Passion, Purpose, and Positivity: Lessons from an Award-Winning Transportation Leader
April 17, 2026
North Clackamas Schools' Kathy Calkins shares how positivity, relationships, and hands-on leadership transforms teams in this episode of The Route.
Kathy Calkins, our 2026 Administrator of the Year, is a powerful example of what can happen when you lead with heart.
Today, Amanda Huggett sits down with the transportation director from North Clackamas Schools in Oregon. She shares how positive behavior strategies, strong relationships, and a hands-on leadership style helped her build a culture where drivers feel valued and students thrive. From handling difficult parent calls to navigating change and staffing challenges, her approach is rooted in one simple idea: take care of your people, and they’ll take care of everything else.
About The Route
The Route is a monthly video and podcast series hosted by School Bus Fleet and sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
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