During a contentious Foster School Committee gathering on Tuesday evening, over half of those present stormed out after a bus driver’s sibling was asked to depart for trying to disclose information about a confidential disciplinary pact discussed in private session.
The focus of the dispute was longtime Foster bus driver Sherrie Griffith, who did not attend but remained the main topic during public comments. Numerous community members, parents, and co-drivers came forward to express their dissatisfaction with the way the matter had been addressed.
At the beginning of this month, Griffith found herself under scrutiny after receiving a complaint from a parent whose child was not allowed onto her bus. Her sibling, Rebecca Gervasio—a co-driver—stated that the youngster had previously exhibited behavioral problems and that Griffith was merely adhering to directives from the school district when she decided against permitting the student to get on.
Gervasio stated in an interview with NBC 10 that he informed her the child wouldn’t be on the bus, and as such, she wasn’t planning to transport him according to the information provided.
However, the child’s grandmother, Heidi Rogers, contradicts this version of events. During a telephone conversation with NBC 10 on Wednesday, Rogers stated that Griffith was clearly informed the student could ride the bus.
Rogers stated, "She was informed by the district that he was permitted." This case involved three children; however, the agenda focused on one child who had been denied transportation to and from school. The child has legal entitlement to this service, which makes this refusal an act of noncompliance with the law.
Rogers, who also serves on the Foster Town Council, said the situation stems from Griffith’s ongoing request for a bus monitor.
There was a hidden plan," she stated. "The specific bus driver desired a monitor. That request was denied, after which my grandchildren were exploited.
Gervasio mentioned that his sister has never faced a complaint throughout her 25-year driving career and enjoys widespread respect among the Foster driver group.
She sort of acts as the matriarch within our bus community," she explained. "We all rely on her.
Griffith was originally set to be dismissed on Tuesday, as per the meeting agenda. Nevertheless, when the meeting began, School Committee Chair Shelley Pezza stated that the termination item had been taken off the list, explaining that a "mutual agreement" had been reached during an executive session.
There was a shared understanding reached by everyone," Pezza stated. "All the involved parties concurred with this consensus regarding the situation.
When Gervasio attempted to disclose what she claims were the conditions of the deal—which included Griffith getting a 10-day leave and being reassigned to a different route—she was interrupted.
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You can't do that!" Pezza stated during the gathering. "Officer, kindly show her out!
When Gervasio exited the room, she encouraged the participants to join her. Over half of them followed, assembling in the corridor where she provided further clarification about the agreement.
She’s facing a 10-day suspension and will be assigned to a different route," explained Gervasio. "Otherwise, she would have been let go entirely.
The action only heightened public frustration, with numerous individuals condemning the absence of transparency and showing backing for Griffith.
The notion that this bus driver required legal representation from the outset is entirely absurd," stated one individual during the public commentary session. "I find it repulsive. I am ashamed.
Someone else chimed in, "No single family governs or controls this town, and they shouldn't."
The speakers supported Griffith’s safety record and mentioned she was facing consequences merely for performing her duties.
If we fail to remove the distractions, nobody will be safe," stated one parent. "She has every right to be on this path alongside my children.
Some labeled the procedure as politically motivated, alleging that the committee was singling out Griffith due to their vocal participation in earlier sessions.
"Regrettably, the school’s lawyer takes issue with my sister because she attends these meetings and shares her views," Gervasio said to NBC 10.
The frustration was also due to uncertainty about the authority of the school committee to discipline a bus driver hired by First Student, which is the district’s transportation provider. Following the meeting, NBC 10 requested clarification from both the committee members and their legal counsel.
Mary Ann Carroll, who serves as the committee’s legal advisor, informed NBC 10 that they have the authority under their agreement with First Student to take action and remove a driver from their route whenever necessary.
“As stated in the agreement,” Carroll mentioned, “we have the right to end this because it’s outlined in our contract with First Student.”
Even with the suspension, Griffith will continue as a driver for the district—but not on her initial route. Nevertheless, her backers have stated that they won’t drop this matter.
"There was absolutely no way for us to stand idly by and let her be unfairly dismissed due to an objection from just one family," stated an attendee.
NBC 10 has contacted First Student seeking their input. We are currently awaiting their response.