realitycheck76 says

I think unless we have actually experienced what someone else goes through in exactly the same way we can not possibly understand how we would behave if we were in their shoes (so to speak) Bus drivers do a wonderful job. People who try to say that these drivers should be able to control up to possibly 50-70 students at once all while driving safely on our roadways obviously does not have a clue about state laws or individual school district limits put on drivers concerning student discipline. Drivers can not deal with students on their bus quite the same as they might their own biological child(ren) at home etc. The drivers' hands are tied when it comes to keeping the students behaving perfectly at all times in most cases from what I understand.

realitycheck76 says

Wow Thumper  this is a comment that sounds as though you speak from experience. Have you ever been a driver of a bus? I hear that some districts have bus monitors to help with student behavior. Does this district allow for any assistance on the bus because in these days children do not always listen to the adults in their presence even when the adult is trying to keep those children safe. I am not trying to sound rude by the way lol I know sometime when we can not see a person's expressions we may not know how to take them so I just wanted to make sure I didn't come across as rude

Reva says

 Realist-You hit the nail on the head.  Prime example!

Edwin Ison says

 lol

Thumper says

I find it interesting how professional most drivers are when in fact, if you follow some of the Edison buses you will see many of the Edision drivers allow their passengers / students to stand in the aisle before stopping for their stop. This in itself is a very serious accident waiting to happen. Seen it many times and wondered when somebody will be hurt...

justsayno says

 Edwin finally someone with a brain! Thank You. Go talk to Mrs. Kobza she might tell you a few things going on there! 

DonnieFUAll says

 Real. You are ignorant.

Edwin Ison says

 From the outside looking in.... I'd say that the boss screwed up... a solution was proposed to make Ms. K whole financially without re-assigning routes, and then the Edison School District reneged on the agreement per Mr. R.

These professionals drive our children to school and perform beautifully.... and deserve to expect to be treated fairly and compensated well.

I do know for a fact that the bus drivers of the Edison District have been used as pawns in recent years to try and leverage a levy vote. This year is yet another change gone awry.... 

If you get a chance, talk to an Edison bus driver off the record... it will be interesting.

justsayno says

 The driver of 16 is only asking for money lost. The route was turned down because she thought another student would be given to her to replace the one taken away and put on a regular route. That did not happen. All this took place in a weeks time. Now the papers are making her look bad and it's her right to file. If the Reflector wanted to talk to her soo badly why didn't they meet her at school?

Realistic says

Yet another reason for issue 2 to have passed..

czechurself says

@ Jay Demagall...

Your post has not helped me, an unbiased, non union employee, nor resident of the Edison school district, understand the grievance by Ms Kobza. 

As you mention, since BOTH drivers are "highly professional, well trianed (sic) drivers" then in my opinion that invalidates Kobza's claim that the other driver is unqualified to transport special needs students especially on the basis of seniority. Ms. Kobza used her right to file a greivance that she was discriminated based on her position as union pres and based it on the union contract (specific articles) however her grievance was dimissed based on the union contract (specific articles).  It looks like she will file an appeal and that also is within her rights., however, the matter of compensation; she was given the opportunity to her claim on Route # 14 as it was discovered that due to her seniority a mistake in assignments were made, and she turned it down.  Therefore also turning down the opportunity to receive previous compensation. 

In short what I am gathering is that a mistake, and an attempt to rectify the mistake, was made by the supervisor which would have allowed Ms Kobza to have her previous route returned to her as well previous compensation.  Also, Ms Kobza claims that she is being discriminated against but in my eyes it would appear that she is asking for preferential treatment.  Because I understand that the routes are not reassigned at this point in the school year, Ms Kobza is asking for compensation for time she is not putting to service.  Please correct me if I am wrong. 

Marcus M says

Edwin Ison, they need a basketball coach...

justsayno says

 The student in question is on the bus more than two hours. Long time for special needs.

JayD says

Greetings Residents,

I am the Union Representative for both of the employees in question.  Since the crack news reporting staff here at The Sandusky Register failed to take the time to write a comprehensive story on something that probably isn't really newsworthy, I thought I'd help clear up a few issues.

1.  Both OAPSE bargaining unit employees mentioned are long term drivers with Edison School District, and care very much about the children that they transfer every day.  They are both highly professional, well-trianed drivers, and the Berlin and Milan communities are lucky to have such fine employees.

2.  As in any job, from time to time, disagreements arise between an employee and a supervisor.  In this case, there was a disagreement over contract language, and Mrs. Kobza had a right to file a grievance to resolve the matter.  The grievance process is built into the contract, and allowed by law.  The law, by the way, would not have changed the ability of Mrs. Kobza to file a grievance even if Issue #2 had passed.  The grievance process is a way to settle matters in a cordial manner, and it allows both sides to present their point of view.  Many grievances are settled right away, however, some grievances are more complicated, and go through an appeal process if an agreement can't be reached.

In this case, Mrs. Kobza is going through the appeal process with the Edison Board of Education.  If a settlement can't be reached, the matter can be appealed to court.

3.  As employees of your school district, I can assure you that OAPSE employees, including the two employees mentioned in the article, care about the children of the school district.  Afterall, it is their PROFESSION!  Because this is the employee's carreer, compensation does become an issue at times in under circumstances such as this.  It's only fair that every employee has an opportunity to address their concerns with an employer whether they are public or private employees.

I know that as a Union, we look forward to resolving this issue with management in a peaceful and cordial manner, which is a great example to all the kids in Edison School District on how to resolve issues involving conflict. 

Jay Demagall

OAPSE Field Representative

czechurself says

In districts that were not successful in passing levies, you will begin to see these departments combine as they should be.  Cuts have been approved and places like Edison unfortunately will feel it soon as bussing gets the first cuts.  It will be eliminated in districts like these to places within the 2 miles of school. 

Edwin Ison says

 And.... why was this position (Transportation Director) created in the first place?

In many districts this size.... there is ONE manager/supervisor for transportation, food service, and buildings and grounds.

How in the world could a Transportation Director possibly have enough to do to warrant a full time position costing the district over $70,000? There can't be more than 12 to 14 bus routes!  

What does he do all day?

I thought the district was broke?

The transportation department could be run through the superintendents office..... Mr. Roth has a full time administrative assistant.

Savings  $70,000+

wiredmama222 says

to Serious:   Amen, those who don't vote have little to no right to speak when things go wrong.  why open your mouth and complain when you could have said it with your vote.  There is NO excuse not to exercise your right to vote when it protects the very right to the free speech you enjoy so much.  Good for you. 

BlueAngel says

Again...someone or something gets dismissed..

czechurself says

uh, nevermmind... 

Serious says

We ALL had the opportunity to get TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS and it didn't happen!   Put your vote where your mouth is or DON'T COMPLAIN!  

I "HEAR" several people in MIlan complaining about the sports programs from:

Who gets the coaching jobs to people in this community sick of losing and who is evaluating these coaches and keeping them in these positions, to running the same plays THAT DON'T WORK TIME AND TIME AGAIN etc. etc.    

I agree, Gill was a FRIEND when he was hired, Robinson is a FRIEND, Moyer is a FRIEND and on and on and on.......   BUT

Until EVERYONE stands up and speaks OUT LOUD to the POWERS THAT BE, STOP COMPLAINING to people (that can't change it), in private conversations, in round about ways, or behind the computer.......  All you're doing is spinning your wheels....  

You say this is CONTRACTUAL????    You are correct---  But once again----  Everyone had the opportunity to change this in NOV. and only one prevailed......    If you want CHANGE, you have to MAKE CHANGE....

NEW SCHOOL BOARD, NEW VIEWS, possible new changes....     Get it out of the contract that STAFF have the first dibs on coaching----   HIRE PEOPLE IN POSITIONS BASED ON THEIR ABILITY!!!    How about that for starters....    We could have EXCELLENCE in education and be in the RUNNING TO WIN AN SBC TITLE that we can actually remember without having to think hard about the last time!    It's a win win... 

I realize it's a NEW CONCEPT IN MILAN---  but folks EVERYONE ELSE is doing it!     HIRING TEACHERS FOR TEACHING AND COACHES FOR COACHING....   After all --- "Would you want the secretary at the Dr. office to become the Dr. because he/she is employed there and has that right under the contract?"    DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, DOES IT??? 

Blacktigress says

Again, this is a free country. If she feels this job is so terribly unfair she is free to seek employment elsewhere. These 'adults' act worse the the screaming kids they transport. Maybe the students should drive instead. GROW UP you cry babies or go get another job if driving a different route is so unfair ! Gesh. no wonder our youth are so messed up, look at what we ask them to follow as examples. "Ahh, Im telling the board on you!"

czechurself says

How is the article slanderous?  The only person that commented on the "inexperience" of the new rt#14 driver was Carla.  As a matter of fact Carla is the only who commented period.  As well, written grievances were provided at the end of the story detailing the the name of the other driver, Nancy Payne.  Along with the grievance, she provides the reason according to the union contract section 19 and the exact articles that she felt she was discriminated against .  The Board on behalf of the OASPE and article 9 determined (according to article 11,14 and 19) as to why they do not believe there was discrimination.  

Very simply, she was offered the route and turned it down.      

KnuckleDragger says

@DonnieFUAII says, "She thought that the district was going to give her one of the students she shoulda had already."

Why would she be fighting about having a particular student on bus?  Could it be that the only reason she wanted this particular child on her bus is that it would have given her additional money in her paycheck?  If you actually read the complaint, that is what it sounds like.  The complaint specifically asks for the money she lost by not having that student on her bus.  It was about money and not the well being of the students.

KnuckleDragger says

@Leah and Donnie, it's a free country, people are entitled to their opinion.  As far as the paper not getting both sides of the story, in most cases I would agree with you concerning the SR.  However, in this case they did get both sides.  Her side was presented in the writted complaint that was included with the article.  What more needs to be said?  If there was more to the story you would think she would have included those details in her complaint so that they could be factored into the decision.  So either she isn't too bright or there isn't any more to the story than what she put in the formal complaint.

Marcus M says

Once again an unqualified person is given an administration position because he is a coach, what a surprise.

eightballcuet1 says

The names of those involved were never a secret. They are a matter of public record and are available to anyone who clicks on the copy of the grievence that is at the end of the story..

bmmsparent says

I have read this article and reviewed all the attached documents.  I realize that this is Todd Robinson's first year in this capacity.  I see where he made the mistake and I also see where he tried to correct the mistake.  Sounds like Carla got an attitude about his honest mistake and then SHE REFUSED THE JOB AFTER IT WAS OFFERED TO HER!  NOW SHE HAS REGRETS!

Now it has become a slander article.  How sad. 

My children have had the other so-called-inexperienced bus driver as their bus driver in the past.  I think she is EXCELLENT!  She has always looked after my kids.  She has always gone the extra mile for them.  One time, she saw someone untrustworthy walking down our road.  She felt uncomfortable about it and waited until she saw that my daughter was safe inside.  The next morning, I met her at the end of the drive to show my appreciation because I saw the guy too.    She has great compassion for kids.  I am confident that she is perfect for the job.

This really upsets me that people on here would try to slander this lady.  I am sure that she would/could supply you with the necessary credentials for her job-if need be.  I'm sure that these records are on file. 

I believe there are special needs meetings that go on as well in order to give these students the very best care possible.  

It seems to me this is a case of a bus driver's scorn.  I bet it makes for a very tense work environment in the bus garage.  I can just picture all these buss drivers stabbing each other in the back in the morning.  Pretty hard to concentrate on the road with our kids--- when your throwing a fit over a couple hundred dollars.

There is always next year if you have seniority.  I'm sure that Todd Robinson will not make the same mistake again.  I think it was an honest mistake on Todd's part, Carla got mad-refused the job -out of bitterness and the feeling that she had been looked over- and now cannot seem to let it go.    Try to be humble---Tod made a mistake---and----SO DID YOU!   

justsayno says

 I would love to know the answer to that question since this was all behind closed doors

wiredmama222 says

to Just Say No:  Obviously you know that names and are just DYING to tell what you know.  Why not spill your guts.  You are trying so hard (yeah, right) not to????  but before you do......

Did you ever hear about the barber who took care of King Midas?  He was sworn to secracy about Midas's ears whenever he came to cut his hair or go to the dugeon forever. It seems that Midas has the ears of an ass. 

The barber came faithfullly every week to do his work, and each week, the  task of keeping his mouth shut grew more and more difficutl. 

Afraid that one day he would "spill his guts" and not wanting to 'break his promise", the barber went into a field.  He dug a deep hole and yelled into the hole "Midas has asses ears, Midas has asses ears" again and again until he could do it no longer.  He felt much better and went on his way, convinced the secret was safe. 

Fall turned to winter, winter to spring and the famer who owned the field planted wheat.  In the summer the wheat came up beautifully.  By that fall it was long and golden and the wind of fall had begun.  But with each wind the wheat would whisper "Midas has asses ears, Midas has asses ears".  

The barber was taken to the dungeon and imprisoned for life, never to be seen again for revealing the secret. 

The moral of the story is: Keep silent what you know in case you know something you should not tell. But be prepared for the consequences of your actions.   

Now, if you want so badly to tell the names whisper it to the "wheat and the wind"

DonnieFUAll says

 She wants the money for the 2 kids that were supposed to get moved to her bus

czechurself says

She should go work for Tom Tucker, they share a work ethic.  "It's all about the kids" now "show me the  money"!

wiredmama222 says

OMG....petty, petty. petty.  If she knew that route so well, why wait so long to complain???????

justsayno says

 Arbitration it is

justsayno says

 Columbus court is next step. There just the facts and all the facts will be put on the table.

Detroit372 says

Just pointing it out that her name was already out there because the documents that were signed are readily available for everyone to read.  Here name is in there. 

fredinperkins says

ALL Ohio school bus drivers are certified and qualified to transport ANY student.  Assuming that all the facts were not disclosed in the SR article the next logical step for the employee would be arbitration.  By the way, when did the details of grievance procedures become public record?

origen says

 She turned the job down. Simple as that, She now wants money for in all actuality she did not want and denied. "Nuff said"

justsayno says

 Nancy Payne is the other driver who was an aide 9 yrs ago! Now both names are out there! Board members we will start asking for all behind the doors meeting. Let's see if we get them. Remember all the people cut? Guess what most were called back! Ask about that one!

DonnieFUAll says

 Recertified 

DonnieFUAll says

 Oh and another fun fact CPR you need to be decertified every 3 years and first aid every year being a special needs caretaker is not an easy job and let me ask you this all of this was in the paper to be released today when Carla didn't find out today now how did the paper know what happened before the person in the case knew...........sounds a lil suspicious to me

DonnieFUAll says

 Why don't you stop trollin I've seen your name in a dozen recent articles you thrive on things that have nothing to do with you

origen says

Listen folks, All she wants is the $224.00 of back pay for the job she turned down, Because that $224.00 is what she lost by turning down the route after it was offered to her when they found the mistake. Keep in mind "Its all about the kids".

Last week i turned down the job of CEO of fannie and freddie mac, Wonder if i can sue for 5 million dollars i lost out on?

Detroit372 says

What's funny is that by putting this article of a handfull of lies in the news paper, they're not accomplishing anything other than crying over spilled milk.  Whats even more funny are the lies that they print in the news paper, and what they don't put in it.  This other "inexperienced" bus driver actually is fully qualified to drive this route.  She knows CPR, she knows what to do when handling special needs kids if they are having a seizure.  As a matter of fact she was an aid for a while on a handicap bus.

CRock says

Until new people with fresh ideas and new points of view are appointed to the BOE and The Powers That Be actually start caring about cleaning up their reputation, nothing will change in your district. Too many people waste too much time and words they cannot take back arguing about what is best. What a shame this is! Edison used to have a Fabulous reputation in the area among the school districts available, don't you think it's time to start rediscovering your roots? There is a rash of selfish-itis going on here people.... 

CRock says

CRock says

Until new people with fresh ideas and new points of view are appointed to the BOE and The Powers That Be actually start caring about cleaning up their reputation, nothing will change in your district. Too many people waste too much time and words they cannot take back arguing about what is best. What a shame this is! Edison used to have a Fabulous reputation in the area among the school districts available, don't you think it's time to start rediscovering your roots? There is a rash of selfish-itis going on here people.... 

DonnieFUAll says

 She thought that the district was going to give her one of the students she shoulda had already

eightballcuet1 says

Ok, so I guess I'm confused. They mistakenly gave her route to someone else, when the mistake was pointed out she was offerered her route back and she REFUSED IT. Then she is gonna file a complaint for losing the route.  What am I missing?

Leahg says

 Yet, again people you do NOT know the ins and outs! She does for a matter of fact know what to do if something happens to a child on her bus! You all stupid people who are all WAY too quick to judge. Maybe you should know BOTH sides of the story before going off!!! 

DonnieFUAll says

 Oh and black tigress they had papers from public records no one went and talked to her very unprofessional of the paper and the author of this article 5 bucks says its a younger adult who isn't fully mature