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* UPDATED x1 - AFSCME responds * Desperate school district wants National Guard troops to drive buses

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* I didn’t realize it, but a private company says there’s a national school bus driver shortage (check the Google) and it’s hurting a McLean County district. From September 9th…

Unit 5’s bus contractor has “let us down,” Superintendent Mark Daniel said Thursday, as hundreds of students again were late for school because of a lack of drivers.

In some cases, buses were running 90 minutes to two hours late. First Student notified the district of the problem at 6:45 a.m. and the district alerted principals, schools and parents

* It’s gotten so bad that school officials want the National Guard to step in…

Still plagued by late and overcrowded school buses, McLean County Unit 5 may turn to National Guard members, police and firefighters as possible fill-in drivers and to Gov. Bruce Rauner and other officials for help streamlining the hiring process. […]

“Hopefully there can be some executive action that will allow firemen, police officers and members of the National Guard to solve this problem short term. We need them to be a part of our fleet,” said Daniel.

Daniel said he’ll meet Thursday with state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, and Regional Office of Education Superintendent Mark Jontry to discuss how to expedite the hiring process. The governor’s office could approve an alternative driver certification process, for example, he said.

Yeah, there’s a great idea. Unilaterally and quickly lower the state standards for school bus drivers. What could possibly go wrong?

* First Student is the largest private school bus company in the nation. And it’s a profitable company, too. From last year…

First Student, the largest provider of student transportation in North America, saw revenue and profit gains for fiscal year 2015, according to annual earnings released last month. The company cited alterations in the prices of new contract bids and renewals for the boosts.

The company, which transports roughly six million students across more than 1,300 school districts, said it saw revenues for fiscal year 2015 peak at $2.4 billion, which is up from $2.3 billion last year.

As for operating profits, First Student increased to $177 million, an improvement on the $153 million made in 2014. These returns were a result of a push from parent company FirstGroup plc for a turnaround plan to increase the rates of contract bids and renewals, which proved successful, and made up for losses in other divisions.

With almost a third of its contracts up for renewal in 2014, the company held a 90 percent retention rate with those contracts averaging 4.5 percent price increases.

* Back to the Pantagraph story…

To attract applicants, First Student is offering a $2,000 hiring bonus. Applicants must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license for at least three years and must pass a background and drug check and physical performance test, according to the company’s website.

Starting pay for First Student bus drivers is $14 per hour with five paid holidays and paid CDL training.

Looks to me like people with commercial drivers licenses aren’t willing to operate a school bus for that part-time wage in an improving economy. So, maybe the company should sweeten the pot and attract more applicants so the government doesn’t have to lower standards and spend precious dollars sending in National Guard troops or pay to use high-wage cops and firefighters?

The company’s bottom line shouldn’t be a concern here. They signed the contract so they gotta provide the service. If it costs them some extra money, so be it. The government shouldn’t bail them out. So, if the state does send in troops, First Student should be sent an invoice.

*** UPDATE *** From Anders Lindall at AFSCME Council 31…

The drivers were school district employees (AFSCME-represented) until just a couple years ago. We fought hard to stop the outsourcing for this reason — they were doing it to undercut the wages of the drivers, which was bound to affect quality if not safety.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:11 am

Comments

“The company’s bottom line shouldn’t be a concern here. They signed the contract so they gotta provide the service. If it costs them some extra money, so be it. The government shouldn’t bail them out. So, if the state does send in troops, First Student should be sent an invoice.”

Yup. That is the bottom line.

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:15 am
This would not be an appropriate use of the National Guard or public safety officials. That said, some of the applicants these school bus companies get are less than ideal. Many moons ago I had the opportunity to witness the August rush at SOS facilities when all the new school bus applicants were trying to get licensed. After failing the test for about the fifth time, I recall one guy saying “perhaps I should find a different line of work.” Ya think? This is a real problem but the suggested short term fix is the wrong way to go about it.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:19 am
Perfectly said Rich, perfectly said. It’s only First Students problem that they can’t find drivers.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:22 am
The terms of the contract will be critical to the legal remedy. Would like to know how many drivers they have and are short on this contract.

I am not a big fan of using the National Guard to correct civilian staffing mistakes. This is an avoidable problem, not a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:22 am
The terms “harebrained” and “crackpot scheme” come to mind.

Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:22 am
Aren’t there performance standards included in the contract?

Comment by NoGifts Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:26 am
This is absurd. If you get a contract, you do the work in the contract, and you get paid the amount in the contract. It’s so strange that this very basic legal concept is so mystical to certain business types in Illinois.

Comment by Who Else Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:26 am
I know more people (myself included) that have given up their CDLs because of the ridiculous federal regulations. You want bus drivers? Either get rid of the silly regs, or start paying $30/hour.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:27 am
Have my CDL. Would have to be a significant wage hike to get me to do part time - split shift work. I believe the driver shortage is more likely caused by the inability to find persons willing to put up with the kids.

Comment by Papa2008 Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:28 am
They should do targeted recruitment to human service organizations’ direct care staff. /s

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:29 am
The district’s scheduler/router (a district employee) quit very abruptly just a couple weeks ago, and First Student flew someone in to cover for them. So it’s quite possible that there are some issues with the district that are causing staffing issues.

Comment by Jim Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:31 am
The national school bus driver shortage has persisted in good economies and bad. It’s a part time, low paying job that requires a fairly high level of training and licensing (written and road tests). First Student knew this when they signed the contract. At the same time school districts often contract this work out because they know the challenges in staffing and running a transportation department.

Even if the National Guard and Police or Fire departments were able to be mobilized they likely wouldn’t possess the training and licenses required to operate the equipment. I feel for the kids and parents but this is an issue that First Student and the district need to sort out.

Comment by pundent Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:36 am
>This is absurd. If you get a contract, you do the work in the contract, and you get paid the amount in the contract. It’s so strange that this very basic legal concept is so mystical to certain business types in Illinois.

Mystical to types such as governors who don’t get a budget done and don’t pay these certain businesses? Not that I don’t agree with you, but can’t help the snark.

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:38 am
Believe it or not, even at almost $20 dollars an hour it is tough to find bus drivers. We are near Unit 5 and offer a higher wage (we do not contract service) people just don’t want the job. It isn’t usually full time so that also impacts the pool of applicants.

That said, 1st Student has to find people. One issue they are having is 10-20 bus drivers calling in sick. Their union has been at odds with Unit 5 since they decide to contract services. This is increasing the problems. That is on the driver’s not the district or company.

Other issues- lowest bidder. These companies cut each other’s throat to get the accounts and in the process cut touting to the bone. It is hard for schools to truly understand all of the details of the proposals unless someone has a background in transportation.

Don’t get me started on transportation funding.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:41 am
If you can’t get local folks to do the job at the wage offered calling in the National Guard is not the usual answer. Probably a job for those from outside the Borders./s

Comment by Bemused Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:41 am
All part of, “Running Illinois like a business.”

Comment by The Fool On The Hill Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:42 am
Privatization is the answer to all of our problems. Except when it isn’t.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:42 am
YIkes.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:43 am
State wide story.

Comment by Tobor Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:47 am
Let me understand, we have record murder rate in Chicago, shootings almost daily, no National Guard needed for that. Contractual agreement, record profits, but kids late for school? Need to turn around that agenda.

Comment by Bus Boy Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:48 am
This is just one segment of First Student’s Fleet issues. Think about the lack of mechanics, and therefore lack of maintenance. Observe the school buses in your neighborhood with lights burnt out or crossing gates not functioning– or even tied down. And then think about what may be broken you don’t see under the hood or regarding brakes. Frightening thoughts considering the cargo.

Comment by Kippax Blue Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:51 am
I live in Unit 5 - they decided a few years back to rid themselves of their union bus drivers and contract out for this service. Transporting their students safely is Unit 5’s responsibility, and I’ve been furious with their relentless effort to blame their contractor for the consequences of Unit 5’s decision. First Student can’t get the job done? Then you should have chosen a different contractor. I get the desire to try and make tax dollars go as far as possible, but don’t mistake efficiency for effectiveness, and don’t spend this time trying to redirect parents’ frustration instead of investing yourself into fixing this problem.

Comment by Johnny Tractor Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:52 am
Unless I’m mistaken, dont national guard “troops” have day jobs? Its one thing for a guard member to be called up for military service — employers deal with that. Is this person suggesting that guard members would be called up and leave their day job for a different day job? This is just stupid.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:54 am
same issue in chatham. if anyone calls in sick, it’s a panic to get another driver for the morning routes.

Comment by working stiff Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:56 am
I drive my kids to school…..every day

Comment by JDuc Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:57 am
The shortage of school bus drivers is playing out in Springfield too.

Yesterday, and for most of last week, our special education daughter has been sitting at school for at least two hours waiting for her bus to take her to after school programs. When my wife talked to the school about it they told her First Student in Springfield is down almost 37 drivers and it’s causing major issues.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:02 pm
Ultimately, this is a District 5 problem. If First Student, or a contractor, can’t make money, then they won’t continue to provide the service no matter what the contract says. They’ll cancel it and walk away. The district needs to figure out an alternative.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:02 pm
==Yeah, there’s a great idea. Unilaterally and quickly lower the state standards for school bus drivers. What could possibly go wrong?==

Otto: [preparing for his driving test] Alcohol increases your capability to drive…
Otto: [checks the answer] False? Oh, man!

I’m not an all the way “It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the air force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber.” guy but it is insane to me that we pay everyone involved in this process as little as possible and then wonder why problems come up.

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:10 pm
I believe part of the reason many districts contract out transportation is that they recognize that it might be better done by someone who has it as their core mission. But the far greater reason is that they get rid of having to pay teacher equivalent benefits and pension payments, and frequently they no longer have to negotiate with a driver’s union.

Comment by steves schnorf Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:19 pm
JSM, I was looking for your subject matter expertise here; appreciate the facts from the front line.

So what you have doing on in Unit 5 is a low-bid, low-margin contract with poor labor relations resulting in frequent outbreaks of “yellow flu.” I’m sure Springfield can get that all straightened lit for them post-haste. Not.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:20 pm
Why is the National Guard the go to agency for all that ails Illinois. I mean 1.4% was going to use them to staff IL offices. Now a fairly wealthy school district wants to use them as bus drivers.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:21 pm
On the radio this morning I heard the Unit 5 superintendent say the National Guard could help them figure out logistics.

Comment by dog lover Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:37 pm
If the Unit 5 super needs the National Guard to come help him figure out logistics for how to get his district’s students to school on time, it sounds like Unit 5 might need a new super.

In the meantime, just think of all the money the Unit 5 taxpayers are saving thanks to privatization and competitive bidding. This really is a success story.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:45 pm
Sorry for the double post on this issue, but First Student needs to get their act in order ASAP. They are now running commercials on Springfield radio stations all but begging people to drive for them.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:46 pm
Privatization is an amazing thing

Comment by Carhartt Representative Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:49 pm
Run government [by] a business!

Efficiency, optimized.

SUPERSTAR!

Comment by crazybleedingheart Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:49 pm
Hello students. Quick change to our behind-the-wheel driver’s ed curriculum. If you look under your desks you will find a set of keys. And that’s because YOU GET A BUS, AND YOU GET A BUS, AND YOU GET A BUS. EVERYBODY GETS A BUS.

‘Unilaterally and quickly lower the state standards for school bus drivers. What could possibly go wrong?’

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:52 pm
A quick trip to the google shows this company is causing chaos in school districts across the country claiming there are school bus driver shortages, yet this company gets profits no matter what so there is no reason to pay the sort of wages that would give schools reliable service from reliable workers. This is just one example of the folly of letting private company monopolies get such huge control over govt. services. I mean is there even any private competitor at all they could turn to if they wanted to cancel contract and/or sue for breach of contract?

Maybe it’s something the AG’s office could look into providing help on forcing this company to do a better job for taxpayers.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 12:55 pm
School bus drivers can make anywhere from 30K to 45K. How much does First Student pay?

As others have said, some districts (and parents) love to get off cheap, then act surprised when their actions cost them more in the long-term.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:02 pm
According to the Aug. 2016 IDES unemployment report, McLean County has an unemployment rate of 5.1% (an increase from Aug. 2015). It is hard to understand that there is a shortage of bus drivers with unemployment at this level and increasing in the county. Could it be an issue with the private contractor that is causing the problem?

Comment by Hit or Miss Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:06 pm
Let me see if I am understanding this. There are lots of job vacancies available. These jobs are part time, pay $14 and hour and the bus company cannot get takers? Why? Perhaps Rauner can explain this dilemma. The unions are not involved. Shouldn’t this be a slam dunk pitch for Rauner?

Comment by STILL WATERS Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:14 pm
From I understand from talking with one of our daughter’s bus drivers, the issue for many is the position of bus driver pays only for a couple of hours in the AM then a couple in the PM, and that is M-F.

The only full-time hours are for a handful of people who work year round and also get the trips in the evenings and weekends for sporting events.

Most of the drivers simply can’t live on the hours they get and then face layoffs for the three summer months.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:22 pm
@Steve Schnorf- I agree with much of what you say except the benefits aspect. Drivers would be IMRF participants which is a much different pension benefit.

@Michelle Flaherty- with respect, I disagree with your thoughts regarding the Unit 5 Supt. You would be right on his predecessor, he needed to go but Daniels is a top notch educator who is trying to make lemonade from lemons.

@AA- Tip of the cap

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:22 pm
This will not change any Rauner approach. The real problem is those public schools. See? they can’t even sign good contracts.

Jim from Taxi - taking a driver’s test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A520-RGb8SU

Comment by Dr X Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:28 pm
- There are lots of job vacancies available. These jobs are part time, pay $14 and hour and the bus company cannot get takers? Why? -

Well one reason is they are part time, mornings and mid-late afternoons, with a big off clock chunk in the middle of the day (unless you catch a field trip or something, not sure how that works these days). That time between say 9 and 2 when you are not driving and not being paid not to drive doesn’t really allow someone to do much else. If you have a CDL, better to drive for a trucking company for more steady work and hours.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:28 pm
The National Guard is in Afghanistan, organizing the Opium rackets for our Bankers. Sorry, they are not available to drive children to those collectivists schools.
Maybe this says something about the calls for a $15 an hour minimum wage.

Comment by yeah Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:30 pm
Typically these companies come in to a school district and offer to provide bus service (at a loss for the bus company) for less then what the district pays for their own employees and buses. The CFO of the school district recommends the school board contract out the bus service, and he/she receives a large bonus/salary increase for “finding a way to save money”. The school district drivers are all permanently laid off, the district buses are sold at fire sale prices, and the CFO gets another bonus/salary increase. The bus company drivers are paid a fraction of what district employees were paid, and benefits are poor to non-existent. Usually after the second year the prices go way up and service quality goes down. The district’s own buses, drivers, and mechanics are long gone. The money from selling the districts buses is gone and the district has no choice but to keep contracting out the busing. The CFO retires early with a extra-hefty pension due to the bonus/salary increases. The bus companies contract has a number of loopholes, (not responsible for) driver illness, bus breaks down, slow traffic, freight train, etc., etc… Then the bidding gets complicated, the bus company offers to hold the line on the bid IF the school arranges the school day start and finish times to the bus companies convenience. This enables the bus company to use the same buses and drivers to run routes for 2 separate nearby school districts if one district makes their hours earlier, and the other district makes their hours later. The bus company tries to do more with less, and ends up with broken down buses, high driver turnover, and late/missed pick-ups. The school district is trapped, and can’t do much about it except make ridiculous suggestions like call the national guard.

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Man, you mean to say that when supply doesn’t meet demand, the market doesn’t clear? When you offer too low a price (wage), there is a shortage of workers? If only there was a graph which would show this phenomenon.

My first call would be to the lawyers to handle the contract side of things, not the National Guard. My second would be to the next best bidder once I terminate the first contract.

Comment by ChrisB Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:39 pm
“an alternative bus drivers certification process”

What part of the requirement does the governor plan to drop? Criminal background checks, drug test, or driving experience?
1. Let the 16 years old drive their classmates to school. /s
2. He could give bus drivers jobs to the convicts who are being released from prison early. /s
3. Do away with testing for drugs. /s

Comment by Mama Retired Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:46 pm
It appears First Student has not honored their contract by providing enough buses and drivers. This is 100% the contractor’s problem, and they should be able to fix it by paying their drivers more money. $14 per hour sounds like a lot, but most bus drivers only work 2- 4 hours a day. They don’t need the National Guard - - First Student needs to increase their hourly wage in order to attract more school bus drivers. Plus those drivers need to meet the current bus drivers qualifications.

Comment by Mama Retired Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:57 pm
When you outsource services, you take the cheap route. If you want transportation people that will take pride in their job and do good work, then make them members of the schools staff, pay them a good wage with benefits. It’s expensive, I know, but the results are safe transportation for students.

Comment by Big Joe Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:57 pm
Very few National Guard soldiers have bus licenses. And this does not seem to be a natural disaster.

Personally, if I was still in the Guard, you wouldn’t want me taking your kid to school. I tried to get bus qualified once and almost took out a few street lights turning corners. And the buses that the NG drive are not like modern school busses. They are more like Greyhound busses without the A/C.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:01 pm
The National Guard! What a great idea!
Maybe after they drop the kids off they can head out to Chicago and clean the schools for Aramark and SodexoMAGIC.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:01 pm
The invisible hand of the free market will fix this problem. Right?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:08 pm
- DuPage - Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 1:32 pm: -
You hit the nail on head! That is exactly what happens to the schools.

Comment by Mama Retired Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:15 pm
I friend of mine started driving a school bus after he retired. He said you have to have eyes in the back of your head, very thick skin and poor hearing to drive a school bus. The kids are anything but well behaved.

Comment by Mama Retired Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:18 pm
I am assuming the city of Bloomington has city buses.

First Student Busing Co. should sub-contract with the city of Bloomington to bus their school kids with no extra charge to the school district.

Comment by Mama Retired Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:28 pm
DuPage @ 1:32 nails it

Comment by Downstater Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Where’s the Runer press release? Contracting out and removin safeguards in schools is a key piece of the turnaround agenda. Great idea!

Comment by motorcycle vest Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 2:45 pm
What Dupage said. That is the Raunervision for every State of Illinois Department.

Comment by Johnnie F. Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 3:25 pm
It’s par for the course with the ‘Taxation is Theft’ crowd.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 3:29 pm
The answer: Uber

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 22, 16 @ 11:06 pm
Actually…I could theoretically see firefighters being able to do the job (as they already drive fire trucks), so let it happen, on the condition that the company pay the fireman’s normal pay, and pay for a firefighter to cover if needed. I’m sure this ‘bus driver crisis’ will be ended fast when they have to cough up the dough.

Comment by Shanks Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:13 am
–The invisible hand of the free market will fix this problem. Right?–

Perfect. Adam Smith could never have imagined how his words would be misused by Friedman, Hayak, neoliberals, et all to totally advocate for a position that smith never intended. They need to read his other works.

Free market my toochas. First Student wants a handout. They are the welfare queens.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 8:47 am
Dupage, totally happening in District 7. Those poor bus kids and drivers. It’s a horror. I avoided that with my girls by sheer luck. They’ve got early bird classes and I have to get them to school by 6:15. The poor girl from my subdivision that takes the bus for regular school time is out there when I leave the subdivision and still there when I get back. She never knows when the bus is going to come. Both her parents work, which is the case for most all in my neighborhood, so if she misses it, she’s out for the day. The bus driver is also in a bad spot. Under paid and overworked and stressed out by unruly kids. They were so bad the other day on the late activity bus that they had to return to the school and call the police. Awful

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 8:54 am
=Typically these companies come in to a school district and offer to provide bus service (at a loss for the bus company) for less then what the district pays for their own employees and buses. The CFO of the school district recommends the school board contract out the bus service, and he/she receives a large bonus/salary increase for “finding a way to save money”. The school district drivers are all permanently laid off, the district buses are sold at fire sale prices, and the CFO gets another bonus/salary increase. The bus company drivers are paid a fraction of what district employees were paid, and benefits are poor to non-existent. Usually after the second year the prices go way up and service quality goes down. The district’s own buses, drivers, and mechanics are long gone. The money from selling the districts buses is gone and the district has no choice but to keep contracting out the busing. The CFO retires early with a extra-hefty pension due to the bonus/salary increases. The bus companies contract has a number of loopholes, (not responsible for) driver illness, bus breaks down, slow traffic, freight train, etc., etc… Then the bidding gets complicated, the bus company offers to hold the line on the bid IF the school arranges the school day start and finish times to the bus companies convenience. This enables the bus company to use the same buses and drivers to run routes for 2 separate nearby school districts if one district makes their hours earlier, and the other district makes their hours later. The bus company tries to do more with less, and ends up with broken down buses, high driver turnover, and late/missed pick-ups. The school district is trapped, and can’t do much about it except make ridiculous suggestions like call the national guard.=

This is anything but typical. But I only have 20 plus years of industry experience.

I will grant there are a few elements of your post that are true at times but as a whole it is an emotional tirade that is not based on facts, more about public perceptions based on false narratives.

For instance, bonuses are very rare in Illinois K-12 education. the happen, but they are the exception.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 9:25 am