At Pinckney Community Schools’ September Board of Education meeting, Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) bus driver Sandra Fradette, affectionately known as “Ms. Sandy” to her students, was recognized for her calm leadership and quick thinking during a severe weather emergency earlier this month.
Pinckney Community Schools Superintendent Rick Todd shared the events of the day with the Board, walking attendees through the route Sandy was driving as severe weather moved through the area. He also showed footage captured from inside the bus, giving attendees a firsthand look at the conditions Sandy and her six student passengers faced.
Heavy rain reduced visibility to nearly zero as Sandy continued along her route. Branches began falling around the bus, and eventually, a large tree fell directly in front of her, forcing her to stop. Moments later, another tree fell behind the bus, leaving Sandy and her passengers surrounded by fallen trees and unable to continue.
Despite the dangerous conditions, Sandy remained calm. Recognizing that staying on the bus was no longer the safest option, she calmly ushered all six students off the bus and into a nearby field, where they stayed together until the storm passed.
But Sandy's job was not finished once the immediate danger had passed. While parents arrived to pick up their children, Sandy still needed to get the bus safely back to the garage. With storm debris blocking the roads, the fire department had to clear several trees from her path. At one point, the road was so obstructed that Sandy had to carefully reverse the 40-foot school bus for nearly a mile before she could turn around and find another route back.
The experience was a powerful demonstration of Sandy's composure, judgment and commitment to the students in her care.
Todd shared that he personally spoke with each of the affected students and their families following the incident. He said the families expressed their gratitude for Sandy and the calm, reassuring presence she provided throughout the emergency.
Mike Breitenbecher, LESA’s Executive Director of Transportation, and Dr. Mike Hubert, LESA’s Superintendent, attended the meeting to present Sandy with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Livingston ESA. In front of her family, the Pinckney Board of Education and those in attendance, Sandy accepted the recognition to a round of applause.
Pinckney Community Schools is part of the Livingston County Transportation Collaborative, which is operated by Livingston ESA. Through this partnership, LESA transportation staff are stationed in local districts throughout Livingston County, where they provide daily transportation for thousands of learners.
Sandy's actions during this severe weather event reflect the responsibility and care that LESA transportation staff bring to their work every day. Her ability to remain composed under extraordinary circumstances helped keep six students safe and reassured during a frightening situation.
LESA is proud to recognize Sandy for the exceptional care she demonstrated that day and for the kindness and dedication she continues to bring to every student who rides her bus.