Daviess County Public Schools Recruiting Bus Drivers: First Test Drive a Bus Event a Success
Y'all! I got to check "Drive a school bus" off my bucket list this weekend. Thanks to the Daviess County School transportation department that hosted its first-ever Test Drive a Bus event. I was SO excited to get behind thewheel of that big yellow bad mama jama and pretend to be my childhood idol, Ms. Frizzle. Remember The Magic School Bus?
Well, we didn't go to outer space, but lead trainer, Tina Gerteisen guided me through a course that was set up at Deer Park Elementary School. Let me tell you, she had her work cut out for her. My driving style is either NASCAR or Memaw, so I tried my best to be somewhere in the middle as I sat behind the steering wheel.
I was a little nervous and intimidated to drive such a big vehicle. Especially since Chad has told me that riding with me in the WBKR truck is like being a passenger in a driver's ed car. SO rude! However, I aced that course like a pro thanks to Tina's help. I didn't hit a single cone or child, and she only had to say "Go to the right. No, your other right," one time. I even backed that thang up!
Surprisingly, the school bus was very easy to drive. Trust me, if I could do it, anyone could do it. Which Transportation Director, Grady Cooper, told me was the goal of the event. He wanted anyone who might be interested in being a driver to be able to put to rest any fears they may have of driving a bus. As well as have a chance to meet the other amazing transportation team members. Let me tell you, we had a ball Saturday. The other drivers, a lot of whom have been in the job for years, consider themselves a family and you can tell they love working together.
Tim Trout, area Transportation Coordinator has been in the bus driving game for so long now, he says he has received wedding invitations from former students. He told me that the most rewarding part of the job is without a doubt the relationships made with the kids he has taken care of over the years. They send him their graduation announcements or get excited to run into him at the grocery. Knowing you have a direct impact and can improve the lives of these kids every day makes this a meaningful position.
If you have ever thought about becoming a bus driver, Daviess County Public Schools are still looking for folks to join their amazing team! You can learn about the benefits offered, vacation (drivers get those fall and spring breaks too!), and more by visiting DCPS.org or by calling Traci Weedman at 270-852-7080.