SCCPSS praises bus drivers, monitors during National School Bus Safety Week

Ken Slatz, speaking for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), lauded the district’s bus drivers and monitors during National School Bus Safety Week, saying the workforce includes “more than 360 bus drivers and monitors” who transport “nearly 24,000 students to and from school safely each day.”

Ken Slatz, a representative for SCCPSS, said school transportation staff set the tone for students and that their daily interactions with children and families are important to student welfare and safety. “We actually get that very personal interaction. We build relationships with the children and the parents,” he said.

Slatz emphasized the personal and community aspects of the work, saying the staff take pride in their roles and that students often show appreciation outside the bus environment. “Somewhere along the line ... they will let you know that they really appreciate you in 1 way or another,” he said. He added that drivers and monitors provide encouragement and a positive presence for students: “They need good positive adults, to be greeting them and saying goodbye to them, giving them encouragement.”

The remarks stressed safety and relationship-building rather than announcing policy changes or new programs. Slatz closed by thanking the transportation staff: “Hats off to our more than 360 bus drivers and monitors, getting nearly 24,000 students to and from school safely each day.”

The comments were presented as part of SCCPSS’s observance of National School Bus Safety Week and did not include proposals for new district policy or budget changes.