The Falcon School District 49 special needs drivers placed first at the National Special Needs Team Safety Road-e-o.Although this Road-e-o never uses live animals, team ropers or clowns, it is still the top ìTeam Special Needs Transportation Road-e-oî in the nation.Whoís the header, and whoís the healer?The professional school bus drivers and paraprofessionals throughout the country are the headers and healers sponsored by their school districts to prove they are the ìbest of the best.î Itís serious business for all, as they perform exact driving skills while using wheelchair lifts for loading and securements.They also complete a pre-trip inspection and written test. No one shows up unless they have nerves of steel, superior driving skills and are prepared to answer tough transportation questions and present evacuation scenarios.The competition is held once a year and is sponsored by the National Association Pupil Transportation. This yearís 10th National Special Needs Seminar and Road-e-o was held in Louisville, Ken., on March 10. Twenty-seven teams arrived from 15 states, as far away as Texas, Maine and Colorado, to attend the four-day seminar and road-e-o.Congratulations to driver Al Boyce and paraprofessional Janet Ulrich, both representing D 49, for finishing in first place with a score of 1,102 out of a possible 1,259 points in the various challenges. Driver Zoe Horak and paraprofessional Lynnea Brown also finished in the top 10, with seventh place.These Road-e-oís are important because of this fact alone: Better drivers make safer drivers to transport our children. Does it work? You bet. The next time you wonder, ìWhoís driving my kids,î rest assured that D 49 professional school bus drivers are safely transporting your children. We proudly are this communities ìdriving forceî to education.
