School District Transportation Department Wins Big at Kentucky State Association Conference

Three members of the Warren County Public Schools transportation department were honored for their dedication last month at the annual recognition dinner held during the Kentucky Association of Pupil Transportation (KAPT) conference.

The KAPT named John Odom transportation director of the year and recognized Mary McGrew and Dickie Sadler as school bus driver of the year and special needs driver of the year, respectively.

Transportation director Odom said he had no idea he would win at this year’s award. He added that he was not surprised that his staff members walked off with awards, as this is the third time in seven years that department employees have won both driver of the year and special needs driver of the year.

Superintendent Tim Murley said the awards reflect the department’s dedication to ensuring all students get home safely every day.

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“I think we have an outstanding transportation department, and I know they do everything it takes to get kids home safely,” Murley said. “Everything they do is centered around that mission. We have the best as far as I’m concerned.”

Odom agreed that both McGrew and Sadler are very deserving. He was quick to point out that Warren County PS has one of the best transportation departments in the state, so the three awards provide further proof of his entire staff’s professionalism and commitment to safety.

Some of the transportation department’s accomplishments are highlighted on the district’s website, as follows:

• Third-largest district in number of buses in its fleet;
• Fifth-largest district per square mileage in the state, at 554 square miles;
• 220-bus fleet, with 170 on the road carrying more than 8,000 students, including preschoolers;
• Buses also transport for programs such as ESS, School for the deaf/flind, ESL, homeless and GEMs;
• Traveled more than 2.6 million miles last school year;
• 210 certified CDL drivers, 80 monitors and 17 staff employees are evaluated each year; and
• Its trainers are certified to provide CPR and First Aid training for transportation employees.