SPECIAL REPORT
48% 73%
of leaders in transportation
said they have been promoted at their current school district. (Out of 83 responses to a recent STN reader survey.)
of transportation leaders
said they changed school districts for a reason other than a promotion. (Out of 83 responses.)
Top Reasons for Switching School Districts: 45% Culture
45% Other (position eliminated, better opportunity to grow, work closer to home, etc.)
36% Pay 32% Move to a new state/area 23% Superintendent/leadership team 14% Benefits 14% District size
(Out of 22 responses, multiple answers allowed.)
understands how instructional goals and operational support work hand in hand, sets the foundation for success. “At the same time, competitive pay and sol- id benefits can’t be overlooked,” he added. “They allow employees to care for their families and show up fully at work. When a district finds the right balance between culture, compensation and support, that’s when both students and staff are in the best position to thrive.” Johnson said one of his strengths as a director is stepping into challenged operations, finding the system- ic issues and leading the turnaround—all not possible without leadership that backs the process. “I don’t expect them to know every operational detail, but I do look for a willingness to make the necessary infrastructure invest- ments, set realistic timelines for change and understand that improvements don’t happen overnight,” he said. “Just as important, I value when leadership listens to the recommendations of their transportation professional and trusts the process. With that kind of support, trans- portation programs can truly transform and without it, even the best plans can stall.” Meanwhile, Mitzii Smith, president of the Maine
Association for Pupil Transportation and a 2024 STN Rising Superstar, started her career in 2005 with Bonny Eagle School District (MSAD6), when her oldest child was starting kindergarten. Smith drove a school bus and transitioned to lead driver. In 2021, she stepped into the building to become the administration assistant. A few months later, she became the assistant director. On July 1, she started a new role as director of transpor-
What is the highest level of education you have obtained? 27% High school graduate
24% Bachelor’s degree 18% Associate’s degree 16% Master’s degree
15% Other (certifications and training, some college, pursing doctorate, etc.) (Out of 82 responses.)
22 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2025
tation for Gorham School District. “My decision to leave Bonny Eagle after 20 years wasn’t an easy one to make,” she shared. “I had an amazing opportunity for career advancement. Gorham is a neighboring district in a won- derful community. This is a unique opportunity to build on an already solid transportation department. It’s exciting to bring my vision to a new team and promote professional development and growth.” She noted that as a new director, one of the most im-
portant benefits is a strong district culture. “When there is mutual respect, open communication and a shared com- mitment to student success, transportation becomes more than just getting students to school; it becomes an essential part of supporting their overall educational experience,” concluded Smith, who is also a school safety specialist. ●
Visit
stnonline.com/go/no for the perspectives of Igor Petrovic, transportation director at Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Colorado, and Danny Williams,
transportation director at Wilson County Schools in North Carolina.
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