Tuesday, November 17, 2009

What is it with the damn bus?

Yes... we're having issues with the bus again.
Ugh. The bussssss.
What is it with fricken busses?

When school started, I was so geeked that Jaysen had the same bus driver from last year. I'll call him Cleatus, because well, he just looks like a Cleatus to me. Sure he was a little rough around the edges and interacted totally inappropriately with my child- but once I talked with him, he was a gem. An old, crotchety, softhearted gem. And he became awesome with my son.

Two weeks into school, they changed his driver.
The transportation department said I would love the new driver. She's been driving Sp.Ed kids for 17 years, and loves the kids like they were her own. I protested, and said I wanted Cleatus. The transportation lady was silent for a minute, then managed to stumble out "You...like Cleatus? Really?" Yes. Really.

Let's just say that Jaysen's been through no less than five bus drivers so far.
Not only has he been through five drivers- nobody can manage to get him to school on time. School starts at 8:13 (8:13? Yes. I know.). Jaysen is the first pick up on the stop. The bus is supposed to be here between 7:35 and 7:45.

On days the bus does come, I have to listen to his latest driver bitch about the wheelchair she has to tie down on her prior stop at the high school, and how things are only going to get worse in the winter. This route is impossible, according to her. Funny- Cleatus did it.

Jaysen's teacher is aware of the tardiness of the bus, and has contacted the transportation department. I have contacted the transportation department. Bus driver changes, but he's still late.

Lateness is unacceptable to Jaysen. If he can't start his day with the rest of his class, it has the potential to blow his whole day. Seriously. His whole day.

I had to drive him today. Again.
When we walked into the school, the students were singing the school song. Jaysen said "oh no!" and bolted faster than a jackrabbit craps a stick of butter. I followed him around the corner and almost ran into his Sp.Ed teacher. She gave me that knowing look and told me it was okay- that he made it. He had ran to his classroom so he could say the pledge with his classmates. That is the official starting point of the day, apparently.

Anyway- I contacted the Director of Sp.Ed again, to let her know the transportation issue was still not resolved. Blah, blah, blah...

Y'know what got their attention?
I researched that according to their policies and procedures (thank you online school information), it states that in certain circumstances, arrangements with the parent may be made for transportation reimbursement. So, I informed them that should this continue, by next week, I will transport my son myself, and seek mileage reimbursement.

He had a new route in 2 hours.
Not just a new driver, but a new route.

2009 - District:0 Momzilla:1

6 comments:

mama edge said...

First of all, I bow before you in worship of your resourcefulness in the face of such resistance! What a brilliant idea. Money talks, jackrabbit crap walks.

Which brings me to my second thought: Exactly how fast DOES a jackrabbit crap a stick of butter?

Meg said...

8:13? Seriously?

My son would hit the roof and keep flying if he were late for school. What happened to Cleatus? Can you get him back? Good for you, hitting them where it hurts most!

Terri said...

Go you, go you!!!!

Corrie Howe said...

I also applaud you for your own resourcefulness. Here the bus drivers are all private contractors. We went through a period where the bus driver changed constantly which was disruptive to Jonathan. (He let us know this by having wetting accidents on the bus.) Finally we got back to the original bus driver. Hope she last another year. And hope we don't get my son's old bus driver for middle school and high school.

Ashley's Mom said...

You are incredible!! Wonder if I can do that here???

Mary (MPJ) said...

Ha! Awesome!