May 1, 2023 -- The first Monday in May is designated School Bus Driver Appreciation Day by the Ohio legislature. This is an opportunity for Ohioans to increase public recognition of the vital functions that school bus drivers serve in safely transporting students to and from school daily.

“Today, we celebrate and recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our drivers, our aids, and our entire transportation team,” said Dr. Angela Chapman, Interim Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools (CCS). 

Dr. Chapman, joined by CCS Board of Education President Jennifer Adair and board member Carol Beckerle, spent the morning at the Fort Hayes Bus Compound & Fleet Center. The trio greeted transportation staff returning from their morning bus routes with celebratory treats and genuine conversations about their day-to-day endeavors.

“[The CCS Transportation team] are vital roles in our District,” said Adair. “They have shared a lot of things going on in their worlds, and this job is not easy.”

Recently, the team was recognized for its accomplishments in the 2023 Ohio School Bus Driver Safety ROAD-E-O on April 22, with teams finishing 2nd, 5th, and 8th place. The event tests driving skills and knowledge of the yellow school bus. 

“The ROAD-E-O gives us the opportunity to interact with different districts and see where improvement is needed with the drivers,” said Tanisha Jones, Transportation Supervisor.

Without our school bus drivers, families would face difficulties safely transporting students to and from school daily. School Bus Driver Appreciation day allows space to extend gratitude to those who show up for our students.

“We know that we cannot do this work without them,” said Dr. Chapman. “We’re grateful and want to recognize them for the work that they do each and every day. We appreciate them.”