usually give them four to five days. >> Okay. So, they would have a they would have a week to come up with a bus. And most of [clears throat] them know, you know, if they're already on our list, they they

139have to tell us they want to be part of the list. >> Okay? >> So, if they want to be part of the list, they've already done some preliminary work. They've got something lined up. They've got an agreement in place. They've got something there to be ready. I don't give you a your name doesn't come up. You get a route. You got a month to decide whether you want to do it or not. >> Okay. Just M Darby for >> Yes. >> follow what I'm saying? >> Yes. Yes. >> Mr. Darby. >> Mr. Lee, would it be appropriate to say you could put a notice out tomorrow letting drivers know that if they want to be added to the list because they weren't previously on it that they need to let you know by end

140of business Friday? >> Sure. >> So that you could start that process. >> If like you're saying, Mr. involved. Somebody wasn't on the list cuz they weren't ready, but they see, oh, there's fixing to be some routes in my neighborhood or my area. I I would like to get involved. Then that gives them that o reopens the door for those that had a different mindset. Gives them three days to get in >> and I think that would be fine. >> Miss Sharp. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, Mr. I'm wondering how we're going to solve the issue when you put the bus drivers on the wheel and they're assigned to Lever. That's one of the reasons that Mr. Carter had all the routes up there because nobody wanted to run up there. That's how he

141had so many buses. >> I don't know. We'll see. We'll put Only thing I know is to put them out there and see who takes them. >> What What if they refuse? then their name comes off the list. The way the new policy reads, if you turn down a list, you I mean if you turn down a route when your name comes up, you come off the list till the list is exhausted. >> Okay, >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Tidwell. >> And we just put a motion out there to say that you're going to bring us back a list on some that could possibly be reinstated. So, some of those could be Leverne uh bus contractors, might be spread out throughout the the county. We don't know, but there's potential there. We're just trying

142to figure out those that are already driving the route. They those would be kind of the priority pristine customers to have or contractors to have and then from there it goes to the picker wheel. Is that fair? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Does anybody have any anything else to add? >> Do we need to vote on >> prefer to vote on prefer? Can we make a motion that transportation is going to notify the contractors that they need to notify him if they want to be added back to the list by end of business day Friday >> and that that gives you enough time is that correct to identify for the previous motion by end of week >> I believe we can yes >> and so starting Monday you will start that bidding process >> if

143that's what I'm directed to do. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay, >> I'll second that. I'll second it. [laughter] >> Did Did Don did you get all that? [clears throat] I know you are. I'm >> all right. I'll do the best I can. Um motion motion made by Katie Darby and seconded by Claire Maxwell to notify the bus drivers by this Friday and allow them the opportunity to be added to the list by contacting transportation. >> Don, we're going to notify them tomorrow. They have until end of business day Friday to notify Mr. Lee if they want to be added to the list. >> Can we say the transportation department? >> Sorry, the transportation department. >> So, we're transportation department is going to notify the drivers that if they would like to be added to the list,

144they must do so by end of business day on Friday. I think we're okay with the acclamation. >> So, could you read that motion one more time? >> I am. >> Very difficult. I apologize. Um motion made by Katie Derby and seconded by Claire Maxwell for the bus drivers to be notified tomorrow. If they would like to be put on the list, they must respond to the transportation department by the end of business on Friday. >> Yes. Okay. All in favor of the motion? I >> I >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Yes, Mr. >> All right, let me be the bearer of bad news or think about it this way. The some of these people may release buses from somebody else. They may not have the ability to finance one through Pinnacle Bank or Midsouth

145or something like that. I believe we need to have a set of approved less sores that these bus drivers, these bus contractors can do business with and it not be the wild wild west out there. Cuz everybody the, as I said to y'all earlier, the fallacy I see in all this and what has got us here tonight is the a lot of empty promises. Some [clears throat] some of these are are are no different than almost tote your note car lots and and some of these people that's gotten these contracts have um you know been subjected here. They're going to have to pay back the the you know the money the unused portion of of of their um insurance. And so I think this board needs to have the final authority on the less sore

146right that's what I'm thinking about not the ley the less or the m the the entity that is providing the money we need to have the fi we need to have a final say if that is an approved company to do business with whether it's Pinnacle Bank a national leasing company, Midsouth Bank, Stan Vault. This entity needs to have final authority if it's a lease situation. Now, I'm throwing that out there for discussion. >> Yeah. >> Yes, Mr. Vaughn. >> Mr. Johnson. I mean, we're talking about transportation and I'd [laughter] really like to get the feelings of the man in charge of it, you know, about, you know, we talking about having buses available and all like that. [clears throat] I know you got some good ideas. If you got if you feel free to

147let the board know what >> would you come up to the podium, sir? >> Thank you very much. M >> since I'm responsible >> make sure that the promises that's made in here we can fulfill great ideas here are some of the problems many of the drivers that we're talking about cannot afford to buy a bus that's why they're leasing >> right >> so to expect them to come up and say I've got a bus within a week that's unrealistic >> what I would like to do with my leadership team is to sit down with them and look at outside options there are some options where we can look at commercial companies to come in and provide right now transportation support for our sped routes which are mandatory. And also talk to my leadership about

148an outside agency who can provide transportation if we need to which could keep all of our drivers, keep all of our buses, but have an entity to manage those. I want to talk to my leadership about that to give them those options because putting on the pickle wheel doesn't mean it's going to solve the problem. And I don't want to set unrealistic expectations and have to come back or have my boss to come back and say we couldn't do it or we didn't do it. We're going to work at doing it. But I am always looking at risk and that is a risk. It's not a certainty. >> Miss Maxwell. Yes, Miss >> Dr. How do you feel about that? because that is the one thing um I agree with you that because of this

149mishap has put some people in a very situation that they did not ask for um I the insurance piece is something that has to be resolved obviously because we're putting people at risk but they were they decisions were made it is what it is but what do you think about what he just said allowing a cont company to come that can provide the buses that can help these the ones that were leasing the buses, if we do it properly, have proper paperwork. >> Yeah. I believe in our contractor model until I'm proven differently. >> I'm sorry. >> I believe in our contractor model until I'm proven differently. >> Okay. >> Notice that. >> Yeah. I mean, I believe in it until I'm proven differently. It's worked for decades. Um whether or not we need to

150have our own. Like, it would have been nice. I know we discussed having our own last year to have just a small version. So, we could have helped a little bit to five or six. We could have we'd have everything covered. I'd have my shuttle buses going to some schools, but this model has helped and run in our district and I until it's proven otherwise, I would never abandon that. >> Okay. Okay. >> Well, that's why I was asking you for your recommendation. Thank you. >> And the other option is for the district to buy the school buses >> in use. So, there are various options. I just want everybody to know it's Yeah. more than one option. >> And in Mr. Johnson's fairness, we haven't been able to talk since Friday. He was he

151had approved leave and today was not today. >> Today was not a good day. >> Today was not a day that Mr. Johnson [laughter] and I were able to talk. >> Just waiting on the midstate. >> Y >> Madam Chair, Mr. Darby contract. >> I think that there needs to be and I don't know if this needs to happen with Mr. to read, but probably further conversation that while I don't know that I'm as concerned with who someone is leasing the bus from because the buses still have to go through inspections and all that, but I do think there has to be something in place that speaks to the insurance and the proof of the kind of insurance whoever is leasing that bus obtains as shown today. So, do we need to as a board

152address that tonight? Does that need to be put on the agenda for our meeting next week? And we can speak with Mr. Reid about how that needs to happen because I also think there's the other piece with how we want to move forward with people providing the proof of insurance if we're going to move that on to paychecks that all of those things. >> We can discuss that next board meeting when whatever recommendation we get from transportation department um in regards to some of the affected contractor comes back comes back. We can talk about what options um le people who are leasing buses have for insurance and what coverages are available to them. >> Can can we ask you to get from the insurance experts specifically if someone is leasing a bus? What what that

153how that needs to look? what the the actual various because we're saying like does it need to work like when you lease a vehicle or does it work the way Mr. Carter was originally told was fine. There seems to be some confusion as to what the the true proper way is to do that. So, can we get some guidance on that please? >> Yes, we can. >> Thank you. >> Okay, Mr. Vaughn >> need to notify all the insurance companies too. I mean, we >> Yeah, >> we need to be notified anytime that >> they're supposed to. >> Yeah, >> they're supposed to. >> We need to Can we send some kind of letter in the red envelope? It's >> They do, but as much as they change agents, it's >> Miss Maxwell. >> Um,

154>> yes, I appreciate that. I I think we've got a lot of things in place for the transportation department to start moving. Um they're going to deliver that communication out to the contractor so that we can potentially speed up that process. We could look way different by the end of next week in a much positive much more positive way 3 weeks from now. Hopefully it's even better. Uh but I think we do have a lot out here. So I'm not sure what else needs to be considered. Um, but just a last point to to Mr. Vot's uh point earlier, my dad's retired Nissan, so I've done the Nissan lease program, and they had a for insurance, they gave us four providers that we could get our insurance through. So, that is not uncharacteristic. Um, I

155don't know if we need to give that more thought. I don't I don't know if that needs to be a discussion we need to have tonight, but that's something that we probably may need to consider to avoid the situation we arrived in tonight. Okay. >> Yes, Mr. B. >> And kind of follow it up. I think how we got here, it was started out probably innocently 5 years ago, 10 years ago, I don't know. Somebody had a broken down bus and they needed to borrow a bus. Well, it turns in from borrowing it for one day to to keeping it for a month. And so, that was a lease or that was a rent or something like that. Well, if you can do it for a month, why can't you do it for two months?

156And then all of a sudden, you do it for the whole year. And this thing has kind of evolved without any maybe direct direction from the board. I don't know. I haven't looked at all the policies related. But I can see how this situ I can see how we got in the shape we're in that and and not only you you know the reason we spent a lot of time in policy last July and voted on the you know limiting one person one entity having 10 buses. Uh, I don't know that any of us saw this coming, but we saw it coming from the end of the school year when we had multiple contractors threatening to strike or park their buses or something like that. And it made us all start thinking, wait a minute,

157you can't put the children, the whole school system at in jeopardy by allowing one entity to do that, to shut the whole thing down. And that's essentially what's happened here in the last 48 hours. I don't know. I I don't think it was intentional. It was unintentional, but we're the body that has to make the adjustments to keep it from happening again. So, the buck stops with us. We take I mean, I feel bad about it, but I take full responsibility as a board. We should have saw this coming. We try We did address some of this in policy and at the board meeting back in July, if I remember correctly. It was kind of postc contract that these these were some this was back when the the the fraud issue was brought up to

158Dr. Sullivan and Ourel or myself far as I know state controller hadn't investigated or at least he hadn't called me to testify. I don't know but um the buck stops with us and so we really really need to think through this before we kneejerk react and and you know trying to get I I guess from my standpoint asking Trey and transportation let's limp through for another week or 10 days and see how much we can get done. Um, and then maybe listen Thursday night and do some more. >> Miss Sharp. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Reid, um, it's been a minute. I don't know that you need to go to the podium or not, but I sent you a copy of a a bus driver handbook and I know things happen. Can you send

159that back out to the board members and let us look at that? the the one from Hamilton County. >> I believe it was um maybe Wilson County. >> I'll look and see. >> Will you will you send it out to us just to see if there's anything in there that we can any information that we can glean? >> Sure. >> For a policy. Thank you. >> Dr. I just know until we get these routes covered, I have to have our contractors help still. Like we we have to have our contractors step up and cover these routes continuously because without them, we won't be able to cover routes. So, need your help, please. Okay. >> Oh, yes. Yes. And the courthouse again hates us, but they'll >> Oh, it is what >> they'll get over it.

160I'm sorry. Yeah. >> Okay. Is that it? >> Yeah. >> Move to adjourn. Thank you. Okay.