Several California school districts celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Day with events that gave back to the front-line employees who provide student transportation services.
The fourth Tuesday of April each year is set aside to recognize school bus drivers. Gov. Jerry Brown, the California State Assembly and the California Highway Patrol declared this year’s date of recognition back in February.
“These are some of the most professional drivers in the state, and they’re passionate about what they do,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “I applaud them for their extraordinary safety record, and the pride they take every day in the safe transportation of California’s children.”
Clovis Unified School District near Fresno had more than two months to plan for a breakfast served by the school board, Superintendent Dr. Janet Young and her staff. Director of Transportation Charlie Ott said he reached out to the 16 individuals in all to share with them how much the drivers appreciated the breakfast Tuesday morning.
“It really shows them just how much they are cared for by everyone on our team,” he wrote them in an email. “I know they all appreciate your support as do I.”
STN later caught up with Ott, and he added more feedback he received from drivers.
“All of my drivers have come into my office sharing that they love their jobs and working for Clovis USD because all of their sites had gifts and thank you cards and everything to make them feel special about their day of recognition,” he said Wednesday. “One driver sent me this photo today of one of the gifts in her bag from Clovis High School Staff.”
Meanwhile, Anna Borges, supervisor of the Office of School Transportation at the California Department of Education, shared with STN details of similar celebrations that took place in Southern California. Westminster Unified School District in Orange County provided lunch, various desserts and gift bags to drivers. Los Angeles Unified hosted a barbecue of hot dogs and hamburgers.
