Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes drove his first bus route with students on Tuesday morning, completing the process to become a licensed school bus driver (L to R): Driver-Trainers Tiffany Scott and Jill Bonesteel, Dr. Kotes, and Supervisor of Transportation Craig Lipps.
In a show of solidarity, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes got behind the wheel of a full-size yellow school bus on Tuesday morning and successfully completed his first official school bus route, bringing students to Columbia High School, Howard L. Goff Middle School, and Green Meadow Elementary School.
Dr. Kotes recently earned his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B with a School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements. He, along with Interim Director of Human Resources Marty Mahar, undertook the rigorous process this fall to boost morale and demonstrate their deep respect for the district’s Transportation Department.
“The process of earning my Commercial Driver’s License taught me about a part of our district operations that I needed to know more about,” said Dr. Kotes. “Our drivers are the first people that our students see in the morning and the last ones they see before they go home. Our staff works harder than so many people realize – including me – to ensure that that experience is the best that it can possibly be! I look forward to greeting our students and families on the road when I have the chance!”
The journey to the driver’s seat was not easy. Dr. Kotes spent five weeks training to become a licensed school bus driver. The process included:
- Comprehensive Training: Completed numerous mandated trainings focused on driving a school bus theory and practical application, defensive driving, student management, safety protocols and principles, communications, and emergency procedures.
- Written Test: Earned CDL permit by passing a DMV written test covering general knowledge of commercial vehicle operating, additionally air brakes, and passenger and school bus specific operation rules.
- Road Test: After hours of theory and practical training, Dr. Kotes successfully passed his official road test in November, proving his proficiency in vehicle inspection, safe operation and maneuvering of a large vehicle, and safe student transportation procedures.
- Driving with Kids on the Bus: For the final requirement, Dr. Kotes drove a school bus with students on board (accompanied by a driver-trainer).
While Dr. Kotes will not be taking on a daily route, in addition to his regular duties of leading the school district, the gesture has already resonated within the Transportation Department. The sight of the district’s top administrator navigating a bus route is expected to provide a significant lift to the team’s spirit, especially in an era when school districts nationwide face challenges in recruiting and retaining drivers.
“Working with Dr. Kotes to earn his way into the driver’s seat was incredibly rewarding,” said Tiffany Scott, a senior bus driver and one of the driver-trainers who worked with Dr. Kotes. “He brought a new respect for our job and a clear heart for our district, department and most importantly, our kids. We’re proud to call him one of our drivers.”
And for the East Greenbush community, there’s a fun, new possibility: Dr. Kotes confirmed he is now officially available to pick up a run or two as needed in a pinch. Students might just find their superintendent at the wheel when an unexpected coverage need arises!
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