County-wide Education Transportation Drivers Celebrated

00:00 AM - June 07, 2021

Recently, the El Dorado County Schools Transportation Council partnered with the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) to host the Driver Appreciation Parade to demonstrate how much value school transportation teams contribute to education in El Dorado County. On the EDCOE main campus in Placerville, cars lined up under a balloon arch, were greeted with festively painted signs, and Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, who noted, “It was such a wonderful evening that highlighted our drivers and their commitment. This is a group of unsung heroes who work extremely hard to bring our students safely to school. Thank you for your efforts!”

Paul Bracco, EDCOE Director of Transportation, helped to organize the event and stated, “What a great opportunity for every district in the county to come together and show their appreciation for their drivers. It was great to see all of the drivers who participated in the drive-through parade. It was wonderful to see the support of the superintendents and other staff members as well.”

After entering the parade, attendees visited booths hosted by EDCOE, various school districts and first responders. Vehicles were also given tri-tip or Baja chicken salad meals to take home and enjoy. Everything was performed under the safest conditions. Karyn Shackelford, van driver with EDCOE, attended the event and expressed, “It meant so much to me to drive through the parade line for the driver appreciation event! The festivities, decorations, beautiful dinner and the time and effort donated by the EDCOE staff made me feel proud to be an EDCOE driver! Thank you so much for creating this event to honor all drivers!”

Teams that hosted the event and individual booths were challenged with unexpected winds and rain sprinkles, but they did not give up as drivers needed to see how crucial they are. Keri Phillips, Superintendent of Gold Trail Union School District, expressed, “As a new Superintendent in El Dorado County, I was very pleased to see an event solely dedicated to honoring the bus drivers in our county. Their skills safely managing our students on our curvy, icy, often dangerous roads is more than commendable. They are in short supply, and we should honor their commitment and their patience with our precious cargo. If not for them, many of our students would struggle to attend school daily! Appreciate the county honoring them, and I am already looking forward to the event next year! Thank you EDCOE for hosting this event, and THANK YOU drivers who continue to make us proud! LOVE this event!”

EDCOE transports students throughout the school year and during summer school. For more information on becoming a driver and to apply, visit https://www.edjoin.org/edcoe

Back Back