Kathy Calkins didn’t plan on becoming a transportation director, but her journey from school bus driver to Administrator of the Year is a powerful example of what can happen when someone leads with heart.
In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with our 2026 district transportation award winner from North Clackamas Schools in Oregon. Calkins 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.
What will you learn in this episode?
- Kathy Calkins' leadership story
- How PBIS shifted her entire approach
- The power of listening and building fun into their culture
- Tips for learning (and remembering) people’s names
- Navigating change and managing relationships
- Advice for aspiring leaders
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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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