On Jan. 31, Matt Thibault resigned as Southport's only school bus driver. Since then, the school has used Community School District substitute drivers to fill the void.

On Feb. 6, several residents attended a Southport School Committee Zoom meeting to see what officials propose for short- and long-term transportation plans. The lack of a dependable bus driver has created uncertainty for all involved. In the past week, parents received morning and afternoon texts updating them about driver availability

During last week's meeting, parents also complained about subsititute drivers taking longer than usual and in a couple instances not being available at all.

Chairman Nick Ullo told residents that "all options were on the table" in seeking a resolution to the situation. The committee is considering rehiring Thibault, continuing with substitute drivers, or hiring a bus service. During the 75-minute public forum, Thibault told committee members he was "willing to work for a fair wage." Superintendent Bob Kahler reponded the committee "wouldn't negotiate in public."

Thibault later joined the committee in an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. During the public forum, residents asked the committee how Southport compensation for educators and bus drivers compared to other AOS 98 members: Community School District (Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor) and Edgecomb. 

Kahler reported Southport teachers received higher compensation (pay and benefits) than the CSD, but less than Edgecomb. A major difference regarding bus driver compensation is the CSD and Edgecomb are part of a union and Southport is not.

When the committee ended its executive session, no decision was made regarding the bus driver vacancy. On Feb. 7, Kahler told the Boothbay Register a posting for a new maintenance person is currently posted and one for a school bus driver will appear shortly. Thibault previously filled both positions.

Kahler added the committee's options were limited due to the 2024-25 Fiscal Budget. Residents hoped the committee would consider a special town meeting to decide compensation for either a new bus driver or transportation service for the rest of the school year. The committee was non-commital about a special town meeting. 

The committee meets next at 4 p.m. Monday, March 3 to prepare for Southport's annual town meeting which is held at 6 p.m. that night.