Anderson Community Schools and its drivers are at odds over how much money it takes to operate a school bus for the next four years.

Nancy Farley, ACS’s director of transportation, issued a written proposal at Tuesday’s school board meeting, but bus drivers argued they hadn’t seen it before the meeting. Driver Henry Lamper took to the microphone to tell the board that the increases ACS was offering weren’t enough.

“If we don’t get a significant raise, we won’t be able to continue,” said Lamper.

ACS is offering a $4 increase per mileage per year for four years. Lamper said the drivers need a $25 increase on their base pay of $149 per day. But he said $22 would do if there was a fuel clause of $2 per gallon that ACS reimburses at the end of the year. ACS wants to offer $1.51, but Lamper said there was no way of knowing how high fuel rates will go.

The board didn’t jump into the fray at the meeting. Interim superintendent Mikella Lowe said Farley and the drivers would discuss details of the contract.

A variety of topics came up during patron comments, including the school uniform policy, which wasn’t on the agenda but the board members heard an earful.

Former board member Jean Chaille complained that there is already a dress code at ACS but is never enforced. “Why would a uniform policy be enforced?” she asked. She also said her son had brought home nothing from school concerning school uniforms. “This (the board) failed the parents,” said Chaille.

Angel Johnson said she was against the uniform policy, that it wouldn’t stop bullying. She said the current dress code should be enforced.

Bullying was another topic, and parent Dave Mason said his son was continually bullied and finally defended himself Tuesday. He said ACS has never called him about his son’s failing grades, but didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone when a fight took place. “Let’s correct this problem,” he said. “Let’s stop kids from bullying.”

“We have to teach the students there is a certain way to deal with things,” said Christina Carter, a student who claimed her sister had been bullied for years by the same girl.

Bishop Jerry Wright presented a list of signatures to the board to maintain the alternative program as is. He noted an increase in graduation rates for black males. “This is a great program for this school.”

Superintendent interviews begin next week

Anderson Community Schools board members will begin interviewing six superintendent candidates next week.