RONDOUT VALLEY � A union representing a portion of the school district's bus drivers has voted to strike if no agreement is reached soon. However, school officials said no major disruptions were expected as only about 15 students are involved on the affected bus routes. The drivers work for Durham School Services, which handles three special education bus routes for Rondout Valley schools.

According to Gloria Frenza, the district's Transportation Supervisor, Tilson-based Arthur F. Mulligan, Inc., "will jump in to help cover those routes" should negotiations break down. It's the first bump in the road that Frenza can recall since the district elected to privatize busing back in 1995. "I'm glad we're not Rhinebeck," where Durham handles most of the bus routes, she said.

The drivers organized last year as Local 445 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and are looking for larger pay increases, as well as sick time and health benefits. "When you're making a little more than minimum wage, the three percent raise the company is offering is insignificant," said Adrian Huff, Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters. Durham's drivers are paid $9-11 per hour, depending on the size of the bus driven. By comparison, starting bus drivers in New Paltz (which still owns and manages its own bus fleet) is $22.90 an hour, according the District Clerk Elena Maskell.

Huff would not answer when asked if union members would picket or hold any other job actions. "I prefer to remain positive," he said of the upcoming negotiations. Union and management representatives have had 18 unsuccessful negotiating sessions up until this point.

Officials from Durham School Services, which is owned by the British company National Express Corp., did not return calls for comment by press time.

The next negotiation meeting is scheduled for January 6.