A house RESOLUTION

 

to honor and celebrate the Transportation Office of the South Carolina Department of Education for its exceptional service, tireless dedication, and enduring commitment to student safety and to publicly express gratitude and respect for the professionals who keep South Carolina's students moving safely every day.

 

Whereas, the safety and well-being of South Carolina's students is a top priority, and the daily transportation of thousands of children to and from school is a vital part of their educational journey; and

 

Whereas, the Transportation Office of the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) exemplifies unwavering dedication, professionalism, and tenacity in ensuring that every student arrives at school and returns home safely; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina remains the only state that owns, maintains, and manages its entire school bus system, overseeing all day-to-day operations including training, maintenance, procurement, service, fueling, tires, and related activities; and it is likely the largest public-school fleet that owns its own buses; and

 

Whereas, this division maintains rigorous safety standards, conducting thorough inspections, and providing ongoing training to drivers and staff; and

 

Whereas, the men and women of the transportation office, which includes mechanics, drivers, trainers, inspectors, and administrators, serve with quiet strength and steadfast commitment, often behind the scenes, yet their impact is visible in every yellow bus that rolls across our State; and

 

Whereas, those same men and women of the transportation office routinely give back to students, teachers, schools, and communities outside of their assigned duties by volunteering in schools, gathering and delivering supplies to hurricane victims, packing and delivering teacher gifts to districts, donating resources to those in need and going above and beyond to offer hope and genuine love to South Carolinians; and

 

Whereas, the transportation office has set the agency leadership model for "raising your hand" of support by volunteering in schools and participating in district and school initiatives to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community; and

 

Whereas, National School Bus Safety Week provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the essential role of school transportation in student success and public education; and

 

Whereas, the SCDE Transportation Office continues to lead with innovation and integrity, embracing new technologies and practices that enhance safety, efficiency, and service. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and celebrate the Transportation Office of the South Carolina Department of Education for its exceptional service, tireless dedication, and enduring commitment to student safety and publicly express gratitude and respect for the professionals who keep South Carolina's students moving safely every day.

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