UISD and LISD Join Forces for 2018's Annual School Bus Safety Parade

Posted Date: 10/31/2018

On Tuesday, October 30, police escorts announced the arrival of the annual UISD/LISD Annual School Bus Safety Week Parade/Rally that began at Veteran’s Field and wended its way to the UISD Bill Johnson Student Activity Auditorium for a special program. The theme for this year’s celebration was “My Bus Driver, My Hero” and included a National School Bus Safety Week Proclamation that was read by Mayor Pete Saenz and Commissioner John Galo.

As the buses approached their final destination, ebullient choruses of "My Driver, My Hero" could be heard emanating from the children as they arrived in their cleverly adorned school buses. Mayor Saenz delineated the importance of observing the special day. “The transportation departments from UISD and LISD get together on an annual basis to promote school bus safety. This is a gesture of unity underscores the value of our wonderful school bus drivers. Motorists also bear the responsibility to observe and heed all laws that pertain to school bus safety. Our combined efforts maximize the level of safety for all of our precious children. I must also give overdue credit our law enforcement personnel for dutifully protect our schools and monitor their crosswalks”, said Saenz.

UISD Board Secretary Juan Roberto Ramirez, Eduardo Zuñiga, UISD Associate Superintendent of Student Support Services and David Gonzalez, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction were accompanied by LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia Rios and police officers and bus drivers from both school districts.

The UISD transportation Department transports approximately 20,000 students to and from school each day and travels approximately 2.5 million miles per year. "The unsung heroes are those who drive school buses. It’s a job they take seriously because, as every parent can attest to, it is a serious issue. We have always been grateful for excellent bus drivers who transport our children. Whether they are being delivered to school, a field trip or an athletic event, those behind the wheel are responsible for our greatest treasure and our future" said Joe Aranda, Executive Director of Transportation for UISD.