by Doug La Rocque
Word is getting around town about a substitute bus driver for the Brittonkill (Brunswick) Schools. Not because she is special (she makes it very clear she isn’t) but because of the uniqueness of the situation. District Superintendent Dr. Angelina Maloney is now also known as substitute school bus driver Angelina Maloney.
In a conversation with Dr. Maloney, The Eastwick Press asked her how she came up with the idea to add bus driver to her resume. She told us “We have been facing a shortage of drivers for some time and this year it reached a crisis point. I tried many avenues of recruitment which still did not eliminate the problem so I hoped to be part of the solution to keep our students in school.”
Anyone who is part of school transportation knows you cannot just jump into a bus and take off; the testing and training can be rigorous, as Dr. Maloney found out first hand. She said “I love to learn but this was very different for me. I have a much deeper understanding of the complexities of transporting 1,000 students to our school and all over the Capital District for their academic programming. I also could share my experience with our transportation department and apply my background as a teacher to help other potential drivers prepare for the permit and road test.
Did it require a lot of time and commitment? “Our Transportation Department was incredibly helpful. I had to work my training and preparation around my other District responsibilities so it took me a little longer. A new driver is brought on board with paid training and can get it done quicker.”
So this begs the question: has your home phone rung early in the morning, asking you to report to the bus garage yet? “Not yet. I would never take an opportunity away from one of our drivers. I’m just here to help as a backup so students do not miss opportunities.”
This is not Superintendent Maloney’s first spin around the block in a vehicle with more than four wheels. She has been a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for some time now and has completed the NYS Emergency Vehicle Operator Course which allows her to drive a fire truck.
So when a student steps on the bus to see the District Superintendent behind the wheel do they treat her any differently? She told us “I expect our students to treat everyone with respect and kindness. I am fortunate to be in my 9th year at the District so many of the students have known me for their entire school career. This year I was blessed to coach the two Tamarac modified volleyball teams so I got to spend a lot of time with 20 awesome middle school girls. Volleyball Coach — yet another hat she has donned.
Ok, so the students are great. But what about at the bus garage? Are you accepted as “part of the gang”? “Our drivers were so helpful in preparing for the test. Their words of encouragement and help meant the world to me. They are terrific and I will be forever grateful. Some of the drivers are hoping I sub on their runs.”
So the reception from the students and other drivers has been great. But what about the perception in the school and the district as a whole? “People have been very kind to me. I just believe that it is my responsibility to do whatever it takes to make our school run safely, efficiently and the best for our students. They deserve it!”
School Superintendent, Volleyball Coach or Bus Driver, Angelina Maloney is leading the way at Brittonkill and setting a great example for other school superintendents when it comes to thinking and acting outside the box for the people she serves.
Editor’s Note: There will always be “hard news” to report, but as a community newspaper, these are the kind of stories The Eastwick Press enjoys covering. If you are aware of such community developments feel free to contact us at news@eastwickpress.com, and we will endeavor to bring these special moments to everyone as well.