David Bynum – Trip Coordinator, Bus Driver, and Driver Instructor

Location: Transportation Department

What he does: As a trip coordinator, David schedules transportation for field trips. He will assign an MISD bus or, for long trips, such as to Spokane or Ashland, Oregon, he will charter a bus through a tour-bus service. As a bus driver, he drives an elementary route in the morning and afternoon, and a Kindergarten-route midday. To keep their certification, all MISD bus drivers are required to receive training at yearly in-services. David updates his driver trainer certification each year before school starts, where he obtains new information to pass onto drivers in his position as driver instructor.

Typical day: Although some days as many as 14 field trips are scheduled, three to five trips per day is the average. From 7:30 to 8:30 in the morning, David reviews the day’s trips, confers with the lot mechanic, and handles last-minute changes. Then he ‘pre-trips’ his bus – a morning routine of about 50 checkpoints that all drivers perform – tasks like checking the gas, oil, and tires. He then drives his bus route for Island Park and Lakeridge. He is back at his desk by 9:30 am for more trip preparation. MISD has about 650 field trips per year. After his last route, he returns to his desk for more trip-planning before his workday ends.

Best part of the job: “It’s rewarding to use my skills and abilities in service to the schools,” says David, “and to pull off a challenging trip, such as graduation or Day of Service. It’s fun to interact with the kids and staff.”

Something people may not know: ““Everyone knows I love to golf,” says David. “I think I’m pretty transparent!”

Years in district: 11 years. Prior to joining MISD, David was a partner in a local construction business for 12 years.

Outside interests: In high school, David rebuilt several car engines. Because of that, when his automotive shop teacher was hospitalized, the substitute, who knew nothing about auto shop, asked David to teach the class for most of that year! “I really like teaching,” says David. “I like teaching new drivers, and teaching kids how to ride the bus.” David and his wife Paula, a software company accountant, will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary this summer. They have five children ages 17-31 – Christine, Colin, Matthew, Erin, and Hannah. The family has lived in the Lake Hills area of Bellevue for 25 years. David and Paula plan to move to Arizona when David retires in a few years.