After many years with Ector County ISD, Margarita Bennett was shocked to find herself named the Transportation Department Employee of the Year.
Bennett, a special education driver, said she honestly didn’t think she had a chance to win the award.
“I was wrong,” she said.
This year, 15 employees were recognized who believe in the school district’s vision that “OUR Students are THE Future and who live it out in their daily work,” the website said. Winners are chosen by their peers.
“No matter the role or the title, every member of the ECISD team plays a key role in fulfilling our mission to inspire and challenge every student to be prepared for success and to be adaptable in an ever-changing society,” it said.
Bennett initially applied to be a bus monitor, but another driver encouraged her to apply to be a driver. She resisted because she couldn’t see herself driving one of the big yellow vehicles. But Bennett ultimately applied and was hired.
The district trained her to drive a school bus.
“They would take us and get trained and drive the bus, parallel park; everything that you need to know to be a driver,” Bennett said.
She first drove prekindergarten children, then teen parents and now special needs students, but she’ll drive just about any route that’s needed. Bennett drove for summer learning for the first time this year and was disinfecting the buses to get them ready for the new school year on a recent Wednesday.
She now drives a smaller bus than when she started.
“I had been a regular bus driver and then I was a driver for teen parents. … I loved that, but it was not enough hours,” Bennett said.
She looked for a route and found this one with more hours and hours that were more suitable for her.
“We finish in the morning and then come back at 10:30 and to 1 and then in the evening come back at three o’clock and to about 5:30 or so. Then do trips or whatever that’s out there that’s in my box,” Bennett said.
She covers all areas of the county.
“I love to be around children,” Bennett said. “I don’t have (any) children on my own,” Bennett said.
Driving a bus has made her a careful driver. The children range anywhere from intellectual to physically disabled.
“It just makes you be … extra careful because you have to be watching out there and inside,” Bennett said.
She added that she enjoys the people she works with.
“I get along with everybody here,” Bennett said.
Operations Supervisor Sepharine Bugayong said Bennett consistently demonstrates hard work and dedication.
“Margarita goes above and beyond expectations to support our team, always willing to help wherever needed. She enjoys working with children and takes great pride in her work, and ensures that students are transported in a safe manner,” Bugayong said.
