Seven honorees of distinction were inducted into the 2015 Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) Wall of Fame for their commitment and contributions to the district’s educational experience.
The Wall of Fame induction ceremony was held on Sept. 28. Six employees were honored for their professional achievements at the state and national levels, along with the recipient of the Friend of Education award, which is presented to a community member who has made major contributions to enhance the educational experiences of CFISD students.
Two of the honorees work in the district’s transportation department.
Mary Ann Alves, a special-needs bus driver in the transportation department, was honored for being named the Special Needs Driver of the Year by the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation. She is in her 31st year at CFISD.
Joan Sutton, special-needs bus attendant for the district’s transportation department, was honored for being named the Special Needs Attendant of the Year by the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation. She is in her 11th year with CFISD.
Watch video of the ceremony here.
Special-needs school bus driver, attendant inducted into district ‘Wall of Fame’
Driver Mary Ann Alves and attendant Joan Sutton were inducted into the Cypress-Fairbanks (Texas) Independent School District Wall of Fame. Both were also honored by the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation.
More Special Needs Transportation

Special-Needs Transportation Shifts in 2026: More Riders, More Tech, New Pressures [Survey Report]
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? Operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and emerging challenges. Details here! Survey sponsor: AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →
New Jersey Legislature Approves Special Education Transportation Task Force
The state moves to review special education transportation policies following safety concerns raised by families and advocates.
Read More →3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
Read More →
Why Student Privacy Matters in Special-Needs School Transportation
Learn more about what federal law really allows when sharing special-needs information with bus drivers and aides while protecting student privacy.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Celebrates 2025 Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year
Julio Ospina, a SPED driver and safety trainer at Wylie ISD in Texas, was named the national winner in AMF's annual driver award series.
Read More →
Safety Leadership for School Bus Operations
The most important factor in operating as safely as possible is leadership. Learn about an innovative new training course that teaches all levels of leadership the many practices to instill a safety culture in the drivers.
Read More →
Your Insights Needed: 2026 Special Needs Survey Now Open
Help shape the 2026 state of Special-Needs Transportation report! School district and contractor leaders — share your notes on ridership, equipment, and staffing by Dec. 31, 2025.
Read More →eBook: Good for the Fleet, Good for the Community
Learn how modern telematics helps pupil transportation fleets operate more safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while proving measurable value to their communities. See how real fleets are reducing idling, improving driver safety, and using video data to protect budgets and passengers alike.
Read More →
Survey: Homeless Student Identification Rises for Third Consecutive Year
New data reveals frontline perspectives on supporting some of America’s most vulnerable students, detailing transportation challenges and possible solutions.
Read More →
From Driver to Mentor: Kala Henkensiefken's Legacy in Special Education Transportation
For decades, Henkensiefken has been a cornerstone of special education transportation in Minnesota. As she prepares for retirement, her career reflects on the industry's evolution and her unwavering commitment to its advancement.
Read More →
