by Susan Carter
For the past twelve months I have debated whether or not to write this, obviously deciding to do so. Perhaps it’s cathartic that I do so, but I would like to think it’s to make the public aware of just how inhumanely Albemarle County employees can be treated by this employer.
I began working for Albemarle County in 1994 as a school bus driver. Prior to taking this job I was responsible for commercial collections in five states for a major retailer, successfully meeting collection goals monthly, while living in Chicago. Relocating to this area I worked in commercial property management, supervising various staff and overseeing various properties. I loved all aspects of this job yet decided to take a career break after my mother passed away. Upon reflection it became clear that priorities needed to be shifted as more time with my family was a number-one priority. I made the decision to work part time, and when exploring the possibility of driving a school bus it seemed the perfect fit as it would allow me to be home during the middle of the day, on holidays, and all summer. Thus, my job as a school bus driver for Albemarle County began.
I very rarely missed time from work, accumulating hundreds of hours of leave over the years. In November of 2021, our son was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As he would be having chemotherapy, radiation, and Whipple surgery, followed by more chemotherapy, I requested, and was approved for leave covered by FMLA as someone would need to be with him.
After our son completed all treatments and seemed to be recovering from Whipple surgery, and a subsequent surgery to repair his abdominal area, followed by news that his scans did not detect cancer, we all breathed a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, the relief was not long lived. In January 2023, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Again, I was approved for leave covered by the FMLA. Within two (2) weeks of diagnosis I underwent surgery for a hysterectomy and debulking. Six (6) weeks later I began a rigorous chemotherapy regimen. Once completing chemotherapy, I began attending physical therapy sessions to regain muscle as the chemo cocktail had so weakened my body.
Once regaining strength and being released by my physician to return to work, I contacted my employer. I advised that I would not be able to return to an eight-hour supervisory position, as I held prior to taking medical leave, as I would need to attend medical appointments. I asked to return to work as a part time bus driver, working the morning hours, as this would enable me to schedule medical appointments in late morning and afternoon. I was advised that they would give me a run that was 3.25 hours per day, therefore no benefits as four (4) hours per day were required for benefits. Despite the Human Resources website advertising four (4) hour morning or afternoon bus routes, and management advising employees repeatedly that employees were guaranteed a minimum of four (4) hours, I was not being afforded four (4) hours. This was absolutely devastating as it meant that I would no longer have health insurance for myself or husband. Insurance that was absolutely critical due to my diagnosis. It is of importance to note that my husband is an Albemarle County retiree and was put on my insurance upon his retirement.
I went to a School Board meeting (can be seen on video) naively believing that pleading my case to them would make a difference, that they would care, that they would intervene to ensure an ethical outcome, that follow-up would be forthcoming from someone on the School Board. NONE OF THIS HAPPENED. I tendered my resignation due to the unwillingness of my employer of 29 years to give me four (4) hours per day, copying my resignation letter to the superintendent and School Board as shown below. AGAIN, NO INTERVENTION FROM ANY OF THESE PARTIES.
__________________________________
Susan Carter
Wed 10/4/2023 6:53 PM
To: Starr Morris;
Cc: Jenny Stearns;
Всс: William Shifflett; Richard Roman; Charmane White; Rosalyn Schmitt; Matthew Haas; School Board; Ashby Johnson; Robert Morgan;School Bus Driver -part-time-am only
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
Transportation Department
Part-Time, 10 Months
4 hour AM or PMAs department leaders were unable or unwilling to give me, an employee of 29 years, a four (4) hour morning route, therefore no benefits, despite a four (4) hour am route being listed on the Human Resources web site (see above) as recently as a few moments ago, I tender my resignation effective immediately.
Some outgoing advice; when management learns to invest in their employees, the employees will invest in Transportation.
A special thank you to the Journey team for the support I received as lead driver and for the support and love that they have shown to me during my illness.
Grace and peace to everyone.
Susan Carter
_________________________________
This is just one of many examples of the indignities employees have, and I am confident continue to endure.
I would be remiss if I did not mention this. Someone took notice of my impassioned speech to the School Board. Erin Avery, a Monticello High School teacher, contacted me after the meeting as wanted to contribute funds that they raised from Pink Out T Shirt sales to me. I doubt if Ms. Avery knows the impact that her actions had on me. She restored my faith in humankind and made me feel as though someone truly cared. Thank you, Ms. Avery and Monticello students. 💗
EPILOGUE
It is with overwhelming sadness that I close this by saying that our son, a true warrior, lost the battle with the dreaded C several months ago. I continue to fight the psychological effects of losing our son, of the dreaded C, the psychological (and physical) effects of my diagnosis, and the psychological effects of being discarded in the manner in which I was by my employer of 29 years, any one of which is overwhelming and at times crippling.
Needless to say, these past few years have been extremely challenging and painful for our family. Watching my wife write this, shedding tears while doing so, reignites the disgust I have for how her employer treated her. Appalling!
It was difficult to witness the challenges you faced returning to work after such major health issues, all while caring for my brother. The lack of support and empathy from your employer, especially after decades of loyal service, is truly repulsive treatment!
This is an appalling story. God bless Susan Carter and her family.
I hope shedding light on her plight forces the Albermarle County School Board to wake the hell up and do the right thing. Restore her job and benefits.
Im so sorry you where treated so poorly by the people you worked so closely with all those years. Shame on them for not being supportive, and they wonder why nobody wants to work for them. If im not mistaken one of the key speaking points for the year was “Empathy”, where was theirs? I prey that you get some type of recompense for you and your family.
I drove for ACPS. Loved my fellow drivers, after our director left a couple years ago it sucked. I ended up moving to another county. I love it. They pay us well with benefits and the administration backs the drivers. It’s like night and day. Haas needs to go. He is a cancer to ACPS.
Rob this is awesome you picked up Baton this is a problem bigger than just Transportation from my perspective the more I evaluate overall operations.
I watched this very unnecessary grueling process happen to my sister Susan Carter.
Her case obviously is of many I’m quite confident.
So for entire Community and Region my Hats of to you Sir! for the disciplined practical approach you take continually to press forward for The Better Good
It’s been several decades since we first interacted in Greenbrier when you were City Council Member and though I don’t call in as much I still enjoy the very appropriate necessary conversations you broach.
I do hope this leads to historical changes for the Betterment of All Concered
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
THESE ARE ITEMS THAT ARE TO BE REVIEWED WITH PROSPECTIVE ALBEMARLE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION APPLICANTS THAT EMPLOYEES WERE ADVISED WERE PREPARED BY A SENIOR TRANSPORTATION MANAGER.
Please take notice of item 2 – advising applicants that they would receive a minimum of 4 hours.
Not understanding this as Mrs. Carter certainly was not offered 4 hours.
Recommendation: Schedule an in-person interview.
Items reviewed with the applicant.
1. This is a 10-month position. Employees get paid for days actually worked. When there is no students in session, this position does not work nor get paid.
2. Hours are based on route assignment and can range anywhere from 4 to 7 or more per day.
3. You may be assigned to any route within the county and this can change within the year and from year to year.
4. Pay is based on years of relative experience and is determined by HR after reviewing your application and or resume – please be sure to include all relevant work history.
So prospective employees, at the direction of management, are being told that they will get at least 4 hours per day but they refused to give Susan Carter, a 29 year employee, more than 3.25 hours per day, therefore no health insurance?! I hope that the National Cancer Institute and every cancer support group will voice their concerns about a cancer patient being treated in such an appalling manner. Horrendous!
Absolutely appalling treatment! Alb Co should be ashamed and someone should have to answer to this. Absolutely unacceptable!
I am shocked no one from this organization has stepped up to right a wrong! Enough is enough people! We need to hold them accountable.
I SUBMITTED A FOIA REQUEST MONTHS AGO – BELOW ARE INFORMATIVE EMAILS VERY RELEVANT TO THIS STORY. YOU WILL SEE ONE EMAIL IN WHICH DAVRA MILLER INQUIRES ABOUT ME BEING GIVEN EXTRA DUTIES SO THAT I COULD GET 4 HOURS PER DAY – WITH HER LATER STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO DO SO. I HAD NOT HEARD ABOUT THIS UNTIL I RECEIVED THESE EMAILS – NO OFFERS WERE EVER MADE.
‼️Please read email dated 9/22/23 at 3:13 pm from Starr Morris to William Shifflett. I am of the opinion that this says a great deal.
___________________
From: Davra Bruce
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 4:58 PM
To: Starr Morris ; William Shifflett < wshifflett@k12albemarle.org›
Cc: Veronda Whindleton
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 1:06 PM
To: Davra Bruce ‹dbruce@k12albemarle.org>
Subject: RE: Am Route
I sent her the information you shared with me and then told her as soon as I find out the hours of the route I will let her know.
___________________
From: Davra Bruce
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 11:48 AM
To: Starr Morris
Subject: RE: Am Route
Thanks for sharing Starr.
Anyone in Transportation who works has a minimum of 4 base hours qualifies for medical and dental insurance at the full-time employee rates. And, Transportation employees who work 6 base hours are eligible for VRS.
Will you respond to Susan? Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Davra
_________________________________
From: Starr Morris
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 3:13 PM
To: William Shifflett
FW: Am Route
She was told 3.25 hours, that may be what keeps her from coming back. I sent all correspondence to Davra.
____________________
From: William Shifflett
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 3:11 PM
To: Starr Morris
Subject: RE: Am Route
I was going to ask you about this. Can we close this up on Monday?
Regards,
William
____________________
From: Davra Bruce «dbnxe@k12albemarleorg
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 4:35 PM
To: Starr Morris gmorris6@k12albemarke.org
Subject: RE: Am Route
Hi Starr!
You are certainly not obligated, they were just ideas I had in thinking about the department’s current needs and if she could provide support in some other capacity.
Thanks,
Davra
________________
From: Starr Morris csmorris6@k12albemerle.org
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 11:01 AM
To: Davra Bruce cohruce@k12a/bemarle.org>
Subject: FW: Am Route
Davra, I apologize for taking so long to respond. Those are great ideas, and I would have to run it across William. Wondering if Susan would be open to them?
___________________
From: Davra Bruce «dhruce @k12 albemarie org
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 6:18 PM
To: Starr Morris gmorrisf@k12albemarle.org
Subject: RE: Am Route
Thanks for the update Starr. Would it be helpful, (or possible) for Susan to help out in any other capacity for 4 hours? For example, assisting with training new drivers, coaching on student management, or serving as a relief
driver? Just some thoughts.
Thanks,
Davra
__________________________________
From: Davra Bruce
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 8:53 AM
To: Starr Morris
Subj ct: FW: PT 4 hour Posting
Passing this along, as one of the HR team members shared with me. Please work with Brandon Edwards if any postings need to be updated.
Thanks,
Davra
___________________
From: Jenny Stearns <jstearns3@k12albemarle.org›
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2023 4:42 PM
To: Davra Bruce <dbruce@k12albemarle.org›
Subject: PT 4 hour Posting
Hi Davra,
I wonder if the AM or PM route was discussed between Susan and Transportation. If her route is not 4 hours, I wonder what routes are? If they only have routes that are 3 hours, they may want to update the postings.
Thanks,
Jenny
First and foremost thanks everyone that is involved for your responding thoughts input…
Please if anyone/everyone can pass along these very factual events to any /all persons that can continue to assist with righting an injustice that was done locally.
My sister Susan Carter and her husband Gordon Carter faithfully worked in the Albemarle County School System for decades . For management supervisors and Board Officials to either thru ignorance or dereliction to deflect /ignore this ludicrous chain of events must be visited/corrected to alleviate others from incurring such an horrific life changing decision by those charged with respecting/serving/nurturing the people that are essential to Our Childrens Educational Experience.
Thanks in Advance to everyone that assists with this matter on behalf of my family.
Sincerely
John Cason
I read the entire article, including the ones Mrs. Carter shared, and it’s deeply troubling to realize that such a corrupt organization exists in this area. Now that Alb. Co has been exposed, I hope someone will step forward to help her find an attorney who isn’t connected to this organization. She needs to get legal counsel right away!
Speechless
THIS EMAIL WAS INADVERTENTLY NIT INCLUDED WITH ABOVE
Sent: Wednesday. September 13, 2023 4.58 PM
To: Starr Morris «smorris6@k12albemarle.org>; William Shifflett sshifflett@k12albemarle.org
Subject: RE: Meeting w/Susan Carter 9-13-2023
Thanks for meeting with Susan and for the detailed update! If AM route only is not available, please ask Brandon Edwards to remove that from the vacancy list for Transportation.
Let me know how I can help.
Thanks again,
Davra
This is an overwhelmingly sad story. My heart goes out to the Carter family. To be treated in this manner by your employer of 29 years, and the employer from which your husband retired from, is appalling and repulsive. I read the emails that she posted yesterday, they say it all. You have to wonder what’s in the emails that they didn’t provide to her. Seems like 3 people should be joining her employment status – with no sweetheart deals!
Several days ago a box was delivered to my home. I opened yesterday finding a retirement plaque with a letter from Dan Redding dated October 24, 2023. When looking at the packing slip it shows the order for the award was placed on 10/02/24. Not sure about the delay but that doesn’t really matter. The issue I have is that I see this as total hypocrisy considering the way I was forced out. Don’t send me a letter telling me that my “hard work, loyalty, and commitment to our vision are greatly appreciated. You represent the true spirit of public service”. THE HYPOCRISY OF ALBEMARLE COUNTY WILL NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME.
Glass Plaque Inscribed As Follows:
_________________________________________
Retirement from Albemarle County Public Schools. We join you in celebrating this important milestone and thank you for your loyalty, dedication and outstanding service to our organization.
Susan Carter
29 Years
Albemarle County
Public Schools
Letter From Dan Redding/Director of HR:
__________________________________________
Albemarle County
Public Schools
October 24, 2023
Congratulations, Susan Carter!
Congratulations upon your retirement! You have reached a milestone in your career with Albemarle County Public Schools – one that we want to recognize and join with you in celebrating.
A gift cannot possibly equal the value of your contributions to the children, families, and citizens of Albemarle County Public Schools through the years, but we hope you will accept this as a sincere gesture of our appreciation for your dedication to our learning community. Your hard work, loyalty, and commitment to our vision are greatly appreciated. You represent the true spirit of public service.
With warmest regards and best wishes for your future endeavors –
Sincerely,
Daniel W. Redeling
Dan Redding
Director of Human Resources
___________________________________________
Packing Slip:
MTM
RECOGNITION.
3405 SE 29th Street
Ok
73115
Phone: 1-877-686-7464
http://www.mtmrecognition.com
8074515920420
* Packing Slip *
Scheduled Ship Date
10/08/2024
Recipient Code
0010401445
Date
10/02/24
Order Number
8074515
Entered By
IP-ANNEE DOYLE X6826
Drop Ship #
990428
Ship VIA
FEXP-G
Dealer/Agency:
Purchase Order #
2024-11906
Ship To:
ALBEMARLE
CTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
KIMBERLY BRANHAM
401 MCINTIRE
ROOM
125
CHARLOTTESVILLE
VA 22902
CHARLOTTESVILLE
VA
Ship To:
SUSAN CARTER
(ADDRESS REDACTED)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
If there are any questions concerning this shipment, please call your MTM Customer Care Associate at: 877-686-7464
Qty
Item #
Description
Recipient
Award Level
22901
Optional
99-RETPS
PUBLIC SCHOOLS RET KIT
Susan Carter
*Item Total
**Drop
Total
Susan Carter
90
Drop Rec# 51842
A friend recommended I read this article, and I’m stunned! Without naming them, this person works in transportation and confirmed how awful the environment is, even saying that if you don’t conform, they’ll push you out. It’s chilling to hear that and then read how it happened exactly like that to Mrs. Carter.
Geez, this is how Albemarle County Schools treats their employees! I would think long and hard before applying for a job with them. Shame on the School Board and Superintendent for allowing managers to treat employees in such a manner and for keeping these managers employed with Albemarle County once you are made aware of their behavior. Have you no decency?
As a former employee none of this surprises me. Sad for the Carter family, pathetic on County’s behalf.
A couple of firms in the DC area have reached out but am hoping to avoid travel. I am wondering if anyone knows of, has relations with, or can suggest someone locally that will understand the gravity of this and ensure that the employees involved are held accountable? Thank you
I want to thank Robert Schilling for sharing this story. My hope is that it will shed light on the treatment of employees, particularly the challenges female employees often face. Reflecting on countless situations, it seems, in my experience, that female employees are frequently targeted—or perhaps they are simply more likely to speak up against mistreatment. When a male manager repeatedly asks a female employee, “Do you understand what I am saying?” or repeatedly tells her she’s “too direct,” or even goes so far as to say, “shut up,” what is she to think? The final blow was being forced out, losing health insurance when most needed.
My role was more than just a job. I volunteered at a local school planting shrubs, donated snacks to a classroom for two years, and gave gift cards I received as awards to teachers for supplies. I volunteered over 12 hours without pay to help a colleague on extended leave stay updated on new procedures. My daughter and I collected hundreds of dollars worth of school supplies to donate to an elementary school. I bought a winter coat for a student who needed one, and when children wanted to attend the carnival but couldn’t afford it, I made sure they could go. Even while my husband was in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, I stayed with him every night, going directly to work each morning. Over time, I learned that many bus drivers perform similar acts of kindness for the students they serve. I wonder: do the managers, some earning six-figure salaries, ever engage in these acts of generosity for the children in our school system?
Speaking out about injustices came at a cost, making me an outcast in many ways. I reported multiple incidents: from a white driver refusing to open the bus door for African American students in the rain, to a driver making racist comments in an email, to seeing another exclude certain students while giving out treats, to confronting a driver who made false accusations against African American students. There were many other injustices I brought to light. I gave everything I had, never compromising my morals and always guided by Maya Angelou’s words: “If you see an injustice and remain silent, you are just as guilty as the perpetrator.”
Our family has deep ties to the County school system. Our daughter attended County schools, where I volunteered on Field Days. Our son was a star athlete at Burley and Albemarle High, his fiancée is a County school administrator, my husband worked in the system for 30 years, and my grandson attends a County school. Our commitment was wholehearted, but sadly, that commitment wasn’t reciprocated.
Thank you, Rob Schilling, for helping to bring this story to light.
INSERT
or even goes so far as to say “shut up”, as a female employee stated to many was said to her by a male manager,
The final blow, for me,
This was shared directly with me most recently and as a community member and parent. What I found is absolutely APPALLING. How could a division that prioritizes equity and wellness treat a dedicated employee of 29 years in such a manner? After reading the email attachments, I am starting to wonder if Mrs. Carter was coerced into resigning, as it appears they did not want to provide work for her. Despite HR providing suggestions, I am perplexed as to why transportation did not offer her 4 hours—perhaps a 3.25-hour route plus additional time completing tasks to reach 4 hours? My son’s bus driver could certainly benefit from student management support, and with someone of Mrs. Carter’s extensive experience, I am sure she has valuable skills to share with new drivers. How will the employer rectify this situation? Who should be held accountable? I don’t think Mrs. Carter was ready to resign…I could be wrong. This is not good!
Kimberly – You are correct, I was not ready to resign. This won’t be rectified as to do so you must admit you were wrong, that is not going to happen. I am of the opinion that several people should be held accountable, with the emails supporting my opinion, but again, we know that’s not going to happen.
I know folks are busy and our Presidential Election has been at forefront of many folks agenda.
However this appears to be a substantiated storyline that very much deserves an organized outcry from all Albemarle County taxpayers
I do not want to be paying huge paychecks to folks that don’t protect our valued support personnel that help educate or children how to be good responsible ethical compassionate citizens
Please some start the process to petition that know effective organizing
I would but my bride is in her 8 th decade so my days are full assisting her mainly
Restore this persons hope/dignity
Thank you Robert. However, I must say that I am not the person(s) that needs their dignity restored as my dignity and self respect were NEVER compromised.
I will be completing my Masters of Education in the near future. Several area school divisions are on my list for employment consideration. After reading this guest editorial, scrutinizing the emails between Carter and Morris, Morris and various others, and talking with various persons, for ethical reasons I will not consider employment in this division.