Richmond Public Schools RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras addressed issues related to late paychecks and bus driver absences during a press conference on Monday, September 16. Kamras acknowledged that a quarter of the district’s bus drivers, 35 out of 130, called out on Monday, likely due to frustration over delayed paychecks.
Some bus drivers received their checks late on Friday, September 13, and others reported missing overtime pay.
Kamras attributed the issue to a new automated time clock system and assured drivers that the problem would be resolved quickly.
In response to concerns raised by the bus drivers’ representative, Rahsaan Wynn, about the financial strain caused by delayed pay, Kamras promised to send a letter to all drivers outlining a plan to ensure supplemental checks if necessary and prevent future issues.
Wynn emphasized that clearer communication from RPS would help alleviate frustrations among the drivers, many of whom rely on their paychecks for essential bills.
Kamras admitted that the district had fallen short in transporting students reliably, and he committed to improving the situation.