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Connecting Communities, One Bus Ride at a Time: Behind the Scenes of CUSD’s Transportation Department

In honor of National School Bus Safety Week (October 19 -23), read on to learn more about the amazing transportation department at Campbell Union School District.

Every weekday morning before the sun fully brightens the Campbell sky, the quiet hum of activity begins at 240 Harrison Avenue. On the second floor of the district office, staff members at the Campbell Union School District (CUSD) Transportation Department are already hard at work preparing for another day of moving the district's most valuable payload: its students.

While school buses are a quintessential symbol of K-12 education, operating a safe and reliable transportation system requires precise coordination, dedicated staff, and unwavering attention to safety.

Bridging Distances for Student Success

In addition to ensuring students and staff safely get to their science camps and field trips, the CUSD transportation services cater to two vital student groups: general education students navigating local transit corridors and special education students receiving specialized access to learning.

General education busing serves defined attendance pockets where geographical barriers—such as busy thoroughfares, highway corridors, or wide transit boundaries—make walking or biking difficult. Bus lines primarily serve eligible students attending Lynhaven Elementary School and Monroe Middle School:

• Lynhaven Elementary: Routes provide essential service to neighborhoods situated west of San Tomas Expressway, north of Stevens Creek Boulevard, and east of Highway 17.
• Monroe Middle School: Busing connects students living in the Blackford and Sherman Oaks attendance zones, as well as designated zones near major transit arteries.

For families in these communities, the yellow bus is more than just a ride—it is a vital bridge to consistent school attendance and academic participation.

Driven by Community Collaboration

Beyond localized general education routes, CUSD’s transportation operations play a regional role. The district is a key participant in the West Valley Joint Powers Authority (JPA), a collaborative effort uniting 10 local school districts to pool resources and provide specialized transportation for special education students across the region.

Additionally, CUSD’s fleet supports learning beyond the traditional classroom setting, managing logistics for district-wide field trips and activity outings that enrich the educational experience.

A Culture Built on Safety First

Behind every scheduled stop and route plan lies a strict commitment to student well-being. Before the school year even kicks off, CUSD families are provided with comprehensive bilingual safety guides and transportation plans outlining boarding procedures, emergency protocols, and behavioral guidelines.

From strict bus stop creation rules—where community density and route safety determine stop locations—to rigorous vehicle checks, safety forms the core of the department's daily routine. Our drivers are well trained and bring joy to the position knowing they are sometimes the first person a student greets in their day outside of family. 

Dedicated Support for Local Families

Managing application deadlines, fee assistance verification, and route communications requires constant outreach. To ensure access for all families, the transportation team coordinates in-person verification appointments for income-qualified free transportation applications and offers bilingual support for district families.

Whether guiding a parent through the yearly pass application process or assisting a driver out on the road, the team at CUSD Transportation stays focused on a singular goal: getting students to and from school safely, every single day.

Key Information and Contact Details

• Location: 240 Harrison Ave, 2nd Floor, Campbell, CA 95008
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Phone: (408) 341-7208

Leading by Example: Celebrating Our School Administrators During Week of the School Administrator

From October 12–18, we celebrate Week of the School Administrator. It is a time to honor the principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and district leaders who champion our mission and live out our core values through their leadership.

When the doors open across Campbell Union School District (CUSD) each morning, our schools come alive with curiosity, connection, and growth. Behind the daily energy of our classrooms is a team of leaders dedicated to nurturing that environment every single day.

From October 12–18, we celebrate Week of the School Administrator. It is a time to honor the principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and district leaders who champion our mission and live out our core values through their leadership.

We Are Learners: Leading with Curiosity and Growth

Our administrators know that great leadership starts with a commitment to lifelong learning. They don't just oversee educational programs—they dive into them. You’ll often find our administrators participating in professional development alongside teachers, analyzing student growth data to refine instructional strategies, and staying at the forefront of modern education.

By modeling continuous improvement, our leaders show our students and staff that learning isn't just something that happens in a textbook—it's a lifelong mindset.

We Are Collaborators: Building Success Together

No great school operates in isolation, and our administrators are master collaborators. On any given day, they are working hand-in-hand with teachers to support classroom needs, partnering with support staff to keep operations seamless, and listening to the voices of our students and families.

They understand that the best solutions come from working together. By breaking down silos and encouraging open dialogue, our administrators ensure that every educator feels supported and every family has a seat at the table.

We Are Community Builders: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Belongs

Above all, our administrators are the heartbeat of our school culture. They are community builders who work tirelessly to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Whether they are high-fiving students at morning drop-off, cheering from the sidelines at athletic and arts events, or bringing local partners into our schools, our administrators turn buildings into true communities.

"Leadership in Campbell is about bringing people together around a shared purpose—learning, growing, and supporting one another every step of the way," noted Interim Superintendent, Whitney Holton.

To all of our school administrators, thank you for learning alongside us, collaborating with us, and building a stronger community for our student’s  futures. Happy Week of the School Administrator!