There is a special kind of connection that comes from being part of a school community.
For some Bayfield residents, it happens in a classroom. For others, it may be coaching a team, volunteering at an event or cheering from the stands. And for a growing group of community members, it happens from behind the wheel of a school bus.
The district is not simply looking for a large number of drivers. It is looking for the right people: dependable community members who enjoy working with young people, value safety and responsibility, and would like to play a meaningful role in helping Bayfield students get where they need to go.
For those looking for a way to stay connected to the community, contribute their time and experience, and enjoy meaningful interactions with young people, driving a school bus can be a surprisingly rewarding way to do it.
“Being a bus driver is about a lot more than driving a bus,” said Transportation Department Lead Driver Travis Young. “You get to know the kids, you get to know the families, and you become part of the school community. There’s something really rewarding about knowing that you’re helping kids get safely to school, to an athletic event or on an activity trip where they’re going to have an experience they’ll remember.”
One of the district’s goals in building its pool of drivers is to find community members who are interested in the role and willing to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
For those who are new to commercial driving, the district will provide assistance and resources to help prospective drivers navigate the process of obtaining the required CDL. In other words, interested community members do not need to arrive with all of the answers — they simply need to be willing to learn.
That opens the door for people who may have the right temperament and desire to serve students but have never considered themselves a bus driver before.
“We want people to know that they don’t have to already have their CDL to start a conversation with us,” said Assistant Superintendent Bill Hesford. “If someone is interested in helping our students and is willing to work toward getting the appropriate license, we want to help them understand what that process looks like and what resources are available.”
A flexible way to stay connected
The district’s need is particularly strong for substitute and relief drivers, as well as drivers who can take students to athletic competitions, performances, field trips and other activities.
Those roles can offer flexibility for people who want to contribute without committing to a traditional full-time schedule. Drivers may have opportunities to choose assignments that fit their availability while becoming familiar faces to students and staff across the district.
And the rewards extend beyond the time spent on the road.
“You get to be part of what’s going on,” Young said. “You see the kids getting excited about a game or an activity, you get to hear about what they’re doing, and you’re around coaches, teachers and other staff. It’s fun to be part of the greater school community.”
That connection is one reason former Transportation Director Jeff Whitmore has returned to the driver's seat following his retirement. Whitmore retired from his district leadership position last spring but has continued driving as a relief driver.
“Jeff wanted to stay close to the action,” Young said. “He still wanted to be around the kids and the school community. I think that says a lot about what this job can mean. You become part of the team, and you don’t necessarily want to give that up just because you’ve retired from a full-time position.”
Assistant Superintendent Bill Hesford assumed administrative responsibility for the Transportation Department as part of a district reorganization last spring following Whitmore’s retirement, and he sees the district’s transportation operation as an important piece of the larger educational experience.
“Getting students safely where they need to go is one of the most important responsibilities we have,” Hesford said. “Whether that’s getting a child to school in the morning, bringing students home at the end of the day or transporting a team or group to an event, families need to know that we have dependable people behind the wheel.”
Transportation also makes it possible for students to take advantage of many of the opportunities offered throughout the school year.
“Our ability to provide the kinds of programs and experiences we want for our students depends in part on our ability to transport them reliably,” Hesford said. “That requires good buses, good systems and, most importantly, quality community members who are willing to step in and help.”
That need becomes particularly apparent during the busy seasons of the school year, when multiple teams, clubs, classes and activity groups may need transportation at the same time.
Adding a pool of qualified relief and activity drivers gives the district greater flexibility and helps ensure that transportation does not become a barrier to student opportunities.
An important adult connection
Young believes one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is the opportunity to build relationships with students.
“You see the same kids over and over, and you get to know them,” he said. “Sometimes they just want to tell you about their day. Sometimes they need somebody to listen. You’re another adult in their world who cares about them and wants to see them do well.”
Those everyday interactions can be particularly meaningful for community members who enjoy mentoring, encouraging and learning from young people.
“There’s a lot you can give kids just by being present and being interested in them,” Young said. “And honestly, they give something back to you, too. Being around young people keeps you connected to what’s happening and gives you a different perspective. It’s a lot of fun.”
For people who have spent their careers serving others, working with children or contributing to the Bayfield community, driving a school bus can provide another avenue to put that experience to work. Hesford said the district is interested in people who understand that the role carries both responsibility and opportunity.
“We want people who care about kids and care about this community,” he said. “You don’t have to be looking for a second career. You may simply be looking for a way to contribute, stay involved and do something that matters. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have a conversation.”
A school bus driver is often one of the first and last members of the school staff a student sees each day. For students traveling to an away game, competition or activity, the driver is part of the experience from the moment they leave Bayfield until they return home.
It is a role built on trust, responsibility and relationships, and for the right person, it can be a great way to remain connected to the community while making a tangible difference in the lives of local young people.
“We’re looking for people who want to be part of the team,” Young said. “You’re helping kids, you’re helping families, and you’re helping the schools do things they couldn’t do without transportation. There’s a lot of pride in that.”