May 27, 2009 04:28 pm
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JEFFERSON — A profession that is too often overlooked and sometimes taken for granted is also the one that involves the safety of children every day, five days a week. The duties of a bus driver require more than just a driver’s license and free time twice each day. From fights to students getting sick, a bus driver has a lot more to deal with than turn signals and angry drivers.
Though this is not the typical 9 to 5 job, the schedule of a bus driver is important to abide. Jefferson Area School’s bus driver, Terry Funtash, who drives bus 26, describes how transportation of students at one school cannot interrupt the transportation of students at another school. Mrs. Funtash said her day starts at 6:15 a.m. when she leaves the house for the high school morning route. After dropping off the high school students, a small group of elementary students are taken to Rock Creek Elementary and the next route begins with the collection of the remaining elementary students who need to reach the elementary school by 8:55 a.m. Then, she goes home for a short time but leaves again at noon to begin the kindergarten route, dropping those students off at school by 12:55 p.m.
Instead of going back home until the afternoon routes, Mrs. Funtash goes to the bus garage to wash the bus, fuel the bus or complete paper work. At 2 p.m., bus 26 is driven out of the garage in order to cover routes for Action Academy and Building Bridges.
By 2:30 p.m. Mrs. Funtash returns to the high school, collects the students at 2:35 p.m., and takes them home. The last part of the day, before returning the bus to the bus garage, is the afternoon elementary route. By the time Mrs. Funtash gets home, it is 4:30 in the afternoon. Being able to maintain a schedule and oversee the safety of children are only some things that are needed to be qualified for the position of bus driver, however.
Bob Lister, who drives bus 8, said that a commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement is required. In addition, there is a test to become recertified every six years. “I know before I started driving, I really didn’t give much thought to a school bus driver,” said Mr. Lister. “There is so much responsibility to our job, and usually a bond between students, parents and drivers.”
Even with all the formal training, only experience can prepare someone for challenges that face a bus driver, both inside and outside of the bus. Inside of the bus, there can be issues with students getting sick, switching seats, bad language, students getting in the aisle and fights. The most difficult age group for some drivers is actually the younger students, usually those in kindergarten through grade three. Stan Cosper, driver of bus 6, jokingly said, “They (kindergarten through third grade) don’t hear very well.”
Mr. Lister agreed with Mr. Cosper, though for a different reason. “For me, the younger students have too much energy,” said Mr. Lister.
While dealing with small energy-filled children, the bus driver has to keep control of the bus as a whole. The biggest challenges are weather, staying alert for the safety of the passengers, and maintaining safety inside and outside of the bus at all times, said Mr. Lister. Even with all the hazards, there are some memories that are comical. “I always teased other drivers that they could go in a ditch in bad weather. Then, during perfect weather, I backed into a ditch and had to call in over the radio to be towed out,” said Mr. Lister.
And the bus drivers are appreciated. “So many drivers have driven entire families from youngest to oldest. That’s a comfort zone you can’t replace,” Mr. Lister said.
Students agree. “I think he (Mr. Lister) is a cool bus driver because he jokes and talks with kids. He keeps order without being too harsh, too,” said Brittany Reynolds, a sophomore who rides bus 8.
Hailey Burns, a junior who rides bus 6, has a similar view of her bus driver. “He (Mr. Cosper) really seems to pay attention. Every time I get on the bus, he says, ‘Hi,’ and compliments on my shoes,” she said.
Each bus driver has something different to say about his or her career. “I love my job. Children are God’s way of always giving us a chance,” Mrs. Funtash said.
And there is always advice for the public. “For those who are driving to work or where ever, be patient and treat each bus like your own children are passengers. That seems to make a difference,” Mr. Lister said. “If you’re in such a hurry to put my passengers in danger, do me a favor and leave 10 minutes later so you can take your time.”
From flat tires to noisy students, the efforts of a bus driver must not go unnoticed. The life of a bus driver is one that not only deserves recognition, but one that deserves respect.
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