City Utilities bus operator, director recognized with Power of 1 Hero
Every week, City Utilities bus operator Tim Coram drives Route 38 in central Springfield.
On his bus Monday through Friday, there’s a group of regular riders: 15 SPS high school students. Most attend Hillcrest or Central High School. They know each other, and he knows them.
That’s why when one Central High School student stopped sitting in her regular seat, Coram noticed. When she stopped interacting with the other students, Coram saw. And when Coram saw her avoiding his bus, walking to school in the bitter cold, Coram took action, reporting his concern for the student to the City Utilities director of transit, Matt Crawford.
Crawford took swift action, heading to Central High School to meet with lead principal Judy Brunner. Together, they were able to identify the student, and Brunner connected the student to the support she needed to address a problem at home. It was an issue the school might have missed or not known for days, said Brunner.
“You paid attention,” said Brunner to the bus operator. “You noticed, and because of your awareness and care, and Mr. Crawford’s immediate response, we were able to support this student in a more timely manner. Because you raised the alarm, we were able to intervene quickly.”
Coram is one of many bus operators who transport SPS students to school, and City Utilities trains bus operators to be diligent, observant drivers, maintaining a safe environment and supporting their passengers. Each day, approximately 160 SPS students ride the city bus as their primary school transportation, using bus passes distributed by the Health Services department and funded by Care to Learn. Students work with counselors, school nurses and administrators to request bus vouchers as needed.
The partnership between SPS and City Utilities helps hundreds of students be ready to learn each day, but Coram’s care for one student made a difference.
“We are so grateful for the support of Tim, Mr. Crawford and City Utilities,” said Brunner. “I’m proud to present the Power of 1 Hero to you, Tim, for your professionalism and going above and beyond, and to you, Mr. Crawford, for quickly addressing his concerns. Your work made a positive impact on this student.”
The Power of 1 Hero is a Springfield Public Schools recognition program that celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary work. This strategic effort for the 2019-2020 school year showcases SPS heroes who go above and beyond to meet the needs of learners and their champions. For more information and to see other Power of 1 recipients, follow #Powerof1SPS on Twitter.