creating a supportive work environment and giving back to the community.” With the promotion to a senior leadership position,


Huegerich now oversees contracts with San Bernardino City Unified and Palm Springs Unified school districts, where he has focused on solving the driver shortages in both contracts, both of which are currently fully staffed. Huegerich said the key to navigating the driver shortage,


was creating a vision and opportunity, while also keeping it organized and concise. “As I learned about the driver- trainer program, what stuck out to me was that it could be broken down into smaller, more concise steps,” he said. “In the past, a lot of drivers may have taken eight to 12 weeks to be trained. I was able to help design a program that could complete driver training in about five weeks.” In addressing the driver shortage, Huegerich devel-


oped a shadow program, which consists of allowing attendants or staff interested in driving rolesto shadow current drivers. “But also, once a driver completes their training, most companies will then turn them loose: ‘OK, you have a license, here’s your route. Go,’” he observed. “We have a three-day shadow program where they ride


along with another driver to learn their route by observing, and then when they take over their route. They still have a cover driver, who rides with and supports them to make sure that they’re really learning the ins and outs of the protocols and safety procedures,” he explained. “It’s a lot to learn and get perfect at once, so rather than focusing on a


Dusty Hurley


School Bus Driver USD 252, Kansas What started as a


simple question from his principal, “Would you like to become a bus driver?” has turned into a deeply fulfilling career for Dusty Hurley. Four


years later, he is a vital part of the USD 252 transportation team in Kansas, driving daily morning and evening routes, as well as transporting students to sporting events, school trips and extracurricular activities. It’s not just about driv- ing. It’s about being present for the moments that matter. Hurley’s district superintendent, Ryan Muhlig, described him in his nomination as a “true unsung hero of USD 252.” Muhlig highlights Hurley’s dedication, writing, “He’s an outstanding bus driver who does far more than simply transport students. He builds meaningful relationships with students, parents, teachers, coaches and administra- tors alike. His calm presence, reliability, and care for kids make him a trusted figure in our school community.” Hurley’s daily responsibilities include driving regular


48 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2025


routes and accompanying students to athletic events and field trips. But his commitment goes beyond driving. When he’s not behind the wheel, Hurley supports students as a para-educator and assists with maintenance projects throughout the district. “No task is too small, and no job is beneath him,” Muhlig wrote. “Hurley is willing to help in any way he can, always putting the needs of others before his own. His work ethic is unmatched, his attitude is humble and his impact is lasting.” One of Hurley’s most memorable moments was driving the school basketball team to a state championship and witnessing their victory firsthand. “I enjoy getting to see all the achieve- ments that the kids and groups I transport get,” he said. “Being a part of that is the biggest motivation I could ask for.” Looking ahead, Hurley said he hopes to become a transportation director while continuing to drive as much as possible. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and proudly serves his community as a volunteer firefighter.


30- or 60-day retrain like many companies do, we rolled out a five-week training program coupled with this three- day, high-level, hands-on program that allows us to ensure drivers are getting into good routines and able to follow all of the safety and protocols instead of waiting until a 30-day assessment to catch those concerns.” Going forward, Huegerich said he expects rapid


growth Zum experienced over the years to become steady, with a huge expansion of the company’s soft- ware as a service. “For myself, I’m really hoping to continue the trend to get to open at least one yard a year and to be involved in that,” he said. Mayfield that Huegerich “listens to team members’


ideas and concerns and truly values the communities he serves,” she wrote. “He has taken the lead on several local initiatives for Zūm, including a holiday toy drive and an event in partnership with CHiPs for Kids and Ronald McDonald House to donate bicycles to children in need.”


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