Before We Move on to Next Year
By Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE
Every year around this time, I find myself asking the same question: how did we get here so quickly?
One minute we are preparing for the first day of school, and the next we are already planning summer programs, staffing adjustments, budgets, training, and the start of another school year. In student transportation, there really is no“ slow season” anymore. Because of the intensity of district operations, we tend to put our heads down and just keep working. A moment to celebrate another successful year never takes place so allow me to say congratulations on the success each of you have experienced this year! Wow, what an amazing job you did handling it all – day in and day out! You have transported kids’ safety and done an exceptional job of meeting the expectations of your district, your students, and your team!
One of the things I worry about in our industry is that we move from one challenge directly into the next without ever pausing long enough to recognize what was accomplished along the way. And this work is worth recognizing. To not add to your plate, I’ ve curated some ideas you can use to celebrate success! 1. Share your safety records and your stats. How many children did you transport, how many routes, how many drivers and team members, how many extracurricular events? Do an annual recap of your success! Share it with your employees, district leadership( administration and school board), and the PTA / PTO who often handle their own social media accounts. Most importantly- asking for this information is shared publicly through newsletters or social media campaigns through your district’ s communications team.
2. Celebrate your staff! Think of how your plan for birthdays and retirements – go from there. Celebrate those staying on the bus and the everyday victories; take the things that often go unnoticed and make them noticeable!
22 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE. COM | MAY 2026