Kristi Hartzel was a single mother of
Kristi Hartzel | Driver Trainer/Dispatcher Campbell County Schools, Kentucky
three children, all under 4 years of age, when she began her transportation career in 2008. A friend with 20- plus years experience as a school bus driver recommend the job. “It turned out to be a blessing,” Hartzel said. “Not only did it meet my goals, I love working with families to assist with their children’s education. I had experience with my family, and it was a perfect job for me. I thoroughly enjoy every opportunity to see smiles on the children’s faces and comfort for the parents. It is a wonderful feeling that I played an important role for families whom I served on the buses I drove.” Two years later, she transferred to Campbell County Schools in Kentucky. As her children grew to high school
and college age, they needed additional monetary support. It was then an opportunity arose, and Hartzel became a dispatcher in 2018. Three years later, she became a Kentucky certified driver trainer and recently was named a girl’s volleyball coach at Campbell County High School. “Almost every school district
in our country is struggling with staff shortages,” she said. “Our transportation department is not exempt. Last year, I combined bus routes, changed stops and shifted schedules. We accomplished this while concurrently scheduling drivers and monitors for daily school runs and assigning drivers for academic and sporting events. I’m very thankful due to our staff we never had to cancel a route or trip, all the schedules worked out. It was extremely satisfying knowing each child arrived safely for their classes and events.”
She said one challenge has been learning a new web-based routing system, and she’s been assigned to work out many bugs and implement the software. Transportation Director Kerry Hill said Hartzel begins her day by opening the office and garage before dispatching 56 bus routes for 3,000 students across five elementary, one middle and one high school, plus five parochial schools. “She handles the organization of all
district field trips and the scheduling of other district vehicles used to transport staff and students,” Hill added. “She is the payroll clerk for the transportation department, which totals 150 drivers, subs, monitors, and mechanics. She handles the phones for the absences of the transportation staff, also.” Hartzel added
that she wishes people realized how rewarding being a school bus driver can be. “The kids are so worth every early
morning, every steamy hot afternoon, and every fridged winter morning,” she said. “I hope with future Test Drive a Bus events and community outreach events we can find more staff to cover our growing community.” She added that husband of 10 years Rick (pictured, at left) is also a school bus driver for the district, a position he has held for the past 15 years. The two met on the job, and Kristi shared they even had school buses atop of their wedding cake. When she’s not in the bus garage, she can be found coaching, watching her kids play sports, camping, or watching Cincinnati Reds or Cincinnati Bengals games.
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