On Monday, the Knoxville School Board approved a transportation agreement with Pella Community School District, but it wasn’t without opposition from several transportation employees.

Knoxville Superintendent Cassi Murra says the agreement is based on financial need, since it will allow both districts to capture incentive money along with other cost savings.
Pella Superintendent Greg Ebeling says the agreement will have to be renewed every year by the board, but overall it might be a long term solution if arrangements are amicable.
As a result of the agreement, Knoxville eliminated their transportation director position, terminating their contract with Joe Klootwyk at the end of the school year.
Several transportation workers spoke on his behalf. Mike Husted told the board that he wanted to see Klootwyk continue working for the schools and said that the district could lose its identity by entering into this agreement.
The board agreed to provide Klootwyk with a severance package for his years of service.