Two Wabash District 348 bus drivers spoke at last Monday evening’s school board meeting raising concerns about safety and facilities.
Veteran bus driver Chris Cunningham told the board the district’s bus garage is outdated and in need of major improvements.
“Our current garage is about 1948, somewhere in there. It has three bays, but really only one is usable for mechanic work. The sewer system is old, the restrooms aren’t up to code, and we just want to ask the board to look at upgrading or maybe relocating the facility.”
Cunningham thanked the district for adding two new buses this year but said the condition of the garage makes it difficult to maintain the fleet — especially during the colder months.
Driver Paul Tarpley also spoke, echoing Cunningham’s concerns about the garage but focusing on student safety on bus routes.
“I’ve had several cars go right by my bus when the stop sign’s out and kids are getting ready to cross the road. It’s scary. We need cameras that can catch license plates — right now it’s my word against theirs.”
Tarpley said the addition of stop-arm cameras and on-board communication systems would make a big difference in keeping students safe.
School board members thanked both drivers for sharing their concerns. The district is expected to review the issues as part of ongoing transportation and safety discussions.