than they think they are,” Summers said. That philosophy also shapes her approach to mentoring. Summers uses teachable moments as they happen, wheth- er that means offering another perspective, sharing her own experiences, listening or leading by example. Professional development is another priority. Summers en-


courages employees to pursue certification through the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation. She has watched super-


visors work toward certification and a dispatcher prepare for the a certification exam, which can help prepare employees for administrative leadership. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Sum- mers didn’t hesitate: “The people. Every single time. I love seeing someone realize they’re capable of more than they thought,” she added. Summers credits her husband, Don, along with Clear Creek ISD Transportation Director Tammy Pickett, Channelview ISD Transportation Director Ezell Brown, and Rockwall ISD Transportation Director Jennifer Gardella with supporting and influencing her career.


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✰Terri Anderson


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Six years


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ago, Terri Anderson was working in cus- tomer service as a cashier at grocery outlet Pub- lix. Shopper Kim Ellis, the


director of transportation for Marietta City Schools, handed her a business card and encouraged her to contact the district’s transportation office and


Continued on page 50➥ 48 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2026


Outside work, Summers and her husband enjoy “glamping” at the Gal- veston KOA. She also remains active in transportation organizations and school bus roadeos. Summers ultimately hopes to become


a transportation director and lead a department focused on safety, service, innovation and developing employees. “I sometimes joke that if you cut me open, I’d bleed yellow and black,” Summers said. “That’s because trans- portation isn’t just my career, it’s my passion. What we do matters. We transport the most precious cargo on the road every single day, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”


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