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Antiwork

I’m about to be asked to resign as a band director because I refuse to get my CDL. For the second time.

I’ll try keep the story short but I’ve previously worked in a school district where it was verbatim in my contract that I had to get my CDL to work in the district. I told that district that I do not feel comfortable driving kids to and from football games/school functions. Essentially if any feet are added to a vehicle I don’t trust myself in those situations. I’ve had two accidents driving extended truck/trailers with band equipment before and tried to explain that to the district. They told me it would be in my best interest to resign or I would face a contract non-renewal (essentially if you’re a teacher and your contract is non-renewed you’re basically unemployable). I did try to obtain my license 3 years consecutively , either failing out of the test and having to start the process over. I couldn’t pass and yes I did eventually…


I’ll try keep the story short but I’ve previously worked in a school district where it was verbatim in my contract that I had to get my CDL to work in the district. I told that district that I do not feel comfortable driving kids to and from football games/school functions. Essentially if any feet are added to a vehicle I don’t trust myself in those situations. I’ve had two accidents driving extended truck/trailers with band equipment before and tried to explain that to the district. They told me it would be in my best interest to resign or I would face a contract non-renewal (essentially if you’re a teacher and your contract is non-renewed you’re basically unemployable). I did try to obtain my license 3 years consecutively , either failing out of the test and having to start the process over. I couldn’t pass and yes I did eventually decide focusing on my job with the kids was more important than the license. I resigned after 4 years of helping build that program, had my band reassigned and couldn’t even tell my kids goodbye. It broke me.

That summer I tried to move on to another district that assured me I would not need a CDL to work there so it was a perfect fit. The year goes on and I’m building trust with the kids and got my first sweepstakes (band award) with the students I taught. The district decided to change their mind halfway through the year and say all band staff needed to get their CDLs. It wasn’t explicitly stated in my contract yet today I’m being called in for a meeting with my boss and principal since I’ve shown no effort in obtaining the CDL up until this point. There’s nothing else this meeting could be about. I’m going to have to resign again all because they want to save a few dollars and can’t find other bus drivers. It’s a state problem. I also feel they’re choosing that over the the students safety. I’d like your opinion on if I’m a selfish lazy asshole or if I’m doing everything else right and this is just ridiculous. Keep in mind my best friend works for another district in the area who has also requested he obtain his CDL. It’s been 4 years , he still hasn’t Done it and he just signed his contract about a week ago for next year no issues.

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