US Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona met with MEA members who are school bus drivers in RSU 21 to discuss the issues facing drivers since the pandemic. Secretary Cardona, alongside US Representative Chellie Pingree, listened as the drivers explained ways to make the profession both more appealing and easier for people to get into. The drivers, in turn, offered their suggestions with driver Cindy Messier offering specific ideas the Secretary says he will take back to Washington D.C. to work on.
Each bus driver in RSU 21 received a $500 bonus, which was paid for with American Rescue Plan funding. The district also used the federal funding to purchase new buses. “The bonus-it was a good feeling that somebody recognized us, somebody noticed us, somebody respected us,” said Driver Cindy Messier. The federal funding, through the American Rescue Plan, helped school districts across the state fund items outside of their budgets, easing the burden on local taxpayers.
MEA Member and RSU 21 Bus Driver, Cindy Messier
Secretary Cardona met with MEA President, Grace Leavitt and MEA Executive Director Rachelle Johnson and thanked them for the work the Union has done to support members during the pandemic.
“We’re honored that our nation’s top education leader has chosen to visit RSU 21 on his visit to Maine to learn more about our work,” said RSU 21 Superintendent Dr. Terri Cooper. “Like all of our dedicated staff, we are proud of our bus drivers, mechanics and bus aides who have helped keep students safe in school and on the bus throughout the pandemic.”
Driver Cindy Messier spoke with reporters, explaining the challenges of the pandemic and keeping students safe and healthy. Messier and drivers around the state delivered food to families during the school building closure and upon opening checked temperatures, masks, gave sanitizer and ensured seating charts were strictly enforced.
Gallery of visit with US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and MEA members at RSU 21
