its “pushers,” rear engine diesel buses that will provide more student comfort for longer activity trips.
Driver Retention is Up In a meeting with his team, Smith said this has been the most challenging school start up he’s ever experienced. But because ridership is back to almost pre-pandemic numbers this year, he noted it’s important to keep the drivers the district does have. He advised his area direc- tors, four of which started their transportation careers as school bus drivers at Cy-Fair, to be visible to their drivers, ask them about their day, and give them recognition. Because of this workplace culture, retention has
increased from over 10 percent to 80 percent for the 2021-2022 school year, even in the middle of a pan- demic. “We try to support our drivers and recognize our drivers as best as we can,” Smith added, noting it’s a team effort. “Number one reason drivers leave is because they don’t feel supported.” And Smith is always considering his drivers, and all his employees for that matter. For instance, all transportation
facilities have overhead parking, which is a big difference maker when the outside temperature is in the 90s with 90-percent humidity. The overhead parking, Smith said, keep drivers more comfortable when they’re conducting their pre and post tips, but it also helps protect the vehi- cles from the inclement weather in Houston. Smith kept attributing his success to his staff, which
he referred to as an amazing team that makes the dream happen. As the president-elect of the Gulf Coast chapter of TAPT, Smith hopes to continue to provide a sounding board of ideas. Smith reports to William Powell, the previous direc-
tor of transportation and the assistant superintendent for support services. Powell said Smith would never ask anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself. He added that he truly cares about his staff and constantly advocates for their needs. ●
Read about Smith’s background and how he became the director of transportation at Cy-Fair ISD at
stnonline.com/go/smith21.
CONGRATULATIONS DR. KAYNE SMITH
Director of Transportation, Cypress Fairbanks
Cummins Sales and Service would like to thank Dr. Smith for his commitment and service to his surrounding communities. Thank you for supporting a world that is Always On!
70 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2021
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