Brandon Twp.- If passers-by would happen to encounter Linda Person’s special education bus, they may hear the students repeat the dialogue to the movie ‘Happy Feet.?
‘They love movies. Best investment I’ve ever made,? said Person. ‘Sometimes I have to turn the movie off just to get them off the bus.?
About four years ago Person installed a DVD player on the small bus to help her 14 riders pass the hour or so from home or school.
‘They all sing along with CDs too’the music is very soothing for many of these kids.?
The innovative entertainment methods, along with more than 30 years of experience with the district’s special needs students, will end this June as Person announced she will retire from the district.
‘There have been some very rewarding moments here,? said Person, a 1972 graduate of Brandon High School who started with Brandon Transportation Department in 1976.
‘Since I started as a driver, they are doing a much better job of classifying the special needs kids. The results put students into programs that fit their needs. I have a family that has 14 years between two boys with autism’I know both boys, and the difference is amazing with regards to meeting their needs today.?
‘A few years ago I picked up a special education student and they asked me, ‘where do (you) work?? and I said, ‘I drive this bus’but they don’t pay me enough.? The next day the student called my supervisor (Arlene Harmon) and asked her to pay me more,? laughed Person.
Person plans on traveling during her retirement.