School Bus Driver Battling Cancer Gets Marching Band Tribute
A Maine high school marching band and a convoy of school buses wish Jamie Creamer a speedy recovery during his chemotherapy treatment.
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A beloved school bus driver undergoing cancer treatment received a surprise on Wednesday morning when a high school marching band and a convoy of school buses wished him a speedy recovery, Portland Press-Herald reports.
Jamie Creamer was at the hospital for his eighth and final chemotherapy treatment and the 30th of 35 radiation treatments for neck cancer when he looked through a window and saw the band in the parking lot below, according to the newspaper. The band and color guard performed a few songs, and the buses drove by and honked their horns. The color guard also carried a large banner that read “Get Well Jamie!!!” and was covered with signatures, Portland Press-Herald reports.
The surprise performance was organized by Creamer’s wife, Tammy. Superintendent Ken Kunin approved it, and Transportation Coordinator Gloria Nelson helped to put the event together, according to the newspaper.
Creamer said in response to the performance, “Now I feel awesome. I feel so blessed,” according to Portland Press-Herald. A high school senior who is a tuba player in the band told the newspaper, “It was really important to give back to the man who has gotten us through so many band seasons.”
To read the full story, go here.
More Management

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
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.
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 →
Changing Lanes: Executive Moves at Summit School Services, Zum, STA, Cummins, Transit Technologies, Driventic, & Cadex
See who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and private contractors.
Read More →
Texas Sixth Grader Wins 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest
Sai Darshana Yekolu of Moseley Middle School in Prosper, Texas, was named the newest winner for her artwork, bringing the theme of “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” to life.
Read More →
Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints
The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →


