Charlotte, North Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn has been appointed as the executive director of transportation for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. With a long career at CMS, he aims to address key challenges such as driver shortages and enhancing service quality. Dunn emphasizes improving recruitment and retention of drivers, as well as fostering a positive work environment. The CMS transportation department is also leveraging technology, including RFID for real-time bus tracking, to enhance communication and safety for all students.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn has been appointed the executive director of transportation for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). With an extensive career spanning several decades within the transportation department, Dunn brings a wealth of experience to his new role, where he aims to tackle ongoing challenges, including driver shortages.
Dunn’s journey began in August 1997 when he started as a school bus driver for CMS at the age of 18. Initially considering a military career, he shifted his path upon encouragement from a friend to apply for a bus driving position. This role sparked his passion for transportation, leading him to hold various positions within the department over the years. These included lead driver, operations technician, and ultimately director of operations.
After leaving CMS in 2006, Dunn gained valuable experience with Union County Public Schools, advancing to transportation specialist, operations manager, and assistant director. He returned to CMS in 2014, quickly becoming the director of operations within a year. In 2020, he expanded his role further by taking on the position of director of fleet while also overseeing support services.
As Dunn steps into his new role, he will follow in the footsteps of former transportation director Adam Johnson, who recently transitioned to Atlanta Public Schools. Dunn is committed to utilizing his understanding of all roles within the department to effectively lead his team.
One of the contemporary challenges facing CMS is the shortage of school bus drivers. As of mid-March 2025, the district was short 27 drivers for its fleet of 838 routed buses. Dunn recognizes the urgency of addressing recruitment, retention, and retraining for drivers as retirements and an overall decline in availability continue to pose challenges. CMS is currently offering starting pay exceeding $20 per hour to attract new bus drivers.
In addition to driver recruitment, Dunn is focused on ensuring a positive culture and work environment on each bus. This includes professional development programs aimed at conflict resolution over student behavior. Acknowledging the important role bus drivers play, he plans to maintain an award system to motivate and recognize their efforts and hold an annual Bus Rodeo to foster engagement.
Furthermore, the CMS transportation department operates around 1,100 pieces of equipment, including approximately 838 school buses. Technological advancements have also taken place, with modernization efforts at two out of the five transportation locations. Upgrades include GPS and camera systems in buses, aiding in the safe transport of students.
Dunn is also exploring the use of RFID technology for real-time tracking of bus routes and for ensuring timely communication with parents about their children’s transportation. As part of a broader strategy, CMS is prioritizing digital and social media communication to highlight achievements and address community concerns, particularly regarding students with special needs.
To address ongoing driver shortages, CMS contracts with nearly a dozen third-party transportation companies, particularly for assisting students with special needs. However, there have been concerns about communication and safety with third-party services, particularly from parents of students requiring special accommodations. CMS is committed to resolving these challenges and effectively supporting all students, including those in special programs.
As of recently, the transportation department reported an average of 120-145 driver absences daily, further complicating the logistics posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Dunn and his team remain dedicated to ensuring that all students are transported safely and in a timely manner.
FAQ
Who is Delvico Dunn?
Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn has been appointed the executive director of transportation for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What experience does Dunn bring to his new role?
Dunn started his career as a school bus driver for CMS in August 1997 at the age of 18 and has held various positions within the transportation department over the years, including lead driver, operations technician, and director of operations.
What challenges is Dunn facing in his new role?
Dunn is facing significant issues including a current driver shortage at CMS, where the district was short 27 drivers for the 838 routed buses as of mid-March 2025.
How is CMS attempting to resolve driver shortages?
CMS is offering over $20 per hour as starting pay for new bus drivers to attract potential candidates.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Delvico ‘Vec’ Dunn Appointed as Executive Director of Transportation
Additional Resources
- STN Online: Transportation Leader Profile
- WCNC: CMS Back to School 2025-26
- Charlotte Observer: Transportation Politics
- WSOC TV: CMS Third-Party Services Concerns
- WBTV: CMS Transportation Director Support
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Google News: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- Google Scholar: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Transportation Challenges
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