Rising Stars: Flying Under the Radar No More
10 industry professionals make names for themselves through dedication and expertise Written by Taylor Ekbatani |
taylor@stnonline.com
S
electing only 10 Rising Stars to feature in the magazine is an annual challenge. However, the individuals profiled this month are truly flying under the radar when it comes to industry-wide recognition. The routers, dispatchers, monitors, school
bus drivers and transportation directors featured on the following pages are responsible for positive culture, safe- ty and leadership, to name a few reasons why they stood out. View the full list of nominees at
stnonline.com/go/rs23.
Jamie Allen | Transportation Director Herman-Norcross School District, Minnesota
Like most districts nationwide, Herman-Norcross School District serving a small community in western Minnesota is short school bus drivers. Superintendent Rick Bleichner stated that Transportation Director Jamie Allen “has taken it upon himself to not only take a route of his own, but to finish his day doing an activity run for our sports and activities, which typically puts him back much later in the evening than anticipated.”
Bleichner added that Allen has
rearranged his scheduled bus route to accommodate other drivers. “He is a part of our hiring process and evaluation process,” Bleichner said. “He is our chief mechanic and even does body work as needed. All of this is a cost savings to our school district transportation fund. With Mr. Allen at
the helm, I have very little concerns and worries with our transportation department.” Allen shared that he started at the school district seven years ago as a school bus driver to help with the driver shortage in the community. He is also the transportation coordinator. “I am currently working on our bus routes for this coming year and always work to make our transportation as safe as possible,” he explained this summer, adding
that he is also a member of the district’s safety team. “I enjoy working with our staff and students on a daily basis, and that is probably my favorite part of the job.” Allen enjoys spending time with
wife Stephanie and two children, Tyler and Sophie. He also restores and builds classic cars as a hobby.
36 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2023
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