Ohio Bus Driver Earns Association’s Driver of the Year Award
Jill Bush, a 13-year driver for Strongsville City Schools, wins the award from the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation.

Jill Bush of Strongsville City Schools won the George Sontag Jr. School Bus Driver of the Year award for 2021.
Photo courtesy Jill Bush
The Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) recently awarded Jill Bush its Driver of the Year honor.
Bush has worked for Strongsville City Schools since 2008. Her nomination form noted her ability to form bonds with troubled students.
“I am truly honored to have received this award,” she said. “My grandmother was a school bus driver for over 30 years in Canastota, New York, and I’m happy to be following in her footsteps. I love my students and my co-workers in Strongsville City Schools. We are truly a family and work together to help each other out, every single day. It means so much to be recognized for doing a job I love so much.”
Minnesota Association Honors School Bus Drivers at Annual Conference
The George Sontag Jr. School Bus Driver of the Year award, according to OAPT’s website, is given in honor of Sontag – a charter member of the organization – “to recognize bus drivers who exhibit outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field, both in the district they represent” and throughout Ohio.
Other 2021 award recipients include:
Michelle Main of Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Schools (Distinguished Service in Pupil Transportation)
Rose Duett of Sycamore Community Schools (School Bus Attendant of the Year)
Dave McClure of Ashland City School District (School Bus Mechanic of the Year)
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport; Durham School Services adds a new district in California; First Student expands in New Jersey; and Minnesota Coaches rebrands and acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →

