Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the South Seneca Central School District’s Transportation Department has had quite the year. The district’s new bus garage is a beautiful, sleek new stature on campus and the old bus garage got knocked down for a new parking lot.

It has transformed a large portion of school grounds, and has also helped the district’s traffic flow - both for cars and buses alike - operate smoothly. Helping oversee all of this has been first-year Transportation Director Mitch Perry.

At the moment, the district is seeking more bus drivers. We recently spoke with Perry to see how that process, along with everything else, is going for him during his first year.

Q: What were you doing before taking the Director of Transportation job?

Mitch Perry: Before becoming Director of Transportation, I served as a bus driver here at South Seneca for 10 years. I’ve also owned my own business since high school. I’m a South Seneca graduate and have lived in the district my entire life, so this community has always been home for me.

Q: How is your first year going?

MP: My first year has been exciting and energizing. I’ve enjoyed getting to know our students, families, and staff, and I’m proud of how our team has embraced new goals and continued to put students first. Every day brings fresh opportunities to learn and improve, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a supportive school community.

Our two biggest priorities right now are addressing a significant driver shortage and getting fully established in our new transportation facility. This is the largest shortage I’ve seen in my 10 years with the district. Fortunately, we have applicants in training who will soon become full-time drivers. In the meantime, our mechanic and I will continue driving as needed, and we will rely on substitute drivers to help support our daily needs.

Q: What are your current challenges?

MP: Like many districts, we continue to navigate staffing shortages and the need to make quick transportation adjustments throughout the day. These changes can impact communication and timing, but our team is working hard to improve coordination and simplify processes. As we continue enhancing communication between departments, our goal is to make the system even safer, more efficient, and more responsive to student needs. 

Q: What would you tell anyone who is considering applying to be a South Seneca bus driver?

MP: Driving for South Seneca is incredibly rewarding. Our drivers make a real difference—they’re the friendly, reliable faces students see every morning and afternoon. We provide full training, support, and a welcoming atmosphere where teamwork is valued. If you enjoy working with children, want meaningful work with a positive impact, and appreciate a schedule that supports work–life balance, this is a great place to build a career.

We are always looking for dedicated individuals interested in becoming bus drivers or monitors. Our small district offers a close, personal connection not only among staff but with the greater community. We provide a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for extra hours through extracurricular and athletic trips. It’s a meaningful way to positively impact students while becoming part of a supportive, community-centered team.

Q: What about school transportation is rewarding?

MP: It’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re genuinely helping our community every day. Our transportation staff are the first people students see in the morning and the last they see before heading home. We’re the direct link between home and school. In a small, tight-knit community like ours, those relationships grow strong, and that connection is something we truly value.

Q: What has the new bus garage changed most for the transportation department?

MP: The new bus garage provides a fresh start for our department and gives us the space and resources to operate more efficiently. With two full-size bus lifts and a larger two-post lift, we can maintain our fleet and larger district vehicles more effectively. The completed wash bay allows for drive-through undercarriage and exterior cleaning, helping us maintain the appearance and longevity of our buses. Overall, this facility positions us to better support our students, staff, and community.

Q: Anything you’d like to add?

MP: I’m truly grateful for our dedicated transportation team. Their hard work, flexibility, and commitment to students are what make this department strong. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on that momentum and working together to keep improving the experience for students, families, and staff.