Wake schools asking cafeteria workers, bus drivers to help with child care

The Wake County Public School System has notified some employees – including cafeteria workers and school bus drivers – that they will be reassigned to work more closely with students, supervising the children of teachers and others who are leading the district's online learning program.

In the letter to employees, Wake County Assistant Superintendent Anthony Muttillo wrote, "Employees in this program will be providing a valuable service by assisting and supervising school-age children of our current staff during school hours, so that staff members are relieved of childcare responsibilities and can focus on meeting the educational needs of our students ..."

One cafeteria employee, who spoke to WRAL News only anonymously because she fears for her job, said that while she has not been reassigned yet, co-workers have, and they have felt like they didn't have a choice.

"If you want to work, that's what you gotta do," she said. "Everyone is not happy about it because it's not what they were hired to do. Some of them, they're babysitters."

Wake County Superintendent Cathy Moore says administrators moved to reassign workers so that they did not have to lay them off.

A district spokeswoman said reassignment is being offered to those "who currently do not have work assigned to them due to the circumstances surrounding the pandemic." With lessons being conducted at home, there is less for bus drivers and cafeteria workers to do.

"The district was looking for opportunities for them to stay employed at this time, and the transfer to support the students of staff in our schools is such an opportunity," Moore said.

While employees are being assigned to different duties, their hours, salaries and benefits will remain the same, the district said.

Employees with questions about their assignment or concerns about coronavirus can reach out to the district's Human Resources Department. Moore said some have already done so.

The worker who spoke to WRAL News said she expects to get her new assignment next week, and she does not plan to leave the school system.