Without the bus drivers diligently picking up and dropping off students, many of the 1,600 registered bus riders in the district would not have a stable ride to and from school.

Due to the unique nature of driving a school bus, filled with as much as 70 kids as well as being longer and wider than any other car, bus drivers, like Bill Pewell, have to go through specialized training and tests in order to get their bus license. Pewell said the most difficult part of driving a bus he had to learn was keeping his focus on the road and contents of the bus.

“Us professional drivers are on the lookout for other vehicles, pets, animals, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, anything,” Pewell said. “We have to watch everything that’s going on inside the bus and outside the bus.”

Director of technology for the school district David Vignery oversees the bus drivers across the schools and says the importance of bus drivers safety wise and socially cannot be overstated.

“School bus drivers might be the first “hello” and the first smile that a student receives each school day. They also might be the only individual that asks the student about their day after school,” Vignery said. “School bus drivers are instructors, mentors, friends, a listening ear, another set of watchful eyes, and adults who truly care about helping kids.”

Despite how rowdy the buses can get, Pewell says he doesn’t hold it past the students as he feels it’s not malicious and students are receptive when he tells them to quiet down.

“They get excited with things going during the day at school. They climb on the bus excited about it wanting to share with their friends, and sometimes things get a little out of control and you just have to remind them of that,” Pewell said. “Protecting the kids is the same as protecting your own kids, and you have to watch out for them.”

For many like bus driver Susie Zhunt, the unique conditions and hours of the job is what drew them into the position. The majority of their job taking place during the early morning and mid afternoon allows them freetime to do as they please.

“It’s very convenient for me. The time is very flexible. I have so much time in the afternoon; it’s why I became a bus driver,” Zhunt said.

Over the years or months of driving students twice a day many bus drivers, like Gabe Ridley, say they have built a relationship and rapport with some students.

Bus driver of over six years Dave Nichols says he’s most grateful the job gives him freedom and the opportunity to help out kids in the community, and he feels like the students appreciate him for that.

“​​They appreciate just getting to school safely and being treated nicely,” Nichols said. “They have an appreciation for the help they’re getting; the services we provide and get some here, and get them here safe.”