A TN School Bus Driver’s Perspective

Out of fear of losing their job, this school bus driver requested we share their story anonymously.

Tell Gov. Lee and Your Local Officials:
Delay In-Person Classes Until COVID-19 Is Under Control

“I have to drive the bus for the elementary school kids because they are opening.  My own child I signed up for online.   I am scared to start this year so soon. I think they made a bad decision to start without a delay.  What is so sad is this year I found out I have an autoimmune disease and I’m 56 years old.  I’m scared but I need my job.  I thought I would get to live longer than this.”

When asked regarding if she needs supplies to help with her bus route:

“I am not allowed to make the kids wear a mask.  I’m not allowed to make the kids stay off the bus if they are sick. I’m supposed to check their temperature with a gauge I have to bring myself.  If a sick kid gets on the bus, I’m not allowed to say anything to them.  The school will call and isolate the kid.”

“I have measured the temperature on the bus, in my driver seat, and sometimes it’s over 100 degrees.  I will wear a mask every day and protect the kids, but it is so hot, and I’ll be sweating so much, and it’s going to be hard.  I drive the bus 4 hours each morning and each afternoon, total 8 hours, and it’s going to be hard because they are making my route even longer this year.  I don’t know how I’m going to do it all, and I’m so scared.  And now I have to buy all this stuff myself.”

“It’s like they think the bus drivers are expendable, like my life doesn’t matter.”

Tell Gov. Lee and Your Local Officials:
Delay In-Person Classes Until COVID-19 Is Under Control