Miss This? Free Bus Driver Training Program Tackles Driver Shortage in N.Y. District
Durham School Services Driver Receives District Award
Arthur Hicks has been driving the big yellow bus for Durham School Services in Arizona for eight years. This award recognizes his commitment to Casa Grande Union High School Students and the community and their safety.

Arthur Hicks received the Inspirational Educator Award for his dedication to students and their safety. Pictured here is Hicks with CGUHSD Superintendent Jeff Lavender.
Photo: Durham School Services
Arthur Hicks, a bus driver with Durham School Services, was awarded the Congressman Juan Ciscomani American Dream Inspirational Educator Award for Transportation. The annually presented award recognizes Casa Grande Union High School District (CGUHSD) support staff, teachers, and administrators for their dedication to the students. Last year another Durham team member was recognized with the award.
“I am grateful for this award; however, my good teachers deserve the credit more than I do,” said Hicks. “I learned from drivers and teachers such as those around me who constantly go above and beyond to help people like me. I owe it to them for this award. Without their guidance and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you again to the school district and my team for this recognition. I promise to continue giving my best to my students and community.”
Joining the Durham School Services team in 2016, Hicks has become an irreplaceable part of CGUHSD students’ lives, their press release stated. Hicks was also named employee of the month by his own team alongside receiving the award.
“Hicks has been nominated for the Congressman Juan Ciscomani American Dream Inspirational Educator Award because of his unwavering dedication as a bus driver in our school district,” said Jeff Lavender, superintendent, Casa Grande Union High School District. “Hicks goes beyond simply transporting students; he builds relationships, fosters a safe and welcoming environment, and inspires students with his kindness and work ethic. His role is a daily reminder of how every individual contributes to the educational experience and success of our students.”
Lavender continued: "Recognizing Congressman Ciscomani’s family history, with his father serving as a bus driver for many years, we deeply appreciate the importance of this role. Just like Juan’s father, Hicks exemplifies the core values of hard work and community care.”
When asked about Hicks, Dianna Ritchie, his general manager, described him as “not just a professional school bus driver; he is a beacon of safety, community engagement, and dedication. His exemplary safety record speaks volumes, illustrating a commitment not just to the rules of the road, but also to the well-being of the students he transports every day.”
More Management

2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report
Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners
Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.
Read More →
School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells
Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.
Read More →
Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show
See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.
Read More →
Ohio Transportation Workgroup Calls for End to 'Impractical to Transport' Payments
A final report from Ohio's Pupil Transportation Workgroup proposes ending "impractical to transport" payments and expanding transportation options through regional partnerships, but not all industry pros agree on the approach.
Read More →
Transfinder Expands California Footprint with Multiple School District Wins
Six California school districts selected the company's routing platform and related transportation technology as Transfinder continues expanding its presence across the state.
Read More →NSTA's Curt Macysyn on Student Transportation History and What's Next
Hear from NSTA's executive director as we discuss student transportation's role in American history, federal regulation, driver recruitment, illegal passing, AI, and what might be next, in this Route interview.
Read More →NSTA on 250 Years of America and the Road Ahead for Student Transportation
Curt Macysyn joins The Route to discuss student transportation's role in American history, federal regulation, driver recruitment, illegal passing, AI, and the industry’s future. Sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Photo Highlights: Inside the 2026 Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation Conference
Snapshots from the 2026 MAPT conference, where Michigan's school transportation professionals gathered for training, technology updates, awards, networking, and more.
Read More →
Zonar Launches Reimagined Bus Suite Web Portal
Can one platform replace your transportation software stack? Zonar says its new Bus Suite unifies routing, dispatch, field trips, GPS, and parent communication.
Read More →


