After witnessing firsthand the disparity in income within the CCSD transportation system, I felt compelled to bring light to their situation. Our seasoned, dedicated dispatchers, who shoulder immense stress and responsibilities, are earning in 5 weeks what an average CCSD bus driver brings home in a mere two weeks. CCSD dispatchers oversee hundreds of routes, ensuring the smooth flow of operations and are the vital communication link between first responders, schools, parents, and drivers. Additionally, their role in organizing coverage for absenteeism and resolving issues that arise daily is invaluable, yet severely undercompensated. 

Their requirements are beyond extensive. They must maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and step in as a driver when needed. Yet, they currently earn less per hour than trainees who do not yet even possess a CDL.

In 2022, bus drivers received a $5.25 pay increase to reflect national averages in this field, creating a competetive wage during an extreme driver shortage. Prior to this increase, dispatchers were paid an ~$2 supplement above that of a same year driver. Dispatchers DID NOT receive the $5.25 pay increase although they are required to maintain all criteria of a licensed CDL school bus driver in Cobb County. They must complete trainings (range training, CPR, safety and first aid among others), be subjected to random DOT drug testing and stay up to date on annual physicals. 

The imbalance in this pay structure is glaring, especially considering the dispatchers' pivotal role and the high-stress nature of their jobs. These professionals cater to the needs of over 72,000 students alongside managing countless real-time calls with parents, staff and schools on a daily basis. 

This petition urges an increase in their pay to reflect the complexity and significance of their job role, their qualifications, and the stressful environment they work in daily. Their pay should be, at a minimum, $2 higher than that of a same-year bus driver. Value them appropriately for the essential role they play in our children's transport to and from school. Without a significant pay increase, CCSD will be horribly affected by low quality replacements when our exceptional team of dispatcher leave in favor of appropriate valuation.  Support our cause - lend your voice to our plea for fairer pay for CCSD transportation dispatchers. Your signature can make a world of difference. Sign this petition today.