By Crescencia Maurer
Scarborough Schools’ bus and van drivers are the unsung heroes of our school district. Our drivers serve one of the largest districts in the state–covering 56 square miles. Our district’s drivers transport 2,900 students safely between home and school, and also take our students to other school districts, sports competitions, extra-curricular activities and classroom field trips throughout Maine and New England. Collectively, our school buses and vans travel 450,000 miles each year. That is equivalent to flying around the world almost 20 times!
The transportation staff in Scarborough is separated into bus and van drivers. Bus drivers run fixed routes within the Scarborough town limits and drive 65 or more students per route in the big yellow buses. Van drivers transport fewer students (1-4 students), but who they transport and where they go changes frequently. Van drivers transport more than 90% of the district’s special education students, students without reliable housing, and children that must receive out-of-district services.
All the district’s bus and van drivers hold a commercial driver’s license and are trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures. This high level of preparedness was recently demonstrated during a July field trip by the Gym Dandies (a school unicycle and juggling club) to the Yarmouth Clam Festival Parade. The driver responsible for getting the club members there and back, Artimus Stilley, encountered a few “speed bumps” along the way.
Ms. Ellen Benson, the Gym Dandies’ director, recounted how Artimus “handled every unexpected challenge throughout the day with patience, kindness, and remarkable skill.” She noted that because it was her first time participating in this event, she mistakenly led the bus to the wrong location. Instead of becoming frustrated, Artimus calmly reassured her and “expertly navigated several incredibly difficult turns and U-turns in tight areas.”
After the parade, he safely picked up the Gym Dandies and began the trip back to Scarborough. However, as they were leaving, they witnessed an elderly woman fall and strike her head on the roadside. Mr. Stilley immediately stopped, remained calm, and stayed at the scene while the Gym Dandies provided water and ice packs until emergency responders arrived. He focused on safety rather than keeping to a schedule.
This bus driver set a powerful example for students. “Without saying a word, Artimus Stilley demonstrated that when someone is in need you stop, help, and make sure they are safe. His calm demeanor, compassion, and willingness to put another person’s well-being first reflected the very best of Scarborough Public Schools.” Mr. Stilley received a Spotlight Award from the School Board this September.
Bus and van drivers are often the first and last school employees our students see each day. They play an important role in creating a safe, welcoming, and caring environment. According to the head of the district’s transportation department, Sarah Redmond, this community commitment shows in the limited staff turnover among drivers. “Most only leave if they must move or decide to retire for good. Even retired drivers often stay on and continue to work on a per diem basis.” Our district’s bus and van drivers exemplify quiet yet dedicated service as they carry thousands of students safely throughout Scarborough and beyond.
