A key part of that preparation is the annual Bus Rodeo training exercise held at the Bayfield High School parking lot.
This hands-on, skill-sharpening event is more than just a warm-up—it’s a requirement. Every Bayfield School District bus driver completes six hours of annual training before the school year begins, including written tests and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. According to Transportation and Safety Director Jeff Whitmore, the Bus Rodeo is a vital part of that training, and a clear reflection of the district’s commitment to student safety.
“Part of our commitment to safely delivering your children to their destinations is making sure our drivers are fully prepared—mentally and physically—for the year ahead,” Whitmore said.
Each vehicle in the fleet also undergoes a yearly inspection to ensure it meets all safety standards. But the district’s readiness goes beyond certifications and checklists—it starts with people.
“We’re really excited to be returning our full crew for the third year in a row,” Whitmore noted. “These are drivers that kids know, and parents can feel comfortable with. We’re lucky to have a team of professionals who care deeply about doing the job right.”
Bayfield currently runs six bus routes, covered by 11-12 CDL-certified drivers and supported by a small vehicle fleet of Suburbans and a mini-bus. The backbone of the operation is its well-maintained and fuel-efficient fleet of buses, which includes eight propane-powered vehicles and three diesel buses (one for routes, two for activities).
“I feel like we have one of the newer fleets in the state,” Whitmore said. “The propane buses are very fuel efficient and easy to maintain, and they cover all of our regular routes.”
Two new buses were added to the lineup late last year, further bolstering the district’s ability to adapt and ensure reliable service throughout the year.
“You try to have twice as many buses as you have routes, but it seems like once or twice a year every single vehicle we have is out and being used,” Whitmore said with a smile.
Still, even in the busiest stretches, Whitmore emphasizes the department’s guiding principle: “We want to be safe first, and on-time second.”
As the school year approaches, Bayfield families can rest easy knowing their children will be in the hands of experienced, trusted drivers behind the wheel of one of the state’s most modern fleets. With safety, preparation, and community familiarity at the core, the Bayfield School District’s transportation team is ready to roll.
