In a recent development, the Moses Lake School District has appointed Dyan Ford to serve as the Director of Transportation, Personnel, while Amiee Cook will assume the role of Director of Transportation, Operations. This strategic decision follows the resignation of Lorrie Smith in February, after which Ford had been serving as the interim director of transportation. Prior to this interim position, Ford held the role of assistant director of transportation.
The district has opted to restructure its transportation department by eliminating the assistant transportation director position, a move that is expected to be financially neutral. This restructuring comes as officials re-evaluate the responsibilities within the department, ultimately determining that dividing the director role into two separate positions better suits the needs of the district. This approach allows for more focused oversight, particularly given the broad scope of managing the transportation department.
Ford, a veteran of the Moses Lake School District with 27 years of service, began her career as a bus driver, a position she held for over 16 years. Following her time as a driver, she worked as a supervisor for approximately five years before advancing to assistant director. In her new role, Ford will concentrate on driver training and providing support to department staff, leveraging her strong rapport with drivers to enhance department operations. She expressed her commitment to serving the community and prioritizing student safety in a recent press release.
Meanwhile, Amiee Cook, who previously served as the director of transportation for the Prosser School District, will manage daily operations and routing systems. Cook, originally from Southern California, brings a passion for school bus safety and educating drivers, students, and community members about transportation practices. Her enthusiasm for maintaining passenger safety aligns with the district’s goals.
Superintendent Carol Lewis expressed confidence in the new leadership structure, emphasizing that the partnership between Ford and Cook will enhance the efficiency and quality of transportation services. This collaboration is anticipated to foster a strong culture of teamwork and service within the department.