News Summary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools welcomes Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn as the new Executive Director of Transportation. With 25 years of experience, Dunn aims to enhance the transportation department, address driver shortages, and implement modern technology to improve safety and efficiency. His commitment to professional development and team culture is set to foster a supportive environment for CMS’s transportation staff as the new school year approaches.
Charlotte Welcomes Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn as Executive Director of Transportation
In the bustling city of Charlotte, North Carolina, there’s exciting news for parents and students alike! Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn has officially taken the reins as the new executive director of transportation at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). With over 25 years of experience under his belt, Dunn is set to steer CMS’s transportation department to new heights.
From School Bus Driver to Executive Director
Dunn’s journey in the transportation world started back in August 1997 when he took on the role of a school bus driver for CMS. At just 18 years old, his parents encouraged him to find a job, and while driving a school bus wasn’t on his radar initially, it turned out to be a life-changing opportunity. What started as a simple job quickly grew into a full-blown passion for Dunn, leading him to explore various roles within the CMS system.
Throughout his career, Dunn didn’t just drive a bus; he worked his way up to positions such as lead driver, operations technician, and eventually director of operations. After a brief stint at Union County Public Schools, where he took on roles including transportation specialist and operations manager, Dunn returned to CMS in 2014. His hard work paid off, as he became the director of operations within a year and was later promoted to director of fleet in 2020.
Continuing a Vision
As he takes on this new position, Dunn is poised to honor the legacy of his predecessor, who recently moved to an exciting opportunity in Atlanta. Dunn understands the true heartbeat of the transportation department, having personally experienced the challenges faced by bus drivers. He knows first-hand what it takes to keep everything running smoothly and is committed to empowering the employees who are the backbone of transportation.
Key Challenges Ahead
Currently, CMS operates around 1,100 pieces of transportation equipment, including 838 routed school buses. Yet, like many areas facing labor shortages, the department is grappling with the reality of a shortage of 27 bus drivers as of mid-March. This shortage not only hampers daily operations but also places a spotlight on the importance of retaining experienced drivers, especially with retirements creating gaps in staffing.
In response to these challenges, CMS is offering competitive starting pay for new drivers at over $20 per hour. Creating a positive culture is central to Dunn’s leadership style. He believes that a happy team will lead to a happy and safe experience for students.
Investing in Future Leaders
Professional development is another top priority. Dunn plans to roll out training programs aimed at helping drivers successfully manage student behavior and address any conflicts that may arise while on the job. Plus, the upcoming annual Bus Rodeo will not only foster team spirit but also encourage drivers to showcase their skills in a fun, competitive environment.
Modernizing Transportation
On the road to improvement, the CMS transportation department has been busy updating its operations. This includes enhancing technology with features like GPS tracking, camera systems, and tablets to ensure safety and streamline processes. Dunn is also looking into the potential implementation of RFID card systems for tracking students, which would add an extra layer of security and efficiency.
Prepping for the School Year
As the new school year approaches, the department is anticipating a swell of over 6,000 new students, raising the total transportation assignments to more than 104,000. With the current need for drivers, CMS is short by about 82 drivers, making recruitment efforts more crucial than ever. To smooth out the transition, parents are encouraged to ensure their children know their assigned bus numbers and stop locations.
Join the Team
To address staffing gaps, CMS is also on the lookout for 20 technicians, particularly those with experience in diesel mechanics. This presents a great opportunity for those interested in contributing to the school system and making a real difference.
With Dunn at the helm, the future of transportation at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools looks brighter than ever. Exciting times are ahead for students, parents, and the entire CMS community as they gear up for a successful school year!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte School Closures Due to Severe Weather Threat
South Charlotte Middle School Evacuated Due to Smoky Odor
Severe Weather Advisory and School Closures in Charlotte
Charlotte Kids Get a Weather Day Off
Icy Conditions Cause Multiple Vehicle Crashes in Charlotte
Charlotte School District Seeks Bus Drivers and Technicians
Charlotte’s Business Alliance to Enhance Educational Support
Additional Resources
- STN Online: Digital Editions
- WBTV: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Hiring Bus Drivers
- WSOC TV: CMS Works to Fill Bus Driver Vacancies
- Charlotte Observer: CMS Education News
- Qcity Metro: CMS School Year 2024-2025
- Wikipedia: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Transportation News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus
