California School Bus Driver Honored by State for Commitment to Students

May 20, 2026

Perrin Turney has become a familiar and trusted face in the rural Kneeland School District, where his job extends far beyond driving a school bus through the winding roads of Humboldt County.

Turney, a bus driver for Kneeland in rural Humboldt County, was recently named the 2026 California Classified School Employee of the Year for Transportation Services by the California Department of Education. The statewide recognition honors school employees who make significant contributions to public education.

For Turney, the award represents not only personal recognition but pride in the small mountain community he calls home. “Kneeland is a very small school, and not many people outside the area know we exist,” Turney told School Transportation News. “This recognition puts our school and district on the map in a really meaningful way.”

Turney has worked at Kneeland School since 2016, first serving as the school janitor before gradually taking on additional responsibilities. Over the years, he has helped with information technology, managed the school’s water system, supported students in classrooms, and assisted with math instruction for middle school students. He also manages the school website, helps troubleshoot technology issues across campus and fills in wherever needed in the one-school district.

Driving a school bus was never part of his original plan. “Eventually, the school asked if I would be willing to get my commercial license so I could serve as a backup bus driver,” Turney said. “What started as a temporary role became a job I truly care about.”

Now, transporting students safely across the district’s nearly 145 square miles of mountainous terrain has become one of his most important roles.

California School Bus Driver Wears Many Hats

The route presents daily challenges, including narrow roads, potholes, blind curves, black ice, fallen trees, and dense fog that can reduce visibility to only a few yards. Hurricane-force winds and sudden storms can quickly change driving conditions along the route, requiring constant awareness and preparation.

Turney said he begins each day by checking weather conditions, reviewing school cameras for visible hazards and driving the route himself before students board the bus. “If I feel the road conditions are unsafe, I do not hesitate to call the day off,” he said. “The goal is always the same: Get the students to and from school safely.”

His mornings typically begin before 7 a.m. with a pre-trip safety inspection at the bus yard before he heads out to pick up students in nearby Arcata, Freshwater and along the rural mountain roads leading to Kneeland School. Once students arrive safely on campus, Turney shifts into his other responsibilities for the day, helping with maintenance, assisting students, overseeing technology needs and teaching math.

School leaders say Turney’s calm demeanor and reliability have made him especially trusted among students and families. “Kneeland School District alum Perrin Turney wears many hats in the one-school district, none as important as bus driver,” district officials said in nomination materials supporting his award.

That steady presence has become especially important during unexpected situations on the road. In one memorable incident, steam suddenly poured from under the hood of the bus during a morning route after a coolant reservoir leak. Turney calmly reassured students, safely pulled the bus over and coordinated transportation arrangements while the bus was repaired.

“In those moments, the most important thing is to stay calm, understand the situation, reassure the students and make the safest decision possible,” he said.

Beyond transportation, Turney also created a “Maker’s Space” program that teaches students hands-on technical skills, including 3D printing and technology projects designed to introduce students to current technology trends.

Despite his many responsibilities, Turney said working with students remains the most rewarding part of his job. “Watching students grow into thoughtful, capable and kind people is an amazing thing to be part of,” he said. “The students also teach me how to be a better person.”

Students know Turney as a steady presence who balances safety with humor and compassion. He said consistency helps children feel secure during their rides to and from school.

“The bus should be a safe place, but it should also be a place where students can enjoy themselves a little and decompress,” Turney said.

Turney credits the California school bus driver recognition to the community members, coworkers, and families who supported his nomination.

“I feel grateful,” he said. “I am proud to represent Kneeland, and I could not be happier that this recognition shines a light not just on me, but on the school, the students, the families and the community that make this place so special.”