Georgia’s Bus Driver of the Year: Tabitha Stanley-Rollins of Fulton County Schools

The Georgia Department of Education (GA DOE) recognized Tabitha Stanley-Rollins, a “transportation superhero” and driver of special needs students, as the state’s 2024 Bus Driver of the Year for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Rollins, who drives bus 1526, transports Wolf Creek Elementary and Westlake High School students. She has been a bus driver since 2007. In addition to her annual written competency and assessment of nine driving skills, Rollins attends organizational meetings, receives securement training and meets with nurses to obtain skills needed to drive special needs students.

Executive Director of Transportation Services Vicki Cross recommended Rollins for the state nomination following an unusual incident that displayed her extraordinary character.

On her usual afternoon bus route on November 1, 2023, Rollins spotted a child in diapers wandering the street with no visible sign of an adult. She pulled over, called dispatch, and kept the child warm in the bus awaiting police. She then spotted another toddler in diapers wandering alone. The child wandered to the bus. She alerted dispatch that another child was found roaming alone. After securing the second child and blowing her horn to get attention of neighbors to no avail, the police and Fulton County Schools (FCS) transportation coordinator Jim Maples arrived on scene to handle the situation. She then continued her route to deliver students back home.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to receive the State of Georgia Bus driver of the Year award,” Rollins said. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me and underscores my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students I transport each day. Being a bus driver is more than just a job; it’s a privilege to be part of each student’s daily journey. The award is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved, and I am proud to represent such a dedicated team of professionals.”