SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Several school bus routes in the Sumter School District were delayed Tuesday after a shortage of bus drivers, who are saying they're protesting over pay.
In a post to Facebook, school officials announced the delay around 8 a.m. The district confirmed 20 out of 90 drivers did not report to work this morning, or about 22 percent of them. The district said 18 were from the Sumter bus hub, while 6 were from the Furman bus hub. Some parents shared on Facebook that their kids did not get to school until after 9 a.m.
The district had to use coaches, teachers, and regular drivers from other areas to cover the routes.
"We commend our coaches, teachers, and regular drivers from other areas who stepped up to ensure the bus routes were covered," the district said. "Routes will run as usual this afternoon, and we do not anticipate any major delays."
Later, News19 observed several bus drivers outside the school district office who said they were protesting for pay, better treatment, and recognition of achievements.
"Pay us what we deserve. Pay us enough to where we can live and we can live comfortable without having to struggle," Cassandra Peterson, a bus driver, said. "We got to sit here and figure out when we get paid, how many bills can we pay out of our check -- that's not fair."
District officials say the starting wage for a newly hired bus driver in Sumter County is $10.19/hour. After 20 years of experience, drivers can expect to make just under $15/hourly.
"You got drivers out here, have to find a ride to work just to make end's meet and it's not enough money and it's not fair to them," Peterson said.
The protest started Tuesday, but the issue goes back further.
District officials received an anonymous letter from "Sumter School Bus Drivers" about two weeks ago expressing their concerns over pay and treatment and requesting a meeting to discuss changes by November 4.
In a statement to News 19, Sumter Schools responded saying:
"Due to the confidentiality of pay, three days (October 30, November 1, and November 5) were set aside to meet with drivers on an individual basis; however, only six drivers elected this opportunity to meet, and the majority of those canceled.
"This morning, Superintendent Penelope Martin-Knox met with a group of bus drivers who had gathered outside of the district office. They presented some valid concerns, and she offered to meet with representatives of the group to continue discussion. Bus drivers will also have the opportunity to meet in a group setting next week.
"As we are still in a fiscal emergency, all matters that pertain to the effective operations of the district, particularly those that impact the education of our children, continues to be our top priority."
Sumter School Superintendent Penelope Martin-Knox also sent a letter to drivers saying, "If you have questions regarding your rate of pay, staff is still available to meet with you individually. This information is confidential and cannot be discussed in a group setting. Our finance department is currently reviewing pay stubs to ensure your rate of pay is noted."
"... In an effort to continue open, two-way communication, additional meetings have been scheduled on Tuesday, November 12 at 9 AM for drivers with last names beginning in A-H, Tuesday, November 12 at 11 AM for drivers with last names beginning with J-Q, and Wednesday, November 13 at 9 AM for drivers with last names beginning with R-Z...."
"Please know I sincerely appreciate everything you do to ensure our students arrive safely to and from school each and every day. You are valued and appreciated," she writes.
A spokesperson for the district says they are arranging coverage for buses, so they do not anticipate any major delays for students Wednesday.
This is a developing story. We are continuing to gather more details on this as they are released to us.