Wake County honors bus drivers with breakfast; Atkinson rides to Fuquay-Varina elementary

Wake County Public School System set aside time during School Bus Driver Appreciation Week to thank the district’s drivers with hot breakfasts, giveaways and recognition of their everyday role in student safety. Events ran during the week of Feb. 9–13, 2026, and included a Fuquay-Varina breakfast where state leaders and industry partners joined drivers.

State Superintendent June Atkinson rode a school bus to Herbert Akins Road Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina on Feb. 11 and then joined 75 drivers for a breakfast sponsored by HSM Transportation Solutions, the company reported. HSM, which is based in Hickory, provided drivers with event T-shirts featuring the “Stop for a Life” logo, a campaign designed to remind motorists to obey the school bus stop-arm law, and David Murphy, HSM market manager, helped distribute the shirts.

Wake County’s celebration was part of the nationwide Love the Bus observances in February and included multiple district events. ABC11/WTVD reported that Wake County drivers received a hot breakfast and other goodies during a Tuesday appreciation event. The district’s social channels posted that “February 9–13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week!” and noted that Wake County bus drivers play an essential role in student safety.

Drivers and transportation officials framed the recognition around safety and access. Regina Matute, a Wake County bus driver, said, “It's a big responsibility that we have on us every single day, and we strive to do our best. Safety is first.” Transportation consultant Derek Graham put the role in broader context: “We've got kids across Wake County that, without the yellow school bus, wouldn't have access to public education.”

The week of events arrives as Wake County highlights district outcomes and recruitment incentives that tie into transportation goals. WCPSS public material notes 144 schools met or exceeded growth goals, a 74% share of schools meeting expected growth in 2024–25, and a 90.7% high school graduation rate for the Class of 2025. The district’s bus driver job posting advertises a $1,200 sign-on bonus and up to $3,000 in attendance bonuses annually as officials work to stabilize staffing that underpins student access.

Local sponsors and industry partners used the breakfasts to reinforce safety messaging and morale. School Bus Fleet, which covered the Fuquay-Varina event, also highlighted a call for nominations for its second annual School Bus Driver Hero Award, reinforcing the community’s attention to drivers’ day-to-day contributions.

For Wake County parents and commuters, the week’s events are a reminder that school bus operations are a safety-critical service connecting students to classrooms. The district’s hiring incentives and safety campaigns like “Stop for a Life” signal continued efforts to keep routes staffed and students secure as the school year progresses.