Parents start petition after firing of Topsail High coach and bus driver
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Melvin London, a bus driver and athletic coach for more than a decade said he was fired from Pender County Schools on Wednesday.
Melvin was also the varsity basketball coach at Topsail High School.
This comes as the district is facing at least nine bus driver vacancies, and extensive route delays.
WWAY met up with London at his barbershop in Hampstead on Thursday where he explained last week, the district told him he would no longer be driving the bus he’s driven for three years.
Instead, he was assigned an older bus that he claims has frequent mechanical problems.
London tried negotiating with the district, but said they refused. When he declined to switch buses he said the district fired him.
“I never wanted to leave,” London said. “That’s the thing, I never wanted to leave and I never said I wouldn’t drive. I said I wasn’t driving 251. Never said I wouldn’t drive and all I wanted was my bus back and they would never give me a reason, concrete reason as to why.”
Within hours the community rallied and started a petition to get London rehired.
As of Thursday evening, it had nearly 500 signatures.
Theresa Freer—who owns the business next door to London—said it’s clear to see the relationships he’s fostered with families.
“I see the parents will come in, and they’ll stop in and say hello and he has a great relationship with the community,” Freer noted.
For London, that trust isn’t something he takes lightly.
“I have kids, and it’s tough leaving your kids in the hands of other people. Let alone a stranger like myself driving a bus. But throughout the three years I’ve been driving, the folks entrusted me with their kids,” London explained.
As London’s future with his players and riders remains unclear, many just hope for resolution.
“I just can’t see why the community and the school district and June can’t just sit down work it out, because I know the community wants June there, and I know that June wants to be there,” Freer expressed.
WWAY reached out to Pender County Schools. The district released the following statement:
“Pender County Schools can confirm that Melvin London, Jr. was dismissed from his position on August 28, 2024. While we understand there are questions regarding this decision, personnel matters are confidential, and we are unable to share specific details.”
The statement continues…
“Regarding concerns about the safety of the bus in question, we want to assure our community that all school buses in our district meet the safety standards set by the state. The bus in question has passed all state-required inspections leading up to the 2024-25 school year and continues to undergo inspections every 30 days, as mandated by state regulations. It is currently in operation and safely transporting students.
The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We remain committed to adhering to strict maintenance and safety standards for all our transportation vehicles.”
