In other news...it's always interesting to read about drama going on in other school districts across central Minnesota or anywhere else in the state. Lately I've been following what's happening in the Morris Area school district. They've reported a problem with getting enough bus drivers on staff to operate their fleet of route and activity buses. One idea they're strongly considering is getting rid of their in-house transportation service and farming it out to a private business (such as Palmer Transportation).
It's a thorny issue for sure. The requirements to become a bus driver get more and more strict each year. This is one topic I need to devote more time and investigation to. At B-B-E, we have a truly outstanding group of dedicated bus drivers. That is not by accident. We should be very thankful for what we have and work hard to keep it.
If you take an unbiased look at B-B-E schools, we've got it pretty good. We have a lot to be thankful for with great and modern facilities, great teachers, great programming and great students coming from great families. We have the usual budgetary pressures (nothing intense) and yes, we have ongoing bullying issues that parents need to be vigilant about...nothing I've heard is really serious. I've heard no hints of bullying by staff or other students that would lead me to think we'll find ourselves in local or statewide newspaper headlines.
Just look to the east, and at Minnewaska I have read that at least one staff member is in deep, serious legal trouble. I'm not sure if it's a teacher or another staff member. It could get ugly!!! Not fun.
Check out this letter...looks like all is not well in Morris!
http://www.morrissuntribune.com/letters/3714666-letter-local-bus-drivers-are-blessing