HOUSTON — A Houston Independent School District (ISD) transportation employee was recently honored for excellent performance during a driver trainer academy.

Tomeka Criswell-Brooks, a driver trainer at the district’s Barnett terminal, successfully completed the Region 4 Education Service Center’s Driver Trainer Academy March 7 to 10, and she was awarded a certificate and trophy for “Best Performance.”   

The academy training was attended by 18 trainers from various school districts in the area, three of whom were from Houston ISD (Criswell-Brooks, Pamela Dotson and Dionndra DeBlaw).  

“We are proud of the achievements of our trainers and doubly proud of the accomplishments of Mrs. Brooks,” Houston ISD officials said.
 
Criswell-Brooks has worked for the district since 2009. She started as a school bus operator, transporting students to and from school. After serving in that role for two years, she became a response team operator, which enabled her to serve a wider range of Houston ISD students.

In January 2014, Criswell-Brooks became a senior bus operator-trainer, a role in which officials said she “continues to exhibit a high level of professionalism and support.”

When asked why she enjoys transportation, Criswell-Brooks said it’s because it enables her to “provide encouragement and support to students, co-workers and the community.”

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