AKRON, Ohio-A group of more than 100 Independent Contract Operators (ICO) who transport students with special needs for Akron Public Schools (APS) is requesting a raise, citing discrepancies in pay compared to recently hired contracted companies. Brandy Vickers, a spokesperson for the ICO, highlights significant pay differences between independent drivers and these companies, based on documents she received from the district.
While independent drivers receive $11 each way per student, contracted companies are paid $310 daily for the same service. APS attributes this pay difference to the additional services offered by the companies, such as logistics, payroll, and insurance. However, the district has yet to provide documents to verify these claims. APS states that they follow federal law and guidelines for hiring transportation employees and compensating contracted employees based on the services they provide.
