Putnam Schools Transportation Supervisor To Retire After 35 Years

After 35 years of transportation work for Putnam County Schools, Supervisor Kim Bradford has announced her retirement.

Bradford said there was no certain deciding factor. She just knew that it was time at this point in her life.

“I’m going to miss of course the staff here,” Bradford said. “We’re like one big family. I’m going to miss my supervisors at central office. I’m going to miss the principals. I’m going to miss practically everything.”

Bradford started as a bus driver in 1986. Bradford said five years later, she started assisting the supervisor at the time with training drivers. In 1991, Bradfoard was certified to do commercial driving training. Then in 2016, she was promoted as the department’s supervisor.

“It’s been a rewarding experience for me having this position the last six years,” Bradford said. “You have to love children, and you have to love being with people to do this job. It is a hard job, but it is a very rewarding job for the right person.”

Bradford said she has seen school transportation evolve in many ways. Bradford said when she started, buses did not even have radio. Bradford said now, all vehicles use video, GPS and routing systems to ensure student safety.

“It’s just unreal to see how far we have came since when I started in ’86,” Bradford said.

Bradford said a supervisor replacement has been selected, but the name could not be shared at this time.