Given those considerations, creating an environment
where employees feel valued, supported and able to grow can be just as important as compensation in keep- ing talented staff members.
Looking Forward Striving to provide a rewarding workplace is only part of the equation. Building transitions to the future is also key. “Succession planning is essential to the long-term
success of any department,” Cobb County’s Quick said. “Leaders at every level should hire, train and develop employees so they’re prepared to take on greater re- sponsibility when an absence, promotion or retirement creates a need.” He stressed that a focus on developing people helps
maintain continuity and ensures that critical knowl- edge and responsibilities are shared across the team. It also strengthens employee engagement and retention by helping people see opportunities to grow within the department. Beaverton’s Feldhan noted that while there are no guaranteed outcomes in a fair and equitable hiring pro-
cess, investing in the growth and development of team members strengthens the organization and helps pre- pare individuals for future leadership opportunities. That philosophy has become ingrained in his district, where many members of the leadership team were mentored by their predecessors before stepping into new roles, including the current shop supervisor, training coordi- nator and safety coordinator. Feldhan singled out the district’s former director of transportation, Craig Beaver, for intentionally develop- ing members of the management team to prepare them for director positions. Beaver was the 2024 STN Trans- portation Director of the Year. “Craig invested in my professional growth and devel-
opment, helping prepare me for a director role,” he said. “Succession planning can be more straightforward at the leadership level, where new talent has opportunities to rise through the ranks and demonstrate their capabilities through their work and leadership experience.” As employees take on greater responsibilities, their
strengths and potential for future leadership roles often become more apparent.
Part of the Beacon Mobility Family
Some students don’t fit the route. The route should fit the student.
Flexible, reliable transportation for students whose needs extend beyond traditional routes.
SPECIALIZED STUDENT TRANSPORTATION IEP, McKinney-Vento, foster and out-of-district students
FLEXIBLE FLEET SUPPORT
Complements existing district transportation when traditional routes aren’t the right fit
VISIBILITY BUILT IN
Real-time tracking, dashboards and reporting across every ride
Every student’s transportation. Reliable. Consistent. Dependable.
36 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2026
Learn more about ADROIT
(888) 788-3413
www.goadroit.com
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