School buses are lined up for use by Jefferson County Schools. Courtesy photo

CHARLES TOWN — At the most recent regular meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education, members, along with the superintendent, heard from some members of the service personnel staff as they recognized them in advance of the Sept. 23 Service Personnel Day.

Commended by board president Kathy Skinner, several members of the county’s service personnel teams were on hand to receive the accolades.

“I want you to know that every day is your day,” Skinner told those gathered, as well as the entire service personnel staff, specifically commending them for taking on all of the extra work that has been placed on their shoulders during the pandemic.

“We don’t have the option that Starbucks has or the store has to just close a day or to change the hours,” Skinner went on. “You guys just show up and you get it done.”

A proclamation has been issued by Gov. Jim Justice naming Sept. 23 as Service Personnel Day. Superintendent Bondy Gibson told those gathered at the meeting that she does not believe the proclamation goes far enough in recognizing the hard work of the school’s service personnel.

“Oftentimes, this is the first person a kid sees,” Gibson said, adding that many times, it is that individual to whom a student turns with trust. “They make an enormous difference.”

Several members of the service personnel staff from various locations around the county shared their stories, commenting upon how long they have worked in Jefferson County and how much they enjoy their jobs. Many who spoke have worked for the county for decades and love their jobs, especially working directly with or near the students.

“I love what I do and the kids are a big part of that,” said custodian Larry Padgett who has worked for the county for 22 years.

Bus driver Heather Pindell, who was the county’s Service Personnel of the Year as well as one of the top 10 personnel in the state, shared that kids are the top priority. She referenced not only driving, but food delivery that was handled by the bus drivers and aides during the pandemic as well.

“We did it all as a team,” Pindell said, including secretaries, teachers and others in her comments.

While the segment of the meeting focusing on the recognition of service personnel was a positive one, another portion of the meeting brought to light some concerns by at least some service personnel.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Barbara Fuller, who has registered to run for school board in the next election, shared that many bus drivers have come to her with concerns because they feel they are not being heard elsewhere.

“Our bus drivers have contacted me saying that their buses are overcrowded and unsafe. Our bus drivers are not being notified of positive covid tests,” Fuller said, mentioning that many of those same drivers have jobs elsewhere where they could potentially spread the disease yet are unaware of their exposure.

Fuller also referenced an attendance bonus that has been stripped away by Jefferson County which leaves no incentive for drivers. Berkeley County continues to offer their incentive bonus, Fuller added.

While Fuller questioned the board members on how they were going to handle such things as children three to a seat and even sitting in the aisles, bus drivers in the doorway and hallway burst into applause.

Members of the board and the superintendent listened. However, because the comments were made in the public comment segment of the meeting, they did not address the concerns or reference any possible improvements in the area of transportation.

It is customary that no exchange occurs between the board and members of the public during the public comment segment of the agenda. It was not clear whether the board will discuss the concerns at a later time.

With succinct words and a caring tone, Skinner concluded, “September 23 may be the official day, but every day is your day. Thank you.”