Letter to the Editor
Bus ROAD-E-O
Published Friday, May 16, 2008
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To the editor:
To whom do we entrust our children’s lives every day of the week? Would you drive a vehicle the length of a bowling alley with 30 to 60 screaming kids behind you? It takes a special person with a tolerant personality to want a job with that kind of responsibility. There are stringent qualifications to become a school bus driver; a professional in every sense of the word.
This year, First Student (formerly Laidlaw) is hosting the annual School Bus ROAD-E-O on Saturday and Sunday at North Pole High School. The top 50 drivers that qualify will compete for two spots to drive at nationals in Calgary, Canada. The ROAD-E-O is a series of skillful maneuvers and timed maintenance essential to controlling a school bus.
The coordinators of this event are having a problem getting prizes from local businesses. A local radio station recently made a snide comment that “They line up kids, then maneuver the buses around them to see how many they can hit.” Is this a good way to instill confidence and pride in our bus drivers?
We need to recognize the importance of these drivers and to give them the respect they deserve. Companies that reap the benefits of the business end of this profession should donate. It’s time to “give back, fellas.”
I want my driver to win the ROAD-E-O and feel the accomplishment of a job well done. You can contact First Student at 456-6921 with your contributions.
Community Discussion
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I have not heard one thing about your fundraising, how hard are you out there pushing it? Dont you ever watch TMZ? Any publicity is good publicity, right?
The comment made by the radio personality was a joke, get the knot out of your panties and start working for your fundraising!
Cool - I didn't realize that the Road-E-O was up here! My Dad was the director of pupil transportation for Oldham County, Kentucky for many years (recently retired) and I remember the drivers that worked with him participating. Thank you to the letter writer for putting the word out about this event and I hope that businesses donate.
Definitely a worthwhile event - I had a close friend in Seminole Co FL that was the Assistant Director of Routing for School Board Transportation - yes, there is such a position. Essentially a management position for school buses and their policies. The ROAD-E-O was a big event every year, and the drivers really took pride in all the activities. I'm glad they have one here; it's one of those positions that no one seems to know how hard it is.
Where do you think buses get their fuel, parts, and service from? These very same buisnesses that don't want to help. As for the radio comment I think most radio hosts open their mouth too quick before thinking whose jobs and feelings they may hurt. They probably don't even care. Not all jokes are taken the right way by many people which is why they shouldn't be said at all. As for JB how would you feel if your lifes work was ridiculed on the air like that? What do you do for a living? My guess is not anything near what these guys do.
Finally we should give all the support we can to the providers of our childrens safe return home from school everyday
clevercook: Do you think that these buses get their fuel, parts and services by donation? Think again. First Student is a business, and like all businesses they have business expenses. They have paid mechanics at both barns. While they have a fuel tank on premises, they still have to pay for it. Gosh, if they had to rely on donations our kids would be riding arroun in crappy buses from the 60s.
You didn't fully understand what I was saying. As a buisness thay DO plenty of buisness with these companies that don't want to donate for this cause. That means First Student spends a lot of money with these companies. All they are asking for is a couple of t-shirts or some kind of sponsorship. They aren't asking for donations for school buses they are asking for sponsorship.
What a waste of time/money..........
you know, your radio has an off button for a reason. if you get all bent up on someone more entertaining and interesting than yourself, turn it off. or call them and tell them. they usually like opportunities like that.
radio hosts work where they do for a reason. to make you listen. and appearently you do. so what are you crying about? you're the one who keeps them employed.
but as far as the difficulty of driving a bus, im sure it takes a lot of patience. especially the way people raise their kids these days (or neglect to for that matter); no doubt it takes tolerance. but there really isnt much physical restraint in a job such as bus driving. other than the sore rear end. and as far as the technical know how,..
...i cant tell you how many days i had to walk to school after seeing my bus driver flying past screaming out the window, "MY BRAKES ARE OUT". maybe she just didnt like us, either way thank god my school was on a hill, and close!
i thank the bus driver just as much as the school nurse, just as much as the janitor, just as much as the guy who drives the snow plow.
if only the city hadnt spent all that money on elton john, we might have enough to put towards our children! *lowly, sarcastic tear rolls down cheek
My life work is open to ridicule and if you are right I might just have to learn to laugh at myself too. I know that sometimes things come out arrogant and cocky, but I am just a guy who falls down and picks himself up with the rest; no better, no worse. If you want to point out my errors, there are lots, have FUN with it because I do!
How much fuel do you think the Blue Angels will waste this summer putting on their show. Remember that's your federal tax money at work. You folks in Fairbanks must have had a hard winter that you can not enjoy something as simple as this school bus event. Where is your community spirit and sense of having fun.
I think we should start soap box derbies for our kids. Fun projects and doesn't require gas.
Lmao. Ok, so I have seen people commenting on being too divisive, but this is the icing on the cake. You guys must be pretty bored. I loved my driver this year, and I have tons of respect for what they do. I think it is one of the most underecognized service-related professions out there and if I had something to donate I would. I will talk to our church about what they might be able to do.
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