Durham drivers honored for community outreach
The school bus contractor has a nationwide Adopt-a-School program, and four drivers in Stratford, Conn., receive certificates of appreciation for their contributions to students and faculty at an elementary school. The Adopt-a-School program calls for employees to donate personal time to enrich the school experience for children across the U.S.

Employees at school bus contractor Durham School Services, which has an Adopt-a-School program, were recently recognized for their contributions in Stratford, Conn.
Officials said that four drivers — Marie Tillson, Suzanne Swayze, Beatriz Derubis and Sheila Dawson — have each been volunteering two hours a week to assist students and faculty at Second Hill Lane Elementary School. These individuals received certificates of appreciation last month from Principal James Noga.
“Supporting the community is something that we strongly believe in,” said Pamela Capuano, who runs Durham’s school bus facility in Stratford. “There are countless ways our employees get involved, and helping our local schools is one of them.”
Durham’s Adopt‐a‐School program calls for employees to donate personal time to enrich the school experience for children across the U.S. Their contributions range from spending time reading to younger kids to helping with homework or a class project to assisting with a school event.
“The time our employees have spent volunteering at schools is definitely appreciated by students and staff, and it’s great to get that positive feedback from the school administration,” Capuano said. “It’s a program we know is meaningful to the community, and we’ll continue to do it.”
Other news on Durham School Services:
More Management

6 School Districts Named Transfinder's 2026 Top Transportation Teams
The software company has named six school districts across four states to its list for the fourth year, with one 'three-peat' winner. Find out which teams took home top honors!
Read More →
Innovation Was the Answer: Five Lessons Learned in School Transportation from 2025–26
Transportation leaders are embracing technology, transparency, and operational flexibility to meet growing demands with limited resources.
Read More →
AI Tools Roundup: New Fleet Tools Aim to Turn Data Into Faster Decisions
The latest AI-powered platforms could help student transportation teams analyze fleet performance, manage maintenance, and uncover operational insights using natural-language queries.
Read More →
EverDriven Integrates Pathwise's EZRouting into Routing Services
The new partnership combines trusted software with industry expertise to help district transportation teams streamline general education routing, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.
Read More →
First Student Safety Executive Named Samsara Technology Leader of the Year
David Perez earned the honor for deploying AI-powered safety and fleet technologies that improved driver behavior and family communication.
Read More →
Zum Expands to Rhode Island with 2 New District Partnerships
The Ocean State becomes Zum’s 18th state served as the company expands its presence in the Northeast U.S., while launching operations in Philadelphia, and supporting FIFA World Cup 2026.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Stertil-Koni Announces New Company President
Lewis Nelson joins the heavy-duty vehicle lift provider, succeeding Scott Steinhardt in the lead role.
Read More →
Tennessee Hall of Fame Honors Drivers for Decades of Service
Frances Theiring, a school bus driver for Wilson County Schools, retires this year after almost 50 years on the road. She is one of two long-time drivers honored for their service in the state.
Read More →
What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer
Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.
Read More →



