SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Six weeks into the school year, transportation provider First Student needs to get its act together, in the opinion of District 186 board members, including Micah Miller.

“There’s some grace that’s extended when the school year starts,” said Miller. “There’s some teething pains, but we’re getting six weeks in, and I just remember this contract being pretty hefty. I think it was about a 13 pct increase the first year and four and a half for each year after that.”

The board members’ remarks followed complaints by parents and a school paraprofessional about undependable bus service for special education students. First Student is obligated to run at 95 percent on time with 192 drivers. Neither is happening. “We’re not near the 192,” said Steve Miller, the district’s business manager. “We keep on losing drivers just as fast as we get them. It takes about three weeks for a driver to get from application to certified to drive. So that doesn’t help things.”

“I’ll just admit that transportation has been tough to start this year,” superintendent Terrance Jordan said, adding he and business manager Miller have been meeting with First Student.