Director Of Transportation Hired For West Aurora District 129

AURORA, IL — A new director of transportation has been hired for West Aurora School District 129. The Board of Education approved Brandy Kackert's appointment at its meeting Monday.

"I am incredibly thankful to the Board of Education for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and community of West Aurora in this new role," Kackert said in a statement.

Kackert has held dual responsibilities — safety and training coordinator for the transportation department and the district's homeless liaison — within District 129 since 2015. In one role, her responsibilities included conducting driver training sessions to promote student and staff safety. According to district officials, Kackert implemented effective and efficient transportation procedures that were in accordance with federal and state mandates.

As the district's homeless liaison, she provided assistance and support to students dealing with housing challenges. Kackert worked with families, nearby districts, shelters and local agencies to help get kids educations.

Officials said Kackert has also been an integral member of District 129's reunification team, which addresses crisis situations. She also serves on the district's equity leadership team to ensure the needs of homeless children are represented.

Prior to District 129, Kackert worked in Oswego Community Unit School District 308 for eight years. She began her transportation career there, working first as a school bus driver before advancing to transportation coordinator, where she oversaw the department's day-to-day operations.