Schools' bus boss predicts smooth upgrade

Officials say they hope the Richmond County School System's Transportation Department will run more efficiently this year because of a coming staff realignment.

"As you all know, it is no secret that the Transportation Department must be realigned with the right person in the right seat for it to become efficient," Transportation Director Jimmie Wiley said in a recent memo to Interim Superintendent James Whitson and school board members. "... We welcome your support and hope that you will agree that it is time for a change."

The realignment, which was approved by the school board Tuesday, would start in a first phase as soon as this month. This past school year, some parents complained about bus routes not running on time, and officials complained of absent or tardy drivers.

Under the realignment, the department will install two operations managers, a transportation special education data clerk, two driver trainers, a transportation control terminal specialist, and a routing and scheduling data manager. One of the operations managers and one of the driver trainers will supervise the other people in those positions.

The routing and scheduling data manager would be paid with funds that had been set aside for an unfilled position.

"This position is one that is vital, due to the knowledge of the software programs used," Wiley said in his memo. "This person filling this position will supervise the special education data clerk and be responsible for effectively and efficiently managing route operations for the department."

The special education data clerk position "is being reclassified due to the need to become more efficient in using the Edulog system and any other routing system recommended by the RCSS Board," Wiley stated.

"This person needs to serve as a good liaison with other district staff, serving as a resource of information, regarding special education programs and services."

The terminal specialist position "will be responsible for the daily flow of personnel, vendors, and other RCSS employees entering and exiting the (Transportation Department) site," Wiley said in his memo.

"Monitoring of the 50-60 site cameras to ensure security of the general public investments will also be a responsibility."

Officials said that in a couple of weeks workers could be named to the positions resulting from the realignment.

Wiley and others have reiterated that no one currently working in the Transportation Department will lose their job or pay during the realignment.