School bus drivers and mechanics from around the state are learning the latest standards in their profession in Peoria. The School Bus Safety Rodeo and Mechanic’s competition is part of the 35th annual Illinois Association for Pupil Transportation Conference.
Past President Vicki Mattson from Lincolnshire, is preparing to retire this month after nearly 40 years driving a bus and being a transportation manager. She says the conference is an important training investment for school Bus Driver’s who regularly don’t get respect for the important role they serve.
“Because they do a lot. Especially now days, you have to have a CDL, the drug testing and have a perfect driving record, and those are all necessary things but not a lot of people can pass through all of that. So these people are professional drivers, absolutely professional drivers.”
About 120 School Bus Drivers and Mechanics are participating in the conference. The winners of this year’s School Safety Rodeo and Mechanic’s contests will participate in the national competition this fall.