The Waterloo Central School District Transportation Department has been named one of the best in the nation by Transfinder Corp.

Waterloo was recognized as a Top Transportation Team in the category for departments with less than 100 employees. Waterloo was one of six transportation teams recognized in the United States and is the only district in New York state to receive this honor.

Winners were determined by anonymous survey results. Team members answered questions related to their department, such as leadership, career development, resources and incentives.

“Our transportation staff is honored to be recognized as a Top Transportation Team,” said Transportation Supervisor D’Allah “D” Laffoon, who has led the department for four years. “This award is a reflection on how well our drivers, monitors, mechanics and office staff work together to safely transport students to and from school as well as athletic events and school-related activities. The team has consistently worked well together and in recent years has become more cohesive with a supportive work culture. The survey, based on staff opinions and viewpoints, demonstrates that our employees value each other. Winning this award reassures our team’s dedication and commitment to each other and our community.”

In addition to Laffoon, the Waterloo Transportation Department includes 24 drivers, 14 monitors, two mechanics, a dispatcher and a secretary.

Each winner receives one free scholarship to the STN EXPO WEST in Reno, Nev. courtesy of School Transportation News. In addition, Transfinder is covering travel and hotel costs for the leader of each winning team. While at STN EXPO WEST, leaders from each of the winning teams will participate in a panel discussion on what it takes to build a Top Transportation Team.

The program was launched last year by Transfinder Corp., the leader in school transportation logistics and hardware. Top Transportation Teams is designed to provide recognition to unsung heroes in the school transportation industry and provide tools for districts to improve their operations by learning from others.

If you are interested in joining the Waterloo Central School District Transportation Department as a diver or monitor, please call (315) 539-1515. Applications are also available on the Seneca County Civil Service portal.