School Bus Driver Raises Funds to Buy Glasses for Students
Justin Schaefer of Florida notices a student on his bus is wearing broken glasses. He sets up a GoFundMe page to buy new glasses for him and another student he learns needs glasses but cannot afford them.
NEW TAMPA, Fla. — A school bus driver here used crowdfunding to raise money to buy glasses for two students in need, Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bus driver Justin Schaefer noticed that Harold Espinoza, a seventh-grader who stands out for his respectful behavior on what the driver described as “a rough route,” was wearing broken glasses that were held together with tape, according to the newspaper. He got permission from the school’s administrators and set up a GoFundMe page, requesting donations from family members and friends from across the U.S. to cover the cost of new glasses and other niceties of Espinoza’s choosing.
Meanwhile, Schaefer learned from a school social worker that another student at the school needed glasses, but that the student’s parents could not easily afford them, Tampa Bay Times reports.
Luckily, the donations that Shaefer received from the GoFundMe page were far more than he expected, and he was able to help both Espinoza and the other student to buy glasses, according to the newspaper. Espinoza was called to the principal’s office and was surprised by Schaefer, who gave him $260 worth of gift cards for his exceptional behavior. Afterward, his homeroom teacher and class applauded him, according to Tampa Bay Times.
To read the full story, go here.
More Management

The Right Ride for Every Student: Navigating the New Student Transportation Ecosystem
How should districts blend school buses with small-vehicle transportation and other options? EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling discusses safety, costs, partnerships, and strategy.
Read More →
Annette Brown Always Takes the Extra Time: Meet Our 2026 School Bus Driver Hero
For more than 30 years, the Wa-Nee Community Schools driver has treated students like family, combining safety, compassion, and servant leadership to make a lasting difference on and beyond the school bus.
Read More →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 →


