Thanks To Our RUSD Bus Drivers & Transportation Team
Jim Burleson, Director of Transportation, along with Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell, RUSD Board President Lynne Ebenkamp and Board Member David Malkin celebrated with the transportation team yesterday, April 25, to recognize employees in honor of Bus Driver Appreciation Day.
These employees get to see a child's delight as they see their first skyscraper, museum or the beach for the first time... many are up at 4 a.m. and work late to transport our students home from far away or after the school day. Today is Bus Driver Appreciation Day and a celebration was held to honor their efforts!
"It is my absolute pleasure to stop and take a moment today to recognize and celebrate the effort of each and every school bus driver in the Rowland Unified Family! Your hard work, dedication, and kindness shown to our students, parents, and staff do not go unrecognized," said Burleson. "Your smile and pleasant morning greeting starts many students days, while you also have the responsibility of safely transporting these same students home to their families at the end of each and every school day. Bad traffic, erratic drivers, rain, summer heat, rambunctious and sometimes sick students, you show strength and dedication in meeting every challenge and maintaining composure and professionalism that is second to none!"
There are currently 30 school bus drivers in the Rowland Unified Family. The combined years of service this family has provided total 335 years! That is an average of 11 years per driver!
The following four drivers have provided more than 20 years of service to the Rowland Unified School District (pictured above):
- Rhonda Garrettson 31 years
- Rebecca Ward 29 years
- Dora Aguilar 23 years
- Mary Casian 20 years
- Mayra Aguirre 1 year this month
- Charlene Puu
- Sheneen Islas
- Olga Mira