Governor Proclaims School Bus Driver Appreciation Week 2021

WHEREAS, every day in North Carolina, over 13,000 school buses carry more than 790,000 students to and from school; and

WHEREAS, without school buses and school bus drivers, many public school students would not have safe, reliable transportation to and from school; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that the use of school buses saves over 65 million gallons of fuel statewide each year, compared to that required by individual family cars; and

WHEREAS, school bus drivers travel thousands of miles each school year, navigating rural roads, neighborhood streets and multi-lane highways to deliver students to their schools and homes safely; and

WHEREAS, weather and road conditions, student passengers, and other motorists can create special challenges to drivers as they carry out their duties; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the daily lives of our state’s school bus drivers, forcing them to adapt and meet new safety guidelines in order to protect the many students in their care; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina salutes and appreciates school bus drivers and recognizes the invaluable contributions they make to public education and student safety;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 8 – 12, 2021, as “SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.