Forest Hills Public Schools Bus Drivers Take First Place in County Competition

Forest Hills Public Schools bus drivers won first place in Kent County's School Bus Driving Championship, known as Bus Road-eo, the district announced on June 19.

Eight FHPS drivers competed and claimed the top team spot. The competitors were Jack Langholz, Dan Smolek, Mike Putney, Margaret Krey, Angela Yerian, Mikal Bos, Brad Meier, and Missy Prill.

Two of those drivers advanced to the state-level competition, according to the district. Jack Langholz and Dan Smolek represented Forest Hills Public Schools at the state event.

What the Bus Road-eo Tests

The Bus Road-eo competition evaluates school bus drivers on their operating skills, knowledge of traffic laws, and ability to safely navigate tight real-world maneuvers, according to the district.

"What's a bus driving championship, you ask? It's where school bus drivers are tested on their operating skills, traffic laws, and their ability to safely navigate tight, real-world maneuvers," the district said in its announcement.

FHPS Also Hiring Bus Drivers

The district is holding a bus driver job fair on Thursday, June 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the FHPS Transportation Department at 6001 Hall St. SE in Grand Rapids, according to a June 17 district posting.

A second job fair is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 at the same time and location.

According to the district, the position offers:

• Starting pay of $23.18 per hour
• A $1,500 sign-on bonus
• Training assistance
• Flexible schedules
• Full family benefits for 8-hour drivers

The district said bus drivers are "some of the first smiling faces students see and the last caring adults they see before heading home" and that they "safely transport hundreds of students" each day.

"We love our bus drivers! Every day, our FHPS bus drivers are some of the first smiling faces students see and the last caring adults they see before heading home. They safely transport hundreds of students, build meaningful relationships, and play an important role in helping students start and end their school day on the right foot," the district said in a June 17 posting.

Forest Hills Public Schools serves students in Grand Rapids Township, Cascade Township, and portions of Kentwood and Wyoming. The district operates Forest Hills Northern High School, Forest Hills Eastern High School, and Forest Hills Central High School.