The updated Goddard Public Schools transportation breakroom in Kansas.
transportation. However, Hollas took on the challenge in July 2024 and revamped the entire operations with dozens of new hires and more routes to accommodate schools that are located farther apart. “Everyone is happy. The people who work here are
happy because there’s less stress, they’re not combining routes,” said Hollas. After the success of his first year, he acknowledged it
took more than his background in educational leader- ship to get Goddard’s transportation to where it is today. It has been a team effort from trusted team members. He discussed how he supports his team by encour- aging them to develop their professional skills by competing in the state’s roadeo and showing appre- ciation for their commitment by hosting picnics and pancake breakfasts for the transportation staff. He also helped facilitate members of his team to participate in the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association. One of his school bus drivers, Nina Gracy, sits on the
KSPTA board as secretary. Lead mechanic Duane Scheidt serves as central region representative. Meanwhile, Hayn in Alabama shared a moment that
positively impacted his relationships with his school bus drivers. They expressed a concern with exiting a specific school site and only being allowed to turn into one lane, which created a traffic bottleneck. He cleared them to use both lanes. “It’s a small thing, a small change, but in the eyes a
driver, that’s huge,” said Hayn. Subtle changes make all the difference, he stated, as he
continues to build rapport and respect with his drivers. He noted that he tries to use his coaching experience to in- fluence his leadership style and empower his drivers to be as prepared as possible for all contingencies. But he also needs to trust them to go out there and perform well. Another moment that may have seemed small but res-
onated was when one of Hayn’s school bus drivers got stuck in highway gridlock for over four hours as a result of a major traffic collision. Hayn said that it was import- ant to him to check in with the driver and not leave the office until he confirmed that the bus was moving and almost back to the garage. Gregg Fox, the director of transportation for Top Team finalist Franklin Square Union Free School District in
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PHOTO CREDIT: OF SEAN HOLLAS
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