School bus drivers say they are not sabotaging routes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The school year kicked off with transportation troubles in Broward County, and school bus drivers say they are not the ones to blame.

Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie is accusing bus drivers of sabotaging the school bus system because they opposed his changes. But, bus drivers said, they are not the ones to blame. "The children are first, and to be accused of sabotage is low," said bus driver Sheila Williams. "We wouldn't leave not one child. Since the first day of school, that's all we've been doing, covering, doubling up, putting them on our own routes. Our ultimate goal is to get the children from the stop to the school and safely back home."

The crises started the first week of school after Runcie put a brand new bus system into place by changing routes in hopes of saving money. Bus driver Essie Myrick said, "I had a route for 16 years, and when I got there Wednesday the route was cut up. I don't even know where the route is."

The bus drivers said the system is not working. "I say to Mr. Runcie to get it right or get up out of here and go back to Chicago because we don't need you here," said bus driver Mrs. Reynolds.

Williams said she felt insulted by the accusations. "That speaks against my character and integrity," she said. "If they go back and check my records, you can't find anywhere where I've jeopardized a child or neglected to do my job."

Runcie said he is overhauling the transportation department because out of necessity. Runcie said Broward County spends $40 million more than any other county and changes needed to be made.

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