Employee Eric Carroll highlights fleet safety concerns at transportation meeting

The Cobb School Board meeting on April 24, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding safety concerns within the district's fleet maintenance operations. Eric Carroll, a long-time employee in fleet maintenance, expressed his frustrations over the lack of attention to safety issues that he believes are being overlooked by the administration.

Carroll highlighted his efforts to address these safety concerns through the proper channels, including meetings with his supervisors and the transportation department director. He described a particularly humiliating experience during a meeting where he felt dismissed, as the director appeared disengaged while scrolling on his phone. Carroll emphasized the seriousness of the safety issues at hand, stating that they should not be treated lightly.

Despite assurances from higher-ups, Carroll reported that his concerns were not adequately addressed, leading him to question the commitment of the school board to the safety of students and staff. He urged board members to take a more active role in understanding the conditions within the fleet maintenance department.

The meeting also included other speakers, but Carroll's testimony stood out as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in school operations. His call for accountability and attention to these issues resonated with the audience, highlighting a critical area that the board may need to prioritize moving forward.

As the board continues its discussions, the implications of Carroll's concerns could lead to a reevaluation of safety protocols and a renewed focus on the maintenance of the district's transportation fleet.