I wish to ask one question of all who read this: What was your main reason for choosing Novi as the community you wished to raise your children in? Let me offer the following.

As a twenty-year plus resident of this community, I know what my answer to this question was twenty some years ago. It was for the education and safety of my two girls. I personally am concerned for my interests in Novi, but by far more importantly, I am concerned for our children, and their future in this, let me say, “unique” community.

Let’s not let privatization of any portion of the Novi schools degrade why we have all come to Novi for.

As a public school bus driver in Novi, it is my opinion (and the opinion of the rest of my co-workers), that there is not a more important position in our school district than that of the public school bus driver. Our jobs are way more involved than just pointing a bus in the right direction, because great public school bus drivers in Novi, have a pocket full of tissues for runny noses, a bushel full of smiles for kids who are having bad days, and hold an undying commitment to the safe and secure travel of the most precious cargo in the world (our students).

We are the first thing they see every morning on their way to school. We as bus drivers in Novi are responsible for understanding the importance of our job, and the necessity of doing it excellently - every school day. We are responsible for picking up and delivering several hundred children during a normal shift within a tight time-schedule. We are responsible for following all traffic and public school regulations to the letter, and to be cool, calm and collected in all situations. We also complete several pre & post shift checks of our equipment to ensure a safe journey for our students, twice daily, every day we sit behind the wheel. Annually, we attend training classes to further expand our ability to care for and understand our students. We are proud of our safety record and wish to keep Novi that way.

Let’s keep Novi the “unique” community that we all want it to be and came here for. We pride ourselves in spoiling our students and the parents of these fine young people. Many of us are Novi residents and that is a big plus in our position. I am thankful for the past twenty years in this “unique” community, but I am also quite worried about the future for our community as a whole (especially if we start out-sourcing our community). Lets keep the private out of our public schools.

Their records speak for themselves too. They will never compare to us, in any aspect of our positions. Do you have a choice as concerned parents and residents of Novi? You sure do ! Let your School Board know that you wish no change. Attend their meetings and let your voice be heard. They will notice you, if you are there. Spread the word to your neighbors.

Let’s let other communities talk about us as the best place to raise a family.

Eric Hubel, Novi