Sunrise Transportation

Driver Dispatch: Brenda Smith

I’ve been driving special needs students to and from school for 27 years. I’ve driven some students – who I call “my kids” – to and from school for eight years to the point where I’ve become a part of their families.  

Although I initially started my career as a substitute teacher, I realized my heart was drawn more to the moments outside the classroom.  I took what I thought would be a temporary job driving a school bus, but nearly three decades later, it is hard to explain the impact it has had on my life and all the incredible bonds I’ve formed with my kids and their families.  

I’ve been invited to weddings, birthday parties, graduations, and even funerals, all to celebrate the lives of the students I’ve gotten to know. Families have thrown me surprise birthday parties and given me thoughtful gifts, just to show how deeply they appreciate me.  

I cried when a former student found me on Facebook to tell me she was getting married and wanted me there for the happiest day of her life, and I’ve also stood beside a parent, who became like a sister to me, at the funeral service of a former student who used to call me “Auntie.” 

These special bonds are why, even after I recently moved to the South Suburbs, I still drive sixty miles a day to and from Naperville so I can keep the route I’ve driven for decades.  

You have to have heart to do this job. The heart to make that sixty-mile commute, so your kids can have the reliability and comfort of knowing who’s behind the wheel taking them to school. As a grandmother to an autistic child myself, driving for Sunrise is and always has been more than just a job for me. It’s not about the paycheck—it's about the people.  

Every one of my kids is special, and it’s hard to put into words what they can teach you about yourself.

Driver Dispatch: Lesa Salsbury 

I’ve been behind the wheel with Sunrise for 14 years. I currently drive bus #58, picking up students door-to-door in Rockford, Garden Prairie, and Highroad. Although I live in Crystal Lake these days, I was born and raised in Rockford, so every turn I take on my route feels like coming home.  

Driving a school bus may not sound glamorous, but I’m not exaggerating when I say that this work has filled my heart in ways I could have never imagined. 

Sure, there are early days, snowy roads, and unexpected turns, but the joy far outweighs the challenges. I get to spend my mornings and afternoons with some of the most incredible students I have ever met, and as much as I’m happy to be their driver, I think they’re equally as happy to be on board. In fact, everyone seems to want to be on my bus! 

I’ve seen shy little ones blossom into confident young adults, and I’ve cheered them on every step of the way. They make me proud every single day. One of my kids has been with me from the time they were in fifth grade, and I’ve formed lifelong bonds with students I’ve literally watched grow up.
I’ve had kids I’ve driven for years invite me to their graduations, while another student told me that I helped him pass his drivers’ license exam, all because of the lessons he learned from my driving.  

While I value the relationships I’ve made with students and their families, my biggest priority as a Sunrise bus driver is safety. It is such a rewarding feeling every day knowing that when you get your students to school and back home safely.  
At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids. Showing them kindness, giving them a sense of stability, and reminding them that the world is full of possibilities. That’s why I do what I do. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Opinion: The Americans with Disabilities Act and CT students

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continues to play a crucial role in ensuring students with disabilities in Connecticut have equal opportunities at school. This article highlights ways schools can do better, share success stories, and inspire changes that make learning more inclusive for everyone. To dive into the full insights and recommendations, you’ll need to access the link to read the full article:

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