Outgoing 118 School Board Fails to Decide Busing Issue; 2-2 Tie Keeps First Student Waiting

During the final meeting of the outgoing Danville District 118 School Board, with only four of seven members present (Dr. Randal Ashton, Shannon Schroeder, Alice Payne, Darlene Halloran present; Kimberly Corley, Elder Tyson Parks, and Pastor Thomas Miller absent); a 2-2 tie vote has left the bus transportation issue for the 2025-26 school year in limbo.

Shannon Schroeder and Alice Payne voted no, with both stating there were simply too many problems with First Student.  Dr. Ashton and Darlene Halloran both voted yes, with Halloran stating that the other two bidders obviously did not have enough drivers, buses, or staff to do the job.

South View teacher Tony Montgomery spoke and said there is simply too much inconsistency with First Student; as far as number changes; and especially students often arriving late to class.

(2nd Picture) South View Upper Elementary teacher Tony Montgomery addresses small version of outgoing school board.

AUDIO: I would like to see the other two bus companies be given more time.  Because it appears, as Ms. Payne brought up, they weren’t given much time in the bid process; for a multi-million dollar contract, to say “here’s the service we can provide for you.”

Board president Dr. Ashton stated that the public needs to understand that First Student is going through the same thing so many other businesses are right now; the struggle to find and hold on to adequate personnel.  First Student Area General Manager Chris Coyle said afterwards that yes, they have had challenges; but he believes progress has been made, with more to come.

AUDIO: As a major employer in this area, we run 63 routes within the school district.  Are there opportunities for some improvement?  Absolutely.  And we’re transparent enough with the customer; we’ve had a strong partnership over 20-plus year.

Interim Superintendent John Hart says when the new board is seated in May, they will need to have a PLAN A and PLAN B.  After all, the next school year is very close.

AUDIO: Probably go back out for bid, and start over.  Maybe we’ll get another bid; a better bid from another company.  So, we will certainly try; and if not, we will bring back the same recommendation. 

There was very little mention during the meeting about outgoing superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis, who was recently voted by the board, 4-3, to receive a separation agreement for her departure.