While safe transportation for children to and from school is essential in today’s world, it’s easy to forget how something as simple as a school bus impacts the lives of students, parents, teachers and community members.

School bus drivers are tasked with the vital responsibility of protecting children on their way to and from school. In fact, bus drivers are the most highly trained, tested and scrutinized drivers on the road, ensuring students are picked up and arrive at school on time, and return home safely every school day.

They are also the ones who wait those few extra seconds for a late student, find lost backpacks, give the first “hello” in the morning and wait until the student struggling under the weight of a science project, backpack and musical instrument can find a seat.

InspirED Michigan talked with Colleen MacLeod, a bus driver for Clarkston Community Schools, to learn more about the importance of school bus drivers in the community.

What was the process you went through to become a school bus driver?

MacLeod: I interviewed for the position with the transportation director. After I was hired, I went through hands-on training that included book and classroom training, as well as written, physical and verbal state testing.

How long have you been a school bus driver?

MacLeod: I’ve transported elementary and middle school students for 12 years.

Why did you want to become a school bus driver?

MacLeod: I became a bus driver after moving to Clarkston. I was in between jobs and wanted to try something new when I saw this tiny ad for bus driving with the perfect hours. Everything coordinated with my daughters’ school schedules at the time -- including summers off -- so I applied and, 12 years later, I still love it.

Why do you think it’s important to have buses available to students?

MacLeod: Some students may not have any other way to get to school. Buses are proven to be a safer way of transportation and they cut back on road congestion. Also, there is the socialization -- sometimes the only time students see some of their friends is on the bus.

What do you value most about your job?

MacLeod: I value the interaction I have with my students and their families. They really make me feel appreciated, whether it's through kind words, cards or pictures. I love watching the students grow and listening about their day. Sometimes they’ll tell me a story or sometimes they’ll sing me a song. They always manage to put a smile on my face.

What is your work schedule like?

MacLeod: I have to be at the bus garage by 5:55 a.m., pre-trip my bus and leave the lot by 6:05 a.m. I pick up my middle school students first and get them to school by 7:20 a.m. Then I pick up my elementary students and transport them to school by 8:20 a.m. I'm back at the bus garage by 8:50 a.m. After that, I'm off until 2:10 p.m., unless I pick up an extra run. At 2:10 p.m., I punch in and we all line up at the middle school. School is out at 2:30 p.m., and then I drive my students home -- first middle school then elementary.
 
What do you wish people knew about bus drivers?

MacLeod: Bus drivers are a great group of people. We are generous and truly care about one another, but mostly we care about the children we transport. We learn their names and a little something about them. We know who should be waiting at the bus stop for them and we wait until they get into their homes safely. We return items they left on the bus. We treat the children as our own, and we really care about the safety and well-being of our students.