Feel Good Story: Tomball ISD Transportation Committed to Serving Students 

October 25, 2024
Tomball ISD Transportation Committed to Serving Students 

School bus drivers and the transportation department, led by Director Sandy Dillman, play a vital role, often the unsung role in the success of our Tomball ISD schools. Every day, drivers start early and face long hours to safely transport children to and from school, navigating various weather conditions, busy streets, and unforeseen challenges on the road.

Their dedication ensures students have a safe, reliable journey that sets a positive tone for their school day. Behind the scenes, the transportation department meticulously plans routes, conducts maintenance, and coordinates schedules to make it all possible. Their hard work is critical to the success of Tomball ISD, making them essential to our a student’s educational experience. 

“In my 38 years in the school bus industry, I have seen a lot and worked with a lot of people,” said Dillman. “My staff here in Tomball ISD is truly amazing. They collaborate, share ideas and resources to enhance the student’s experience, and they foster a positive and productive environment. Their unwavering dedication shows daily.”

As the District continues to grow, so does the transportation department. Thanks to the passing of Bond 2021, Tomball ISD continues to upgrade and enhance its fleet of buses to provide a quality and desirable riding experience for every student it serves. 

What does it take to become a school bus driver?

In order to become a bus driver in Tomball ISD, individuals must go through a training program that includes a 40-hour class with trainers, 20-40 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 10+ hours of pre-post trip planning. After they obtain their CDL, they will then go through another 20-hour class over a three-day period to receive a School Bus Certification card. Every three years, they will be required to complete an additional 8-hour class as well as regular training throughout the school year to keep up with laws, rules, and new regulations. 

Did you know?
The Tomball ISD Transportation Department:

• Currently employs 123 drivers, five stand-by drivers, and a handful of call-in drivers that support when needed.
• Has 200 buses in its fleet; 30 buses have been purchased with Bond 2021 dollars
• Serves approximately 12,250 Tomball ISD students
• Has 107 general education routes, 34 special education routes = 141 total routes
• Drives an average of 10,200 miles per day

New Features on Buses:

• Wider entrance door that is all glass, eliminating a blind spot for drivers
• Double handed hand rail to help smaller students load and unload safely
• All buses built after Sept. 1, 2018 have mandatory 3-point lap/shoulder seat belts just like personal vehicles
• The International bus has a sloped hood which allows the driver to have almost a foot father view in front of the bus.

All route buses have air conditioning. However, bus air conditioners work a bit differently than a personal vehicle air conditioner. Buses are not insulated like vehicles and stop frequently, sometimes every .35 miles to open the door to either load or unload students which lets cooler air out and allows more hot air in. School buses air conditioners are designed to keep the bus 12-15 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature.

Tomball ISD has long committed to providing an essential service to our families that is high-quality and dependable. The District understands the importance of a strong transportation department, therefore, continuing to enhance and elevate the experience is important. Recognizing that there are challenges being faced in finding bus drivers across our nation, Tomball ISD is thankful for those who have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft and making a student’s school bus experience one to remember. 

By acknowledging their efforts, addressing the challenges they face, and educating the community on the facts and what it takes to run a successful school transportation operation, we hope every effort being made is recognized and supported. 

Tomball ISD is always seeking new bus drivers interested in giving back to their community and serving students in a very critical role. If you are interested in learning more about being a school bus driver, visit our Tomball ISD Transportation webpage for more information.