Several Cambridge City School District bus drivers pause for a moment before they head out on their afternoon routes. Cambridge City School District is joining with schools across the nation to celebrate “Love the Bus Month.”
CCSD bus drivers take good care of their buses using the wash bay in the new transportation facility to wash the salt off. In February, schools and communities across the country come together to honor the iconic yellow school bus and the dedicated drivers who transport millions of students safely each day.
The National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) points out this month-long celebration is the perfect chance to shower some love and appreciation on the wheels that keep education rolling.
Love the Bus month reminds us that these trusty buses are not just cool rides; they’re the superheroes of safe and dependable school transportation, making sure every child gets their learning adventure safe and on time.
In Cambridge City School District, the transportation department has 20 buses with an average age of six years. The district employs a dozen full-time bus drivers, three van drivers and five substitute bus drivers with nearly 300 years of driving experience.
The 13 daily routes cover 900 miles a day and transport more than 700 students to school each day. But just as important as making sure students are delivered safely is making sure they feel welcome.
“For some of the kids, you are the first face they see in the morning and the last one they see at night,” bus driver Nate Wright said. “And believe it or not, you are a bigger part of them than you would have ever thought.
Bus driver Nate Wright looks over the shoulder of transportation administrative assistant Samantha James prior to running his afternoon route.
“We do talk to the kids,” Wright continued. “I try to have a positive influence on our youth and encourage them to keep busy in sports and other activities. I am curious as to how the kids are doing. It’s nice to give back.”The district is always looking for more drivers. Transportation Supervisor Dan Daugherty points out that driving a bus is a great retirement job for someone who needs health benefits and a little bit of income.
Cambridge Schools recently increased the pay rate for drivers to close to $20 per hour. Drivers work for five hours each day and are eligible for full benefits. The district pays for CDL training. There are also opportunities available for drivers to pick up additional hours either driving the bus for extracurricular activities or working in one of the districts’ kitchens between the morning and afternoon routes.
“It is fulfilling,” said Wright who admitted to taking the job for health benefits. “As I got more into it, I came to realize it’s a meaningful job. There are great days, and you love them, and there will be days that it’s a challenge. I do feel I am where I belong, and I do really enjoy it.”