Kelli Goterba of the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Niles, Ohio, has been named the 2026 National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year.

Goterba received the honor during the awards ceremony at School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX), held September 21-23 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The annual award, hosted by AMF-Bruns of America and supported by School Bus Fleet, recognizes special-needs school bus drivers who go beyond the call of duty through special accomplishments, meritorious or heroic acts, and innovations that improve their work. The 2026 honor marks the award's ninth year.

Goterba was nominated by her supervisor, Jennifer Durno, director of transportation for the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities. In her nomination, Durno described Goterba as a driver whose commitment to students extends well beyond providing safe transportation.

"Her willingness to give her time, energy, creativity, and heart to our students and her coworkers makes her an invaluable part of our transportation family," Durno said. "Whether she is behind the wheel, supporting a coworker, helping with our morale committee, creating our department newsletter, or volunteering her time for an event, Kelli brings an enthusiasm and commitment that makes the people around her better."

“Driving a school bus may be my job, but the relationships I have built with my students and their families are what make it so much more than a job,” Goterba said. “Every student has their own personality, challenges, accomplishments, and beautiful way of seeing the world. Being trusted to care for them during their time on my bus is something I never take for granted.”

How Goterba Meets Students Where They Are

One example highlighted in Goterba’s nomination is her years-long relationship with a non-verbal student with autism.

Rather than limiting her involvement to the student’s time aboard the bus, Goterba voluntarily spent time in his classroom to build trust and better understand how he communicates. She also worked with his family and school team to help maintain consistency among school, transportation, and home.

Over time, the student progressed from being largely non-communicative to communicating with his bus staff through signing, according to the nomination. As he prepares to graduate, Durno credited the consistent and supportive environment Goterba helped create as one factor in his progress.

“Kelli goes above and beyond for every student she transports,” Durno wrote in her nomination. “She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safety, consistently enforcing transportation rules while ensuring each student is secure, supported, and treated with dignity.”

A Leader On and Off the Bus

Goterba’s involvement also extends to the wider transportation department. She is an active member and informal leader of its morale committee, volunteering personal time to organize activities for students, including Polar Express-themed events, cookie decorating, hot cocoa days, and food drives.

She also creates and distributes a monthly staff newsletter to help employees stay informed and connected.

Durno described Goterba as a dependable team member who steps in wherever needed and creates a structured, welcoming, and emotionally safe environment aboard her bus.

“She is a compassionate professional, a committed team member, and an incredible advocate for the students we serve,” Durno wrote.

Celebrating Special-Needs Transportation

Now in its ninth year, the National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award recognizes the dedication of drivers who provide safe, compassionate transportation for students with special needs.

For Goterba, that commitment is reflected not only in getting students safely to and from school, but in taking the time to understand their individual needs, build relationships with their families and school teams, and create an environment where students feel supported.

Her recognition at SBFX and as this year’s award winner celebrates the impact she has had on students, families, colleagues, and the community she serves.

"Kelli deserves this moment, and I hope she knows that an entire transportation department is standing behind her and celebrating right along with her," Durno said.