LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nearly 150 JCPS bus drivers took part in a sick-out last week to protest the district's inaction on constant complaints about students' behavior.
On Wednesday the district rolled out a new system it hopes will fix the problem.
The call-out by drivers was part of an organized effort to take a stand against what many drivers said is a lack of student discipline and long bus routes. There are regular reports of fights aboard buses, causing headaches for drivers and students and leaving parents concerned.
One of the most common complaints from JCPS bus drivers is that they don't feel the district is hearing their concerns, and no action is being taken when they fill out referrals. Now the district says it is listening to drivers' complaints, and is implementing a new plan to address those concerns faster.
Earlier this month, nearly 150 drivers called out sick, saying enough is enough.
Teamsters Local 783 President John Stovall, who represents JCPS bus drivers, said drivers will continue to be upset until the issue is resolved.
"Until these kids and parents are held responsible for their behavior, it's going to continue," Stovall said.
JCPS bus drivers say they have been complaining about the lack of consequences for unruly students, and more more than 100 bus routes were cancelled during the sick-out. Thousands of students missed class as a result.
Many families faced long waits for buses, or had to figure out other ways to get kids to and from school.
Dr. Matt Anderson now heads up JCPS' Culture and Climate department, which will oversee the new referral system.
"We just want them (drivers) to feel supported," Anderson said.
As part of the new process, Culture and Climate staff members will now be stationed daily at bus compounds to receive referrals directly from bus drivers -- and provide weekly updates on potential resolutions.
"They can go straight to that person and say 'hey, what's going on with so-and-so, how is that being addressed?' This person can follow-up with the administrator and make sure we are closing up that loop and getting that feedback back to the driver."
The district had been considering an online system, but says for now the paper referrals will remain in place.
"What we've found is our existing options right now would really create additional barriers and more work for our bus drivers, therefore we thought the best option was just to put someone in front of them that they can talk to," Anderson said.
The district says it aims to have initial responses back to bus drivers regarding referrals within 24 to 48 hours.
We asked Stovall if he thinks the new system will make a difference.
"I'm hoping so," he said. "After years of bringing that issue to the district, putting up billboards to bring attention to that issue, I would certainly hope they understand the severity of student discipline both on the bus and in the classroom and why it's having a negative impact on hiring people and keeping them employed. If they don't take a proactive stance and start removing unruly students from the bus and classroom, they will not be able to fill those positions."
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