Dispatcher Luis Garfias reviews pickup and dropoff locations for Kettering School District student riders in Ohio. “Before start-up, our drivers come in for what we
call a dry run,” she noted. “This gives them the chance to drive their routes as written and work out any kinks ahead of the first day of school.” In the process, extra attention is given to newcomers. “With so many new drivers joining our team, and
with the number of processes and procedures to learn, our biggest challenge is making sure they feel supported,” Calkins said. “When we are short-hand- ed, the number of trainers available to ride along is limited.” That can sometimes lead to more complaints, acci-
dents or interpersonal challenges. A strategy that has worked well involves drawing on a cadre of experi- enced standby drivers to step in when trainers aren’t available.
“Their knowledge of safe driving and strong student management skills makes them excellent mentors,” Calkins noted. “This experience is invaluable in help- ing our new drivers gain confidence, build positive
48 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2025
habits and become successful members of our team.” Having a strong team makes all the difference,
Calkins added. “Start-up can be exhausting with parent calls, new
student needs and driver questions, but when a team feels supported, thanked over and over again and genuinely valued, everyone works together to make it successful,” she commented.
Responding To New Initiatives At the beginning of any given year, it’s not unusual to face the need to adapt to new programs or services being implemented within the district. “New initiatives, whether they involve specialized
academic schedules, expanded extracurricular of- ferings, or additional support services, often come with unique transportation requirements,” Colora- do’s Dotson said. “This can include altered bell times, non-traditional pickup and drop-off locations, and in- creased demand for mid-day or curb-to-curb service.”
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