The Poplar Bluff R-I Transportation Department recognized its driver of the year during a special luncheon provided for bus drivers to coincide with National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

“As superintendent, my job is to worry,” said Dr. Aaron Cornman, commencing the recognition ceremony on Wednesday, April 24, in the Mule Barn. “I worry about academics, staff members, whether the yard is mowed, whether the light bills are paid, and I worry about transportation. But I worry a lot less because I have each of you.”

Cornman proceeded to honor Jason Davis, whom his peers in transportation nominated as the 2023/24 driver of the year. A bus driver since 2017, Davis is also a certified trainer and bus inspector, on top of running daily routes for the High School and Kindergarten Center.

“Jason is very dedicated to our department and school district,” stated Transportation Director Jon McKinney, noting that the staff member placed third statewide in the bus inspector and technician competition during the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation conference last summer.

In addition, Davis was the first of a pair in the department during the program’s inaugural year in 2022 to receive the “driver to driver” award, a traveling trophy designated for bus drivers that go “above and beyond,” McKinney continued.

School administrators also paid respect to first-year bus driver John West, a sergeant of seven years with the Missouri National Guard, who is taking a leave of absence for a deployment overseas. “Your job will be waiting for you when you return, sir,” Cornman assured.

When fully staffed, the Transportation Department employs 38 bus drivers – and 81 total, counting substitute and trip drivers in-district, according to McKinney. The school district’s ridership includes approximately 2,300 students on over 200 bus routes, with a fleet of 52 buses.

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Cutline: R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman (right) presents Jason Davis with the bus driver of the year award.