KCSOS highlights school bus rodeo, praises county bus drivers and trainers

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools showed a video from a recent bus rodeo in Shafter and used the segment to thank county bus drivers, trainers and volunteers for their role in student safety and daily school operations.

Board representative Lori Cisneros introduced the item and said she attended the event. The video and in-person interviews featured bus drivers, local chapter leaders and trainers describing the competition and community support. Drivers and organizers said the goal is to build skills, recognize drivers and highlight school bus safety as a vital part of the education system.

What participants said - Lori Cisneros (KCSOS board representative) said she enjoyed meeting drivers and school leaders and described the event as "having a great time and meeting bus drivers, superintendents, principals, teachers, parents out here." - A local transportation leader identified as Naftali Perez of Castro Chapter 12, who runs the rodeo, said the event helps "promote school bus safety in the county and across the state" and gives drivers a chance to improve skills and be celebrated. - Drivers and trainers highlighted the importance of the job and the emotional rewards: one driver told the video team that anonymous notes from students and the daily relationship with children "makes you feel" that you positively affect a student's day. - The county highlighted a 2024 champion, Luis Lopez, who placed second at nationals; organizers said competitions and mentoring improve skills and help recruit future bus drivers and mentors.

The board accepted the informational presentation and thanked staff and volunteers. KCSOS staff noted "School Bus Driver Appreciation Day" is upcoming; specific dates will be circulated with the events calendar.