Laurens District 55 addresses social media rumors about driver overtime, pay

Laurens District 55 addresses social media rumors about driver overtime, pay

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Laurens District 55 said social media claims regarding recent changes to bus driver compensation and dual-employment positions are not fully correct.

In a statement released Monday, Interim Superintendent Dr. Rhett Harris said online posts depicting district actions did not explain the severe financial strains prompting the board’s decisions.

Overtime Pay Changes

According to officials, the district paid $277,000 in overtime to bus drivers last year.

However, officials said that little to none of that overtime was because drivers exceeded a 40-hour workweek. Instead, drivers were receiving overtime pay for hours worked within their standard 7.5-hour guaranteed workday.

Moving forward, officials said overtime will only be paid when an employee physically exceeds 40 work hours in a week.

Eliminating Dual-Employment Roles

Officials also addressed dual-employment positions, which are workers holding two positions within the district, such as driving a bus while working another non-certified role.

Last year, the district paid those 13 dual employees:

- $990,630 in combi...