• Age: 37
• Role: Operations Coordinator - South
• Employer: Cleveland ISD
• Location: Cleveland, TX

Pupil transportation runs in the family for Megan LaRue Elsberry. From an early age, she grew up around the school bus, helping her mother with the pre-trip inspection and watching her become a director.

Elsberry earned her CDL the moment she was eligible, and 16 years later, her passion for this field has only deepened.

“For me, this career is built on three pillars: the students, the community and staff, and the mentors who have guided my growth,” she said. “There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the potential in the children we serve or collaborating with my team to solve daily challenges. In particular, the progress drivers and monitors achieve reminds me daily that true wealth isn’t found in a paycheck; it’s found in the lives we change.”

Elsberry most recently served as the special-needs route coordinator for the district and was recently promoted to area coordinator. Most days start around 4:15, and she loves solving the complex puzzle each day presents. It typically starts with problem-solving and focusing on her favorite task: routing and mapping.

“There is a unique satisfaction in looking at a map and building the most efficient, safe path for our students,” she said.

Then, it’s time to shift from the screen to the people. Her role requires constant communication with drivers and monitors, troubleshooting technology, and providing support. “Whether I’m brainstorming solutions for a sudden route concern, addressing a parent’s concern, or leading specialized training, my mission is always safety and efficacy,” she said. “While I wear many hats and handle a heavy administrative load alongside our core staff, I never lose sight of why we do this.”

When the last bus pulls into the lot at the end of the day, her sense of peace sets in, knowing that every student is safe at home.

Alexandra Robinson touts Elsberry’s achievements, too, noting she has become a NHTSA child passenger tech and instructor, as well as a master wheelchair and securement trainer. She has served as volunteer "team lead" for the national special needs roadeo facilitated by wit., llc. “This year, I was fortunate enough to have Megan as my co-chair on the NCST writing committee for the Special Needs Operations section, and I couldn't have done it without her,” Robinson wrote. “A volunteer assignment to which she dedicated time, effort, knowledge, and grace.”

Lessons in Accountability & Respect

When Elsberry became a supervisor 11 years ago, she thought she knew exactly the kind of leader she wanted to be. She calls it similar to how a child imagines being a parent, thinking they’ll serve ice cream for dinner and never make their children clean their room.

“I didn't want to be the one to deliver hard news or reprimand anyone. I had a lot of growing up to do.”

Over time, her perspective shifted. She began to respect those she once thought were unfair to drivers. Finally, she realized her top priority isn't to be liked, but ensuring the safety of the students and staff.

“I’ve learned to trade the desire for easy approval for a true leader who prioritizes the mission,” she said. “I no longer feel guilty for holding people accountable, because I know that growth is necessary for safety.”

Her advice for others entering the industry is to do it only if you love it, because otherwise it’ll just feel like a job rather than a calling.

Vision for What’s Next

It’s no doubt that Elsberry is dedicated, and she knows that folks like her don’t get the recognition they deserve for this work. She hopes that one day drivers will finally be recognized for the professionals they are.

Just like her own mother, LaRee Smith, who saw potential in her daughter, Elsberry is committed to empowering the next generation, too. By sharing the specialized safety training she’s cultivated over the last 16 years, she aims to foster a culture of excellence wherever she goes. And that includes one for her own two sons.

Her parting message to School Bus Fleet readers: “To those who work countless hours and find the strength to smile even when exhausted, to those who work behind the scenes just to be the ‘face’ of that yellow school bus, I see you. I know the hard work you put in, and I know you are making a genuine difference in the world. When you face negative comments, rude gestures, or feel like you’re a number on the side of a bus, remember your value. You are doing a great job. Keep showing up for the people who matter most: your students.”