Gwinnett Schools Honors Bus Managers, Monitor of Year

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) district leaders and School Board members recently gathered to recognize the district’s transportation professionals for their commitment to serving Gwinnett students and their families.

Highlighting the evening event was the recognition of Dee Walls, Emi Redman, and Dori Puckett, who were named School Bus Managers and Monitor of the Year.

• Dee Walls 2014-2015 Regular Education Bus Manager of the Year

Having joined the school district in 2001, Dee Walls is a team leader in the Archer area. She loves the job and being on the same schedule as her children.

• Emi Redman 2014-2015 Special Education Bus Manager of the Year

Emi Redman is a breakdown driver in the Dacula, Mill Creek and Mountain View clusters. As a breakdown driver, Ms. Redman is always on call and ready to serve students in these clusters. She joined GCPS in 2006.

• Dori Puckett 2014-2015 Special Education Bus Monitor of the Year

Ms. Puckett monitors special needs students who travel in the Central Gwinnett Cluster. She began her employment in GCPS in 1997.

The selection of the 2014-2015 winners is the result of an extensive process.

First, they were nominated by their colleagues in their transportation zone. There are 27 regular education zones and nine special education zones. Nominees then were given a written and driving skills test.

Eleven finalists were selected – five regular education bus managers, three special education bus managers, and three special education bus monitors. A judging committee selected the winners from the finalists.

Transportation Director Grant Reppert applauded the efforts of all the staff who safely transport Gwinnett students to and from school.

In recognizing this year’s winners, he said, “These outstanding professionals exhibit the passion, commitment, and excellence found throughout our operations. They are the best of the best and we appreciate all that they do for the school system and the students we serve.”

— Submitted by GCPS

(Photos: Dee Walls, Emi Redman, and Dori Puckett)