Arlington Public Schools: APS Statement On Bus Driver Concerns

Arlington VA

23 November, 2021

9:33 AM

Description

Press release from Arlington Public Schools: 2021-11-22 Summer School Pay Incentives – We are committed to providing full in-person and full-time distance learning summer school programs for summer 2021. To ensure we have excellent teachers and staff available for the summer school program, we will provide a bonus for summer school teachers and assistants who are reporting in person this summer. More about the bonuses: Summer School Pay Incentives  – We are committed to providing full in-person and full-time distance learning summer school programs for summer 2021. To ensure we have excellent teachers and staff available for the summer school program, we will provide a bonus for summer school teachers and assistants who are reporting in person this summer. More about the bonuses: These bonuses will equal $1,000 for T-scale employees who report in-person for the entire summer, and $500 for assistants who report in-person for the entire summer. Bonuses will be prorated for employees who work in a job-sharing capacity this summer. For instance, a T-scale employee who works for half of the summer school session would receive a $500 bonus.   These bonuses will equal $1,000 for T-scale employees who report in-person for the entire summer, and $500 for assistants who report in-person for the entire summer. Bonuses will be prorated for employees who work in a job-sharing capacity this summer. For instance, a T-scale employee who works for half of the summer school session would receive a $500 bonus.  BONUS: The School Board approved a $1,000 bonus for full-time employees and a prorated amount for part-time/hourly staff on Nov. 16. Bonuses will be delivered on Dec. 6 to employees hired on or before Nov. 1, 2021. Drivers will receive this. COMPENSATION: APS compensation for bus drivers is competitive with the other local school divisions, and APS increased driver compensation in FY2022, and in the FY218, FY19 and FY20 budgets. The FY22 budget provided a 2% COLA for drivers along with the eligibility of receiving a step increase in early 2022, like all other employees as noted in the approved FY2022 budget. No employee group received a COLA or step during FY2021; however, drivers and attendants received a 1% increase each year for 3 years – FY18, FY19, and FY20 for a total of 12.2%. Bus driver compensation range: Arlington Public Schools – $21.59 – 35.60 Alexandria City Public Schools – $20.70 – 34.22 Fairfax County Public Schools – $22.92 – 35.35 Falls Church City Public Schools – $20.01 – $36.26 Loudoun County Public Schools – $22.16 – 38.51 Prince William County Public Schools – $19.53 – 38.79 MORE HOURS: APS is beginning the Budget Process for the next fiscal year, which will include a review of hours, pay rates, and compensation for all staff. Compensation is the priority in the upcoming budget cycle as it was in the previous budget. CLIMATE: We understand some drivers have concerns about the work culture and climate, and that is something we take very seriously.Some immediate steps taken, and next steps include: This press release was produced by Arlington Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.