Deanna Sanchez and Cynthia (Cyndi) Karner are valuable members of the CIU 20 Transportation Department. Deanna has been a part of the team for 21 years, serving as both a Monitor and Van Driver. Cyndi has dedicated 26 years to CIU 20, working as a Bus Driver and also trainer of other drivers. They care deeply for the students they transport and create a safe space on their bus on the journey to and from school.
Deanna says the most rewarding part of her job is "Working with kids of all ages and watching them grow. Some kids I have seen start school and graduate, I've seen others grow academically and socially. The small things mean so much, like when a child sees you after a year or more and they remember you and are happy to see you...that is really the best feeling."
Deanna notes the importance of collaboration during the day, "Cyndi and myself are a great team. We work well together and our work day doesn't feel like work. We have a great time with our kids, whether it be singing, playing a game like eye spy, talking about their favorite foods, toys or movies."
She would tell a new IU employee that "You will build bonds with the children and people you work with...this is a rewarding job with amazing children and coworkers."
Cyndi shares that "Being a Bus Driver is more than driving; it’s the day-to-day interaction with the kids. Deanna and I make it fun everyday, but we have rules. We always have each others back and decisions are made together; our day honestly goes fast because of it."
When she is training new drivers, she notes the importance of taking them on a run to model the positive interactions that are important in building trust with families and students, "I think it’s important for them to experience it first hand...I tell them to smile, be friendly, and of course, please respect parents."
Her love of what she does on a daily basis is evident when she says that "I could have retired many years ago, but I choose to be on the school bus."