Some of the most overlooked staff members are the bus drivers. All six drivers dedicate 15 to 25 plus hours per week driving students to their events. Not only do they drive the teams to their events, but they stay and cheer the team on for hours on end. Bus drivers are often sitting in the bleachers at a majority of school events. They love their jobs and have saved the day many times.
The life of a bus driver can change in the blink of an eye and they have to know how to keep everyone safe. In fact, just a few weeks ago a student on Jack Faubion's bus had an allergic reaction during the bus ride home.
“I called Rod first and then pulled over, called 911, and then they got the squad there and the Cass County Medics, and I just assisted him until they got there and then they took over,” Faubion said.
Since Faubion was not able to complete his route, Kristi Benson, a fellow bus driver, came to save the day, and take the rest of the students on the bus home.
Another mishap was when bus driver Carol Schliefert’s bus broke down as she was transporting students home from school. A rider on the bus that day was Sophomore Harper Chrisman.
“I was pretty stressed … Jack came and brought his bus to help us all get home,” Chrisman said.
The bussing staff had to work together to make sure everyone got home safely.
Not only do bus drivers enjoy driving students and athletes, but also watching the event.
“I love getting to see all the kids. Especially my grandkids,” Faubion said.
He has been to every home and away volleyball game so far this year.
Another bus driver Carol Schliefert said,
“I love watching the kids do what they love,”
All the drivers plan to continue supporting LPS. Not only are bus drivers a big part of the school, but also big parts of the community.
Rodney Jones, the LPS transportation coordinator, coaches the football team and Faubion has been on the Louisville Fire and Rescue team for the last 50 years.
Bus drivers are crucial to all students and athletes in the school, and need to stop being overlooked. Next time you see a bus driver, stop, and say thank you.