WHEREAS, every day, over 11,000 school buses carry more than 650,000 students to and from schools across our state; 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 vehicles; 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 State of North Carolina salutes and appreciates school bus drivers and recognizes the invaluable contributions they make to public education and student safety; and
WHEREAS, the American School Bus Council's "Love the Bus" week is celebrated in North Carolina during the week of Valentine’s Day, and encourages residents to "Love the Bus" by recognizing the excellence of our state's school bus drivers and their good record of safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 12 – 16, 2024, as “SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.