with the Council of Great City Schools. FAPT Executive Director Launi Harden said she two words describe Hill perfectly: Eloquent and supportive.
Driving Safer HCPS works closely with local law enforcement and
the local sheriff’s office to identify concerns, issue citations and determine how transportation and law enforcement can work together to make stops safer. The district is in its third year of using BusPatrol stop-arm camera technology on its entire fleet, which is serviced and operated externally. The district has six cameras on the outside of the bus, including one that faces the right- side, and four cameras inside the bus. Hill said repeat illegal passing offenders are relatively
uncommon, but the department continues to emphasize awareness and prevention. Bus drivers receive training on steps they can take to help mitigate illegal passing, while the district works to educate motorists about the danger. “Training. Training. Training,” Hill said, adding that
emphasis stretches across the department. Funds generated from the stop-arm camera program
are directly reinvested into transportation for areas like training or new technology. Another way the department focuses on training is
through a driver mentorship program. New school bus drivers are paired with experienced drivers through a mentoring program that has been operating for about a year. Veteran drivers apply for the mentor role and must meet specific criteria, including maintaining an accident-free record for three years, before undergoing an interview process, Norris said. He added that new drivers spend two or three days
with their mentor before independently taking on a route. The relationship is designed to continue beyond those first days, giving newer employees someone they can call when questions arise about student manage- ment or other situations on the road. In general, the district also trains on sensitivity edu-
cation related to students with disabilities and students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Hill described both student populations as among the district’s most vulnerable. The focus on employees extends beyond formal train- ing. The transportation department produces a monthly staff newsletter, and Hill makes a point of recognizing employees for accomplishments like years of perfect attendance. Rather than describing the transportation workforce as aging, Hill sees it differently. It is a “knowledge power- house,” she said, adding HCPS is about 50 drivers short but continuously training new recruits. Twenty drivers were in training during STN’s visit in September.
Our Sincerest Congratulations to LAURA HILL HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2026 STN Transportation Director
of the Year From Your Friends at
www.stnonline.com 61
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