COOKEVILLE, TN — A routine review of the new carpool valet program ended quickly Thursday, after the PTO voted 58–0 to keep the current staff “exactly as is,” with an amendment specifying that the uniforms, especially the vests, are “not to be changed under any circumstances.”
The review had been requested by a dad who questioned the program’s $19,000 monthly cost. He was thanked for his concern and assigned to Heritage Lane.
The valet team consists of six college juniors hired through a Tennessee Tech job board posting that read “Young, energetic, must be comfortable with eye contact. Experience not important.” Since the program began, morning drop-off has grown from 20 minutes to nearly two hours, as many moms now arrive early, circle the lot, and request that their cars be “re-parked, but closer.”
“One lady tipped me $50 to park a car that was already parked,” said one attendant, who asked not to be named. “Another one asked if I had ever considered modeling. Then she asked again the next day. And the next day. She has a list of agencies now.”
Attendants also report receiving homemade banana bread, a Lululemon gift card, three invitations to “help move a couch,” and a Christmas card in September.
PTO leadership says the program is about safety. When asked what specific safety concern it addresses, a spokesperson said, “You know. Safety,” and then asked whether we’d seen the vests.