Tornadoes, 3 A.M. School Closings and Bus Rodeos: Transportation Supervisor Has Seen it All

By Hartland Schools

Jill Fons, the district’s Transportation Supervisor, has been a member of the HCS family for 23 years.

She began her career here as a driver, then dispatcher, and for the last 12 years she has served as our transportation supervisor. Her list of certifications include Certified Transportation Director, MSBO; Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation (MAPT) member; Train the Trainer Certification; Operation Lifesaver Certification; NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Certification; Highway Watch Certification; and Drug & Alcohol Reasonable Suspicion Supervisor Certification.

Jill has been married for 37 years and she and her family have lived in the Hartland district for 35 years. Their three children have all graduated from Hartland Schools and they have one grandson. She has always enjoyed HHS sports; organizing the first Girls Golf Team, and as a Team Manager for Boys Varsity Hockey and Golf.

Most memorable moments: (“G” rated)

With 23 years in the bus garage, Jill has a number of memorable moments, but #1 on the list was the passage of Public Act 422, which restricted a student who initiated a bomb threat from applying for a driver’s license for three years. This legislation was actually proposed by a mechanic in our bus garage, Bill Yurgelaitis, after a string of bomb threats in the district in 2001.

The tornado that blew through the district at dismissal time at Ore Creek in 2001 also provided a lot of excitement when all the students needed to be evacuated back into the building. Moving the department from its former “portable office” next to the Village Elementary to the newly renovated HESSC was definitely a high point.

Our transportation department has twice hosted the annual AAA/MAPT Bus Rodeo, which Jill noted was a HUGE job but really fun! 

Why are you are still here?

“I enjoy my job because I really care about the students, and every day is different. We don’t just provide safe and efficient transportation to and from school, but are a big part of their educational day.

Our dispatchers, mechanics, drivers, and bus aides are the best in the county, and I could not do my job without their support.

The excellent rapport we have with our board members, administration, building staff, teachers, and parents is outstanding. The one responsibility I won’t miss when I retire is checking the road conditions at 3:00am to assist Jan with her decision to close school.”

Positive thoughts about Hartland Consolidated Schools:

“It is amazing that our buses cover 94 square miles each and every day, traveling approximately 3,440 miles, including school-related activities, athletics and class trips. Hartland has an outstanding reputation in the state for its excellent schools and supportive community.

As a parent I am very aware of the premier level of education available to our students, and as an employee feel so fortunate to work with such dedicated professionals.”