Concerns over safety and support for school bus drivers took center stage at the Petersburg City Public Schools Board Meeting on October 16, 2024. Lily Cook, a veteran bus driver with nearly five decades of experience, voiced her distress over the increasing challenges faced by drivers in the district.

Cook, who has been driving for the district for five years, expressed her fears about safety, stating, "I'm getting to be scared. I'm not happy with the things that's happened to us bus drivers." She highlighted the lack of support from the administration when incidents occur, noting that while drivers face reprimands for mistakes, parents and students often go unchecked for their disruptive behavior.

The issue of safety was echoed by school officials, including Dr. Woods, who confirmed that a meeting had been held with the Petersburg Chief of Police to address these concerns. Dr. Woods emphasized the need for better management of student behavior and called for accountability among parents, stating, "It is not fair for adults to be attacked by other adults."

The discussions underscored a growing urgency for the school board to take action in ensuring the safety and well-being of bus drivers, who play a crucial role in the educational process. As Cook poignantly reminded the board, "If it wasn't for us, how could the teacher teach?" The meeting concluded with a commitment from school officials to continue addressing these pressing issues and to seek further support from law enforcement.