Wayland schools’ bus drivers’ contract ratified

The Wayland Board of Education Monday night ratified a new contract with the school district’s bus drivers, members of the Service Employees International Union, Local 517.
Essentially, the bus drivers will get the same 1.0 to 1.3 percent non-retroactive raises as other district employees this academic year.
Other contract language enables the drivers to have to work 100 days instead of 120 before they can get sick days without being docked pay. They were given four hours instead of two to familiarize themselves with routes and their grievance procedures were streamlined.
An employee evaluation process will be implemented as well.
Superintendent Norm Taylor said the drivers will be getting new jackets.
Meanwhile, Finance Director Bill Melching told the school board there are 17 applicants for the transportation director’s job in the wake of the resignation last month of Bryan Keeler. He said interviews will be conducted next week.