A month into the school year, Auxilio Services is still operating with fewer than half the bus drivers it pledged to MCCSC, and even fewer school buses.
Auxilio has only provided one additional part-time driver and a few part-time buses since the Monroe County Community School Corp. put the corporate fleet on notice for breaching the terms of its contract, according to district officials.
The school district issued a 30-day notice to Auxilio in mid-August, after the driver shortage marred the first days of school with delays and frustrations. Many students were picked up late or not at all, and some didn’t arrive home until 6 p.m., while panicked or angry parents flooded the district transportation department with complaint calls.
When that 30-day notice expires, the district can take action, but it’s not yet clear when that 30 days ends.
MCCSC Superintendent Judy DeMuth said the district does not yet have a hard date for when the 30-day notice for Auxilio expires, but attorneys are working on it.
“We are working extremely hard to get a resolution to the situation,” said Tom Bunger, attorney for the school district, who is in the midst of contract negotiations with Auxilio’s lawyers.
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