Marlborough schools send NRT formal noncompliance notice over driver shortage

MARLBOROUGH -- October 24, 2023, Marlborough sends formal noncompliance notice to bus contractor NRT over chronic driver shortage. Chief Operating Officer Doug LaFleur told the School Committee Tuesday that the district's outside attorney delivered a letter giving NRT 10 days to respond, while five driver applicants have been forwarded to the company and Human Resources Director Patty Brown has joined recruiting efforts. LaFleur said a Teamsters contract clause letting drivers "own" routes prevents the district from rotating disruptions, leaving the same students stranded daily. He also warned of a 4.69 percent state-authorized fiscal 2025 special education tuition increase that translates to roughly $200,000 in added costs, or $325,000 if collaboratives follow suit, with circuit breaker reimbursement lagging a year behind. The committee unanimously approved Superintendent Mary Murphy's fiscal 2024 goals, a 2025 music department trip to Pennsylvania, fiscal 2024 budget transfers and a $28 Shaw's donation to Richer Elementary.