Six California school bus drivers will head to Milwaukee this weekend to take part in the 42nd Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, hosted by the National School Transportation Association.  

During the competition, drivers from across the U.S. and Canada will demonstrate their professional knowledge and skills. The event kicks off with a written exam, and then contestants showcase their driving skills, competing in one of three categories for the top honors. The weekend culminates with an annual awards banquet.

These school bus drivers from California will compete in the following categories:

Conventional Bus
• Jana Graham, Student Transportation of America
• Brent Carman, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Small Bus
• Mallory Gray, Student Transportation of America
• Eleanor Taylor, Monterey County Office of Education

Transit Bus
• Antonio Perez, San Dieguito Union High School District
• Rene Hildenbrand, First Student Inc., Santa Rosa

“School bus drivers and other classified employees are absolutely integral not only to the operations of their school district, but they often make a real difference in the lives of the kids they serve,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said. “They are knowledgeable, enthusiastic members of their school communities, and they make the safety of our children their top priority. It’s my absolute pleasure to recognize the contributions of these outstanding workers and wish them luck in Milwaukee.”

The national competition began as the National School Bus Safety Roadeo in 1971 and takes place annually.