This month in our Extraordinary Educators series, we’re leaving the campus and heading to the bus yard with the Snowline Transportation Department. They are the masters of the 40-foot classroom. They manage behavior, provide emotional support, and navigate miles of mountain road, all while keeping their eyes on the rearview mirror. Come along as we take a look at the space between home and the classroom, one stop at a time.
Three years ago, Danny Medford stepped into the role of Director for the Snowline Transportation Department with a mission that went beyond logistics. He wanted to shift the culture, moving away from a “command and control” style of management toward a leadership model built on trust and inspiration.
“We don’t take the job of moving your children lightly,” Medford shared. “It is an honor to transport your treasures safely to and from school.”
That commitment to safety is backed by impressive numbers and high-tech upgrades. The Snowline fleet covers approximately 779,273 miles annually, transporting roughly 3,633 students every single day. To keep these students safe, all new buses are being outfitted with upgraded security, including a jump from five cameras to nine, and new LED “Stop” arms with white borders to increase visibility for surrounding traffic.
The department is also going green. Currently, two electric (EV) buses are onsite, with a 10-year goal to replace six diesel buses with EVs. These modern buses average 155 miles per charge, and, in a win for driver and student comfort, air conditioning will now be a standard feature on all new gas and EV models.
Finding the right people to operate these vehicles is a challenge Medford takes seriously. Through the “Originals” class—a free two-week course taught by veteran trainer Sally Terrones—the department provides all the training, including a step-by-step guide, that a candidate needs to be able to obtain a permit.
While the classes are popular, the journey to becoming a certified driver is rigorous. From a class of fifteen, there may only be one who completes the permit process. To bridge the gaps, Medford implemented the Cover Driver position to ensure routes remain seamless. These are qualified drivers who don’t have assigned daily routes and can float as needed. He is also looking toward the future of student support, hoping to hire substitute aides. Currently, bus aides are assigned based on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP); if an aide is sick and no substitute is available, that student cannot ride the bus. Medford’s goal is to ensure no child misses a school day due to staffing shortages.
In our high-desert and mountain communities, the “Snow Day” call is a major operation. Long before the sun rises during inclement weather, a team of local district employees heads out to scout the roads. While snow is the usual suspect, heavy rain causing erosion and flooding can also be cause for a closure. This local team reports their findings to the Superintendent, who makes the final call with student safety as the main priority.
That focus on safety is echoed by the drivers themselves during their monthly safety meetings. Tamala Abrego-Scudella, a driver for over 30 years, embodies the spirit of the department. “I love these kids like my own, and I will protect them always,” says Abrego-Scudella. “My main priority is always student safety. I love the interactions with the students, whether it be Special Education or Regular Ed. In my 21 years of being a drive trainer, I am proud to say that I’ve put a lot of excellent drivers on our routes. I love my Snowline family!”
If you’ve ever considered a career that puts student safety first and offers a chance to serve your community, the Transportation Department is looking for you! The next “Originals” Class is scheduled to begin on June 15, 2026. While the seats fill up fast, the department is looking for dedicated individuals who are ready to complete the journey to becoming a certified driver. For more information and to request a spot in the class, you can email Sally Terrones at [email protected].
