A commitment to safety and professionalism
By Maria Reed
We are Bridgewater-Raritan Transportation Association (BRTA), and we go above and beyond. Before the pandemic shut everything down, we rolled along on our regular routine, driving our students to school every day and then back home. It was scary and unsettling to learn that we would have to shut down because of COVID—scary because of so much uncertainty. This was March of 2020, and we still had three months of school left before summer break.
I clearly remember my students asking me what was going to happen, and my only response to my students was, “I really don’t know, but don’t worry—everything’s going to be OK.”
This was hard for all of us: students, staff and the community. Of course, it wasn’t only our community that was affected; COVID was worldwide. But as a community and as a school district we held on. We were not going to allow this pandemic to completely shut us down.
About a month after the shutdown began in March 2020, we were asked by school district management to deliver lunches to the students who were eligible for the free lunch program. Some of our drivers delivered the lunches on a voluntary basis, and later we alternated who was scheduled to deliver them. We all followed the guidelines: we made sure we had our masks on, plenty of gloves and hand sanitizer and, of course, a can of Lysol.
It was a bit of a challenge, but at the same time it was rewarding. Despite the pandemic, we were doing a good deed and making sure our students were getting their lunches. We also had a chance to build relationships with some of the administrators of our school district.
“I have enjoyed working for Bridgewater-Raritan schools for the past three years,” says driver Deb Loris. “There is a true rapport and mutual respect between all the staff here. We strive to do our best for our students. This has been especially evident during the pandemic, when drivers delivered meals to the students and worked to find ways to connect with students once they were able to attend classes again.”
Masking made connections challenging, Loris noted, but getting students to school safely is just part of the job.
“As their driver you’re a big part of the school experience,” Loris added. “Some of my kids tell me riding the bus is their favorite part of the day. I always love hearing that. I believe we are all doing important work that supports the most important part of our community, our kids.”
Building communication with and among members
For the first time since the pandemic struck, the BRTA members gathered in-person on Nov. 24 for a reunion lunch. The BRT’s usual back-to-school breakfast, postponed because of ongoing reopening issues, was rescheduled as a pre-Thanksgiving get-together. There was much to celebrate and be thankful for that day as the drivers had recently renegotiated a significant pay increase and retention bonus.
We needed this time to get together to discuss how important it is to be in the union and to stand together in unity. It was long overdue in many ways. Our members needed to be reminded that BRTA is here for them. It is vital to have good communication, which is key in building a positive relationship with members.
Like other school employees, bus drivers were affected by the pandemic. Between changes in routes to accommodate the shift in students attending schools on hybrid days and dealing with months of uncertainty when schools were all remote, school bus drivers learn to adapt in ways that previously seemed unimaginable.
BRTA Vice President Alexandra Parameritis knows very well what it’s like to adapt to changes in her environment and that it takes a lot of patience adjusting to the changes brought about by the pandemic.
“I have been driving for Bridgewater-Raritan schools for 20 years, and I can remember not being able to speak very good English,” says BRTA Vice President Alexandra Parameritis. “I have my students to thank for helping me build my English vocabulary as I drove them every day. I enjoy working for Bridgewater-Raritan, it’s a good district to work for.”
Kim Deon is one of our association representatives and is a great mediator. She has worked for Bridgewater-Raritan for 20 years. She enjoys her job and her students.
“I started out with the senior drivers who have long retired, and they we’re a very tough crew, but resilient and strong,” Deon says. “They taught me to be just as resilient and strong. I represent our members with the utmost respect, and I think communication is important with staff, students and the parents. We are so fortunate to be a part of a strong union because of the many benefits it offers. We all work together, and we learn to deal with the pros and cons just like anywhere else.”
We are all facing challenges during this time, but we are maintaining a positive attitude and will continue to move forward to make the best of it.
Drivers in high demand
The demand for bus drivers is very high right now, and I’m happy that the district negotiated a pay increase along with the retention bonus because it paves the way for future negotiations, and it opens the door for new drivers to join our district and expand our ranks.
I want to make sure that BRTA members know they are appreciated for the important work they do. And that goes for new drivers as well. We are a diverse group from different cultures and background, and we know how to work as a team. There is so much in store for Bridgewater-Raritan School District drivers. We want to start new projects in the community to help our students and to make sure their families know who we are and what we stand for.
Above all, we want to provide great service, as well as a commitment to safety and professionalism. It’s important to my members, and—most importantly—for the Bridgewater-Raritan School District and community. Because … We Are BRTA!
Maria Reed is the president of Bridgewater-Raritan Transportation Association. She can be reached at prwoman1026@yahoo.com.