Brockport Central School District has nominated three Transportation Department employees to be recognized with the Employee of the Year award for the 2021-22 school year.
Each year, the Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association recognizes employees nominated for the Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year award. School Districts belonging to the association are able to nominate Transportation Department employees who are bus drivers, bus attendants, mechanics, stock clerks, dispatchers, routers, payroll, sports or field trip coordinators, trainers, helpers, or administrative assistants. Criteria for nominees include good attendance, friendly disposition, relatability, and whether the employee readily accepts and exceeds responsibilities while remaining accident free.
Brockport nominees for the 2021-22 school year include:
Christine Connelly
Christine has been with the BCSD Transportation Department for 15 years, going above and beyond each and every day, not only with picking up extra work and covering trips, but in her dedication to her profession and the safety-mindedness she exhibits on a regular basis. Christine continues to demonstrate what it means to be a Brockport Bus Driver, not only in the handling of her own bus, but in the weekly updates she sends to the training department on issues she sees out on the road with various other motorists. Her sense of safety for her students and discipline toward the “rules of the road” is highly admired. She is dependable and always aware about the vital role the Brockport Transportation Department carries out each and every day. Her compassion and friendly demeanor toward her co-workers and students alike, is why she has been nominated for this prestigious award.
Nicole Fantauzzo
Nicole has been with the BCSD Transportation Department for 2.5 years and is a great driver, not just in her defensive driving abilities, but her overall approach at student safety and communicating with parents. She is in-tune to all of her students – their needs, their preferences, and their likes/dislikes. Last year, Nicole began a “Be the Light” activity, allowing students to display something positive they did on a decorative note card placed on roof of the bus. This activity has resulted, on occasion, in Nicole becoming a counselor and advocate for her students, helping if and when they expressed personal concerns. It is evident that this profession is more than just “driving the bus” for Nicole; this is her career and she invests her entire self into every aspect of this career. Nicole also works as a training assistant and has exceeded in teaching new drivers to obtain their license and prepare for their 19A road test.
Marisol Paz
Marisol has been with the BCSD Transportation Department for 3.5 years and has stood out as an attendant who will do whatever is asked of her, displaying a great working relationship with her driver and always centered on what is best for her students. Marisol has overcome difficult situations, including combining buses and dealing with students who have shown abusive behaviors. Marisol is a great advocate for her students and is always looking at ways to improve their bus ride. Marisol is also a veteran evaluator and will often assist the training department in the evaluation of new attendants who are clearing to be on their own. The department can always count on Marisol to be honest, truthful and objective in her evaluations.
2021-22 nominees will be recognized through a virtual program.
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