During a recent meeting of the Banning Unified School District Board, significant concerns were raised regarding the working conditions within the transportation department, particularly focusing on the management of Kenneth Page. Bus driver Juana Lopez addressed the board, detailing her experiences of alleged bullying, harassment, and a hostile work environment under Page's leadership. Lopez described a distressing incident where she suffered a severe anxiety attack, attributing her health struggles to the stress endured at work. She emphasized that many of her colleagues share similar negative experiences and called for immediate action to address these issues.

Lopez also highlighted operational failures within the transportation department, including a serious incident where a four-year-old child was dropped off at the wrong location due to mismanagement. She urged the board to investigate the ongoing problems and consider the well-being of the drivers and students alike.

In addition to the public comments, the board announced the appointment of Angel Mead as the new district and community relations coordinator. Mead, who has a background in communications and marketing, expressed his commitment to fostering collaboration and enhancing community connections within the district.

The meeting also included updates on various initiatives, including efforts to improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism among students. Superintendent Davis outlined the district's strategies to enhance school connectedness and ensure that students feel safe and engaged in their learning environments.

The board acknowledged ongoing negotiations with staff unions, with BTA President Anthony Garcia reporting a successful agreement on negotiations, although concerns regarding special education caseloads remain. CSCA President Jennifer Serrano echoed the need for parity with teachers in negotiations and highlighted the growing discontent among staff regarding management practices.

As the meeting concluded, the board moved into closed session to discuss further matters, including personnel updates and financial reports. The district's financial health was also a topic of discussion, with the board reviewing the unaudited actuals financial report for the previous fiscal year, which indicated a positive financial position despite challenges faced throughout the year.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing staff concerns while also focusing on the educational needs of students within the Banning Unified School District.