On a recent Saturday, an overcast sky and occasional falling mist failed to dampen the enthusiasm of nearly two dozen school bus drivers as they tested their skills at the annual School Bus Roadeo on an obstacle course set up at Birdneck Elementary.

Each driver begins the day by taking two written tests grading general knowledge and pretest inspection of the vehicle. Then, the drivers are off to navigate nine different obstacles.

“It’s really tests their skills. They have to back up, right turn, parallel park, drive along a straight line, practice student pickup, safely cross a railroad and excel in a series of other events,” said Sprouse. “We do it as a family fun day so drivers bring their families, their kids and we just have a good time.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” school bus driver Kim McDonald said. “This is the second roadeo that I have done. The appeal is to test yourself.”

In addition to the competing drivers, Division Superintendent Aaron Spence and Chief of Staff Marc Bergin each hopped into a driver’s seat to tackle the course.

“They both did very well behind the wheel,” said Jay Cotthaus, director of transportation. “You see the officials come out and they learn that driving a bus is not as easy as it looks. And they’re driving empty, not with 40 students on board.”

“Our hope is that the drivers take their training seriously,” Cotthaus continued. “They’re showing the proficiency that they have developed and the skills they’ve learned in a safe environment. They can make a mistake here and can learn from it. Plus it’s a lot of fun.”

The winner of the rodeo receives a brand new school bus to drive. This year’s winner is Tom Pittman, followed by Gillian Duffy in second and Javion Hinmon in third. Pittman will compete in the state competition June 20.

 

 

Tell your friends! Follow us!