Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jefferson County Schools has added the new position of Transportation Director to its administrative team, and Jamaris Wilson started in that role on the first day back from winter break, Jan. 3. Wilson has returned to North Florida after serving as transportation chief in Sumter County, Fla. He brings to the job a work history that includes a progression of experience through nearly every type of school transportation position there is, including bus aide, bus driver, lead bus driver, transportation supervisor, assistant director and chief.
Before recommending Wilson for the position, the hiring committee consisting of a community member, a bus driver, the assistant principal and Superintendent of Schools Eydie Tricquet interviewed four candidates. When Wilson's hire was approved by the Jefferson County School Board at its regular meeting on Dec. 12, 2022, Tricquet explained, “Ms. Burnett, the assistant principal down at the school, was overseeing transportation, but we really need her to concentrate at the school with the students with discipline and athletics, so I need someone that's more at the district level who can oversee transportation, all the regs and rules that have to be done.”
She noted that Nicky Seaton remains in her position as manager on the team.
Wilson says that when he saw that Jefferson County was taking back over their school district, he wanted to be a part of that rebuilding. Now a month on the job, he is overseeing the day-to-day operations, making sure all regulations are being followed, keeping all certification requirements up to date and ensuring that the district is in compliance with federal and state transportation laws. An additional goal is to ensure that the school bus routes are efficient. Because he is still certified to drive a bus himself, he also is available to fill in on the routes as needed.
Wilson says that when he started, JCS was short of transportation staff, and he has already been able to hire four new drivers, even though Florida is experiencing a critical shortage of bus drivers statewide. Because the Jefferson school district expects to see growth, he foresees the need to put additional transportation staff in place as well as update and expand the various bus routes.
Born and raised in Leon County, Wilson describes himself as very family oriented, with a focus on his 12-year-old daughter and fiancée. He loves to be out in the community and is excited to become involved in the Monticello area.
“I'm looking forward to working with parents and the school to make this district great again,” says Wilson. He invites parents to call him at his new office number, (850) 347-7057, to express any concerns or to share input.
You must be logged in to post a comment.