Partnerships that are helping students

The first part of this story could be used to describe a lot of schools throughout the county. The shortage of school drivers has taken a toll on students’ lives, threatening attendance issues and educational setbacks, among other concerns. Despite the dedication from school education and transportation providers, students without reliable transportation have poor academic outcomes and social and emotional repercussions.

What makes this story different is that school officials at South Side Elementary adopted a program that improved inequities and was able to take a school with tough challenges and turn it around.

Krise Transportation recently received this letter from the school. The letter was followed by a video podcast interview in the Krise Transportation HEROES bus studio. The partnership between the school and Krise Transportation is one to share.

Letter to Krise Transportation from South Side Elementary:

Dear Mr. Hampton and the Drivers for South Side Elementary School,

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and praise for how smoothly the beginning of the school year has gone in terms of transportation here at South Side Elementary. One of the key reasons for this success is the return of eight out of nine of our dedicated bus drivers from last year. Their familiarity with the students, routines and procedures has made a world of difference. It’s truly heartwarming to see their commitment to our school community. We couldn’t be more thankful that they decided to return to South Side this year. The impact of their presence was especially evident on the first day of school when the students were overjoyed to see familiar faces behind the wheel. It eased the transition for many and set a positive tone for the entire year. Furthermore, I am pleased to report that buses have been on time and our students are getting home without any delays, thanks to the experience of these dedicated bus drivers. Their knowledge of the routes and their ability to navigate potential challenges (rain and hail yesterday) have ensured a seamless transportation experience for our school community. I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts in retaining these experienced bus drivers. Their dedication is invaluable, and it has made a significant difference in the overall experience for our students and their families. I look forward to a year filled with safe, efficient and on-time transportation, thanks to their continued commitment.

Watch the video interview on HEROES Bus.