Kathy Pope and Sue Mayer, Transportation Department

We are proud to recognize Kathy Pope and Sue Mayer, Transportation Department Dispatchers, as this month’s Above and Beyond honorees. Every day, this dedicated team ensures that thousands of students arrive at school and return home safely. Their ability to manage hundreds of routes and navigate daily challenges with skill and precision is nothing short of extraordinary.

Our dispatchers, Kathy and Sue, are the heart of the operation, juggle multiple schedules, answer endless calls, and problem-solve in real time, all while keeping safety at the forefront. Their commitment to excellence ensures that transportation remains seamless, even in the most complex situations.

Their dedication was especially evident in the aftermath of the Country Glen and Long Valley fires, when they worked tirelessly to ensure displaced students had reliable transportation to school, offering much-needed stability during a difficult time.

Also, a special recognition goes to Jude Gritter, Assistant Director of Transportation, who played a key role in implementing the district’s new routing software, improving efficiency for our schools.

And of note: Kathy Pope has been a valued member of the team for over 40 years, and continues to coordinate fire station visits, bus evacuation drills, eighth-grade activities, and sports trips with exceptional organization and care.

The Transportation Department is an essential part of our district, and their dedication often goes unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, problem-solving, and commitment to our students and families.

Thank you for going Above and Beyond every day! You all truly make us #ProudToBe15.