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Transportation’s Support is UnWAVEring

  • News
Transportation’s Support is UnWAVEring

How does a school district move 100 buses out of one parking lot in under 10 minutes?

With a systematic, fool-proof exit strategy.

"We have a lot of buses," Transportation Director Jessie Murphy said. "We devised a plan to get them all off the lot in a timely manner for afternoon dismissal."

Row by row, like a well-oiled machine, these bus drivers know exactly when to pull out of their parking spot to join the convoy.

"When they leave here is how they stack up at their elementary campuses," Murphy said.

Murphy walks from bus to bus, visiting with each driver just before their turn to pull out.

Her quick visits serve two purposes.

“It gives me a chance to see how my people are doing one-on-one," she said, noting that it also gives her a chance to see who’s late or a no show.

Bus Driver Ernie Hoback drove a truck for 32 years. He says that driving a school bus is ideal for retired folks.

"It's a great part-time gig because of the pay hours," he said. "The pay is year round, just like the teachers. It's a great supplemental income."

The highlight of afternoon dismissal is watching as their work family sees each driver off.

From the office staff to the maintenance crew, the entire transportation department lines up and waves to each driver as they exit the transportation lot.

Field Trip Coordinator Marcus Parker is one of the first ready to bid the bus drivers farwell.

"We wave to see them smile," Parker said. "I think it sets up a good afternoon for them."

Celebrating each driver by name as they approach, the staff will even blow kisses and signal to honk.

"Most of them laugh at us," Discipline Coordinator Shakela Mendenhall said. "They think we're crazy."

It's the small things such as these traditions that make coming to work fun.

"They are my big happy work family," Fleet Manager Pat Premo said. "I enjoy working with every one of them."

If you would like to join the transportation family, visit www.wylieisd.net/careers.

We hope to see you in the driver's seat!

  • District