For some 530 Cleveland students, a school bus driver is one of the first people they see most every morning.
For others, a Cleveland School bus driver is key to getting them to their sporting events or other extracurricular activities…in the right place and on time.
So, with all that responsibility between their hands, it was only fitting that the transportation crew celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Day this morning (Wednesday) in the commons with breakfast made by school food administrator Monica Manzey.
School superintendent Brian Phillips said bus drivers are essential to the school district, not only because of how they carefully pilot a 35-foot-long, 10-ton vehicle—often in less-than-ideal conditions—but also because they connect well with their dozens of passengers…while all the time keeping them safe.
“We have the best drivers. They are incredibly good at their job. They do the little things, like give away candy or dress up in funny hats. They relate to the kids, and that’s one of the most important things.”
Cleveland’s six regular bus drivers, Dean Koppelman, David (DJ) Johnson, Corrinne Ely, Roland Ceplechka, Gary Michels and transportation director Nick Klasues have a combined 100 years of school bus driving experience. The school also uses a few contract drivers, and the mother-and-daughter duo of Chris Thomas and Brandi Grandaw hauls kids in the school’s minivans.
While bus driving means being a morning person…bus warmup is at 6:30 a.m. each school day—for some of them, they like the extra income, and they get summers off. They enjoy the camaraderie among the group as well, said Ely.
“My co-workers are the best.”
While student behavior can be a challenge once in a while, they also appreciate watching their passengers blossom over the years, said Koppelman. He said that anyone considering being a school bus driver—and there is lots of demand—should just try it.
Cleveland’s drivers must obtain a Class B driver’s license with school bus and passenger endorsement. They need a medical certificate saying they are healthy enough to drive, and they must undergo training each year.
“It takes a lot to be a bus driver,” Klasues told his group during the celebration. “Whenever I fill in, I understand what you are talking about, at least a little bit. I appreciate everything you do: how you take care of students on your buses, watch after them and make sure they are safe.”
Collectively, the group travels about 430 miles each day during its normal bus routes, longer than the length of the state of Minnesota from north to south. The group also hauls kids to field trips during the day and sporting events and other activities in the evening.
Above: Cleveland’s six regular bus drivers, Dean Koppelman, David (DJ) Johnson, Corrinne Ely, Rolland Ceplechka, Gary Michels and transportation director Nick Klasues.
Minivan drivers Brandi Grandaw and Chris Thomas and the rest of the bus drivers enjoyed breakfast in the commons in celebration of Bus Driver Appreciation Day.