Bear Lake school bus driver shines in regional and state competitions

MONTPELIER — Every school day, the sight of the big yellow bus rolling down the street brings a sense of reassurance to parents and students alike.

Behind the wheel of each of these 12-ton vehicles is a dedicated driver responsible for safely transporting countless children.

In the Bear Lake Valley, one school bus driver has recently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in this crucial role.

Jim Griglack, a local school bus driver, showcased his impressive driving abilities at the regional Bus Rodeo held in Preston last month. Competing against a pool of skilled drivers, Griglack secured a commendable third-place finish. Although this placement did not advance him to the state competition by default, he was ultimately chosen to go to Boise because the people ahead of him had prior commitments. It was in Boise where he competed in the state Bus Rodeo and earned a second-place finish — just two points shy of heading to the national competition in Austin, Texas.

Griglack said, “I really like these competitions. They are fun. I get to meet new people, but most importantly, because I have to study both the drivers handbook and the school bus handbook, I get to review the rules and refresh my memory about everything that needs to be done to make every trip safe.”

The Bus Rodeo competitions test a range of skills crucial for safe driving. At both the regional and state levels, participants tackle written exams and practical challenges, including pre-trip checks, loading and unloading riders, stopping at railroad crossings, and even parallel parking. The state competition introduced an additional challenge — backing up through a serpentine course of cones, an exercise Griglack found both fun and challenging.

Griglack noted that while the regional competition allowed for broader participation, the progression to the state level is more selective, with only one driver advancing from each regional event. He reflected on the experience, stating, “Some parts of the regional competition were harder than the state competition, but I had fun with it all.”

Griglack’s achievements underscore not only his individual prowess but also the high standards of safety and professionalism upheld by school bus drivers in the Bear Lake Valley. Griglack added that the Bear Lake School District is always looking for dedicated people to work as bus drivers and substitutes.

“It’s a good job, especially if you have kids in school because you are off when they are out of school,” he said about working as a school bus driver. “We’re a family who get to know each other and who always help one another. You get to know the kids, the people on your route, and what’s going on in the community. It is a vital service for the schools because if the kids don’t get there, how will the teachers teach?”

Griglack said anyone interested in a job should contact the bus shop at 208-847-2669.