Education
BY JULIANNA WASHBURN
MISD transportation director Pierre Laurent discusses goals, safety With the school year underway and school buses rounding neighborhoods to get students to class, Community Impact interviewed Pierre Laurent, the new transportation director at Montgomery ISD, about the role he is stepping into. Laurent spoke about what he hopes to accom- plish in his rst year and discussed transportation challenges and safety. What do you hope to accomplish in your rst year as transportation director? In year one, my main priorities are to strengthen sta ng and stabilize routes, improve commu- nication with families and campuses, and build a culture of trust and collaboration within the transportation team. I want our department to be known for being responsive, dependable and
student-focused. That starts with investing in people—getting to know the team, listening and working together toward shared goals. What are the biggest challenges when it comes to district transportation? Growth is de nitely a top challenge. ... Driver recruitment and retention is another ongoing issue, not just here but nationwide. It takes a special kind of person to drive a school bus, and we’re working hard to create a positive work environment that values those individuals and keeps them here. What do safety protocols look like on MISD buses? Are there any new safety features or protocols in place this year? Safety is absolutely our No. 1 priority. All of our buses are equipped with GPS tracking, onboard cameras and the SMART Tag system, which helps monitor ridership and gives parents real-time updates. Our drivers and monitors go through thor- ough training in student management, emergency protocols and safe driving practices. We’re con- stantly reviewing ... our safety procedures to keep up with best practices and new technologies.
Pierre Laurent serves as the new transportation director at Montgomery ISD.
COURTESY MONTGOMERY ISD
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
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