News Brief: Trenton Public Schools Lays Off Bus Drivers

Several employees of the Trenton Public Schools transportation department were affected as a result of the decision by board members to eliminate busing for general education students.

According to superintendent John Savel, two bus drivers and four bus aides were laid off and four bus drivers were downgraded to bus aides on June 2, 2011.

The laid-off drivers had varying degrees of seniority with the district.

The elimination of busing for general education students, six bus-driver positions and the director of transportation position will save the district about $400,000 annually.

Savel said at least one other surrounding district is considering elimination of busing. That district is Southgate.

"These are all very painful decisions to make," Savel said. "We realize how important the transportation department is and it is unfortunate, the situation we are in, but we are (in this situation), as are many other districts."

Though the district will not have general education busing next year, it will provide busing for special education students as per Michigan law.