As school districts across Texas face a shortage of bus drivers, New Braunfels ISD’s transportation team remains committed to their role in students’ lives. Our transportation employees understand that they are often the first and last school representatives students interact with each day.

Raphel Watson, who joined NBISD in April 2024 after retiring from his previous career, says working as a bus driver offers a unique way to serve the community. 

“It’s a win-win for me,” Watson said. “I’m able to serve my community while trying something new that is challenging.”

He currently is working on obtaining his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) through NBISD. Watson emphasizes the importance of being able to get the necessary training while also being diligent and being sure to start students’ days off right. 

“A welcoming attitude can really turn their day around, especially for those who may not have the best home life,” he added.

Irais Fulgencio was named NBISD’s 2024 Bus Driver of the Year. After eight years of service, she said she takes pride in ensuring safety: “We are transporting the lives of other people’s children, so it’s a great deal of responsibility every day.”

Fulgencio, like many of her colleagues, finds the job rewarding and acknowledges that her role helps create a positive environment.

Providing a friendly greeting to her students creates a bond between her and those she is transporting. She also said that driving for NBISD has given her flexibility to attend her children’s events during the school day as well as being able to drive them to and from school.

Eliana Aguirre has driven for NBISD for just over a year and she said it came with some perks that have allowed her to obtain her CDL through the district as well as providing her with insurance benefits and a pension plan. 

She also said that she is grateful for the flexibility to spend school holidays with her own children, who also attend NBISD schools. Driving students to and from school is a vital part of the school day for any district. Many of the drivers like Aguirre take pride and enjoy seeing students smile when they get on the bus each day.

“It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference in a child’s life,” Aguirre shared. “It really makes me want to be at work and it makes me want to always put my best foot forward because you never know when it will be the difference needed for a particular child.”

Sam Pittman, a dispatcher and field trip coordinator, also said there is a sense of fulfillment that comes with working in transportation. Despite his office duties, he and many others in the department still drive buses daily to meet the demand for drivers. 

“There’s really nothing like it,” Pittman said, adding that scheduling buses for field trips, one of his childhood favorites, is particularly meaningful.

Longtime NBISD driver Ruth Castro, with 31 years of experience, was named the 2023 Texas Association for Pupil Transportation Bus Driver of the Year. For Castro, the job brings her joy and keeps her smiling. 

“When the kids say hello and goodbye at the end of the day, it just means so much to me,” she said. “Their smiling faces make me smile and it makes this job really special.”

The NBISD transportation team remains committed to their roles and to the district’s daily operations to make sure that students arrive at their destinations safely. Those interested in joining the transportation team can apply here.

As Castro put it, “Without us, the kids wouldn’t be able to get to school. We are here to help them get a good education so they can become good citizens.”