Jose Ballesteros got pushed into driving a bus for the Springdale School District. Now he recommends others give it a try. He loves his job because of the people he works with and the students he has the pleasure of transporting.
“Five years ago a friend got me started,” says Ballesteros. “He pushed me into driving for Springdale Schools. He left and I am still driving. He’s still a very good friend.
“I like driving and I like being around my co-workers. I really like these guys. We work very closely with Kevin Conkin (who helps oversee construction and transportation) and I like him very much.”
Ballesteros’ routes include Smith Elementary, Central Junior High and the Don Tyson School of Innovation. He notes, “I have a full load. Before my current routes I had Tyson Middle School, Lakeside Junior High and the DTSOI. I really enjoy interacting with the kids. They trust me. We have a good relationship.”
Driving comes naturally to Ballesteros, who has lived in Northwest Arkansas for 31 years and drove in two previous jobs. He not only drives but trains others who want to join the district transportation team.
“I help train drivers to become part of our team,” says Ballesteros. “There are three of us who do the training. I like to help other people learn how to drive a bus. I plan to do this for a long time. My kids are out of school now. My oldest is working for J.B. Hunt. My youngest graduated from Har-Ber High School last spring and is going to school to become an electrician.
“I lived in Texas for two years but I’ve kind of grown up here. Springdale has become a part of me. I like the people, especially those I work with. This is a good place to work. The insurance and other benefits are very good.
“If someone is wanting to drive a school bus I strongly recommend the Springdale district. They can come join us and I will teach them to drive.”
How can you beat that offer? Drive for Springdale, be trained by Jose Ballesteros and be part of a great team. An efficient team that makes sure transportation is safe for all the students in the district is another reason Springdale Public Schools are #THEChoice.