By Barbara Dunn

They are often the first smiling adult a child sees after heading out the door, and the last before arriving home. The Barnstable Public School (BPS) bus drivers and monitors ensure that students travel safely, and with National School Bus Safety week in October, it is the perfect time to celebrate them.

Transportation director Sandy Gifford has been behind the scenes coordinating BPS transportation for twenty-five years. Sandy juggles the numbers, scheduling forty-five drivers and twenty-three monitors on both large and small buses. They cover up to twenty-four stops along forty routes, some picking up as many as seventy students. The three-tier process allows for students to arrive on time at their destination. Drivers begin their day at 5:30 am with a high school run, followed by a trip to Barnstable United or Barnstable Intermediate. Their morning run finishes with a drop-off at one of the elementary schools.

Currently, the bus drivers range in age from twenty-nine to an amazing eighty-two. “The older folks have stuck with it,” Sandy said. “We have more frequent turn over for newer folks who sometimes realize they need something more full time.” Always looking to hire new drivers, she added that it’s a perfect fit for retirees, parents who have children in the system, or someone open to two part-time jobs. The key quality Sandy looks for when hiring is reliability, someone who will arrive on time.

Although Sandy spends a lot of time behind the scenes, she makes it a priority to develop relationships with the drivers. Whether it’s at a monthly in-service meeting or out in the field stopping by schools, she connects with both drivers and bus monitors letting them know she is available. Every day is different. Sandy commented that she is used to rolling with the unexpected. Adding a bit of humor, she noted, “They say as the wheels turn.”

A group of dedicated and diverse individuals, each bus driver has their own story to tell. For example, meet Dennis Morel Avila. Originally a bus driver in California, Dennis has several years of experience but has been with BPS only nine months. He acknowledged that it was the flexible hours of the job that made it so appealing. Dennis has a keen understanding of what matters to be a successful driver. It’s not just about passing the requirements. He conveyed what is most important, “A good record, being a good citizen, and good morals.” Explaining his philosophy Dennis said, “I work as a team with the monitor. Whenever we see something being done that is wrong, we talk to them and listen.” It’s a strategy that works. 

Known as Miss Carole by the kids, Carole Brassard has been a bus driver for nineteen years. When she learned that she could earn $10/ hour, Carole trained and began driving. After accumulating some experience, she stopped driving to be a stay-at-home mom as well as pursue other interests. Eleven years later when she returned, there were changes. In addition to a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a school bus driver certificate was required, and buses had switched to air brakes. Something else changed as well. “I used to be a yeller, and I learned that doesn’t work. Instead, we talk it out,” Carole said. “When someone comes on the bus and gives me a hug, it makes it a great day.”

Driving for thirty-seven years has given Becky Avery the ability to have perspective. Along with the changes in requirements and bus operation, Becky commented on how much driving on the roads has changed. “We can handle the kids,” she said. “The drivers on the road are the most challenging.” Whether it’s winter driving or drivers going through the bus stop signs, Becky is not the only driver to highlight these concerns. But despite that challenge, she emphasized it’s really all about the kids, “One is having a good day, and one is having a bad day. We just try to keep them all happy.” 

Benjamin Cobb, or Mr. Ben, has been a bus driver for an incredible forty-two years. As a senior driver, he is first to pick his route. Ben shared that when he reflects over the years, he has much to be grateful for. It might be the parents who show they care, or the heart-warming student note that says it all, “Thank you for keeping me safe.” In addition, Ben has appreciation for the monitors who improve safety. “My attention can be on driving,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better monitor.”

For three years Yaicy Cabrera has been one of those monitors, riding with students who attend BHS, BIS, and the Enoch Cobb Preschool. Her job ranges from helping with seatbelts to calmly addressing a behavior issue. Revealing her soft heart, Yaicy admitted, “The most challenging piece is when a child starts crying. When they’re smiling, seeing them so happy is the best part.”

There are many others with the same endless commitment. All on board the BPS buses know that they Belong in Barnstable. If you see a bus driver or monitor, be sure to say an extra thank you.