For most of us, a school bus ride is a familiar routine. As such, we may not be aware of the remarkable skill it takes the men and women behind the wheel to navigate complex maneuvers and prioritize safety. The annual Kellie Dean Invitational Bus Rodeo, heading into its fourth year, shines a light on this expertise in a unique and engaging way.
“Our goal was simple: fun,” said Fred Doelker, director of training programs for Dean Transportation. “It’s meant to be a low-stress way for colleagues and their families to get together, have a friendly competition and enjoy some good food.”
The competition begins at the regional level in June and culminates with a championship at Dean’s Lansing headquarters in June. It is designed around the fundamental skills every school bus driver needs, mirroring the requirements for the commercial driver’s license exam.
Events like the “Alley Dock” and parallel parking on the passenger-side test precision, while the aptly named “Jasper Twist,” an offset driving course with tail swing obstacles, challenges drivers to navigate tight turns. The fewer “bumps” (similar to strokes in golf) a driver accumulates, the better their score. To round out the competition, there’s also a 35-question written test and a vehicle inspection with safety defects waiting to be found.
What truly sets the Kellie Dean Invitational apart is its inclusive spirit. It’s designed as a family event, encouraging transportation staff to bring their loved ones for a cookout and to watch the skills on display. Additionally, anyone from the school community is welcome to attend. Uniquely, Dean’s rodeo opens participation to attendants and monitors, offering them a fun introductory course on driver skills and potentially sparking an interest in becoming drivers themselves.
While winners receive trophies and bragging rights, the real reward lies in the camaraderie, the opportunity to hone essential skills in a low-pressure environment and the recognition of the vital role these transportation professionals play. Last year saw the addition of a whimsical bicycle bus obstacle course, adding an extra layer of fun for participants and families alike.
For Doelker, some of the most memorable moments are the simple ones.
“The first rodeo after the pandemic, just seeing everybody again and having something fun to do that wasn’t a lot of work was really nice,” he said. “It’s a testament to the dedication and positive spirit of the Dean Transportation team — a reminder that behind every safe school bus journey are skilled individuals who deserve to be celebrated.”
As the planning for this year’s Kellie Dean Invitational gets underway, watch Dean Transportation’s Facebook page for updates.
