Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Behind the scenes: Routing the future with Transportation

June 26, 2025 2:15 PM

The sun rises early over the Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) Transportation Center during the summer—and so do the people who keep the district rolling.

While students and teachers enjoy a well-deserved break, a dedicated team of transportation professionals works hard to ensure the district is ready for the first day of school. Their efforts reflect the SBISD commitment to Every child. Every way. Every minute. Every day. From training future drivers to fueling the fleet, this summer’s work is more than maintenance—it’s mission-critical. Let’s meet a few of the people working diligently this summer to be ready for Day One of the 2025–26 school year.

Behind the scenes: Routing the future

While drivers and trainers are in the garage or on the road, the Routing Team is inside—mapping out next year’s school bus routes with precision and care. Their work is often invisible, but always essential—balancing efficiency with safety, time with geography, and numbers with names.

For years, Anissa McDonald watched school buses roll past her window as a stay-at-home mom. As her children grew older, she decided to earn her commercial driver’s license (CDL) and drive a bus for the district her kids attended.

The flexible schedule made it possible for her to stay actively involved in her children’s lives. Driving her kids to and from school each day was a tremendous benefit, and she often served as both their bus driver and chaperone on field trips—creating what she describes as priceless, lasting memories.

Mapping for efficiency

Now in her fourth year as routing supervisor for SBISD’s Transportation Department, McDonald oversees the planning and coordination of more than 120 bus routes during the school year. She also ensures students attending summer school are transported safely, punctually and with care.

During the summer months, McDonald and her team work behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming school year—adjusting routes, reviewing data and increasing efficiency without sacrificing student safety.

“It’s vitally important that we keep students at the forefront of everything we do,” she said. “That means providing transportation that is both efficient and student-centered.”

More than maps

While routing logistics and staffing buses with licensed drivers are the most visible aspects of her job, McDonald emphasizes that her role requires much more. Communication, adaptability, leadership and problem-solving are key to ensuring operations run smoothly.

She sees her responsibilities as directly connected to the district’s mission to give every student a strong start to their day—and a safe return home. From the moment a student steps on the bus in the morning to the time they step off in the afternoon, the transportation experience sets the tone.

One of SBISD’s Core Values, Every Child, reminds staff that “what’s best for the child drives the decision.” For McDonald, that philosophy is more than a motto—it’s the daily reality of her work in routing.

“It’s important for every child to have a positive experience on the school bus,” she said. “That experience helps create a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment. It also helps build stronger connections between the classroom and the community.”

A district for growth

SBISD not only supports the academic growth of its students—it also nurtures the professional development of its employees. McDonald has experienced that growth firsthand, rising through the ranks from driver to supervisor.

“My journey has been incredibly rewarding—even with its challenges,” she said. “I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to work in such an amazing district, one that has invested in me and allowed me to continue learning and growing.”

Her passion for service and her commitment to excellence are clear.

“I have a heart for people, and I love helping,” said McDonald. “Making sure our routes are covered, creating maps, and working alongside amazing people gives me the motivation to show up every day and give 110 percent.”

Roll on, Anissa McDonald. Your expertise is noticed—and deeply appreciated.