School Safety Starts with Connection
For many students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district, the school day doesn’t begin in a classroom—it begins at the yellow line of a bus stop.
Eric Thompson, a dedicated CMS transportation driver, reminds us that being a bus driver is about much more than navigating a route; it’s about navigating relationships, building community, and ensuring the most precious cargo in our city makes it home safely every single day.
Eric believes that the foundation of a safe bus is a strong relationship. To him, safety isn't just a manual of rules; it’s a "whole different chapter" that starts with knowing the child.
Connection is Key: By asking about their weekend or how their day went, Eric builds rapport. When students feel seen and known, they listen.
Life Lessons on Wheels: Eric views his bus as a microcosm of society. He teaches his students how to treat people and how to be part of a bigger community.
Safety Through Trust: "That’s probably the number one safety thing," Eric explains. "Knowing who you are speaking to, because at some point, you have to get them to follow the rules of the bus."
While the commute may seem routine to onlookers, a CMS driver is constantly managing a complex environment. Eric’s approach highlights the meticulous care that goes into every stop:
The "Cross-Walk" Vigilance: Drivers don’t just watch the road; they count every student as they cross. Eric uses his horn as a vital communication tool, signaling to students when it is safe to move and watching for cars that might not be paying attention.
The Final Sweep: The job doesn't end when the engine turns off. Every day, Eric performs a final walk-through to ensure no student is left sleeping and no backpack is left behind.
Partnership with Parents: Eric credits his success to the parents who meet him at the curb. That daily hand-off creates a circle of safety that connects the school, the driver, and the home.
"We check, make sure we get all of our kids loaded and off, and we have done a great job today."
— Eric Thompson, CMS Transportation
Bus drivers are the heartbeat of our district's daily operations. They are the first friendly face a student sees in the morning and the last one they see before heading home. They are mentors, community leaders, and safety experts all rolled into one.
When we support our drivers, we support the success of every student in the seat. Eric Thompson’s story is a testament to the fact that for CMS transportation, it’s never "just a ride"—it’s a commitment to the community.
