There are unsung heroes in every school district—people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. At Centralia High School (CHS), one of those heroes is Jeff Campbell, the district’s Transportation Director. He might not spend his days in a classroom, or his evenings under the lights of stage, court, or field, but he plays a critical role in making sure students have safe, reliable transportation to and from school every day. However, as anyone who has worked in school transportation knows, the job isn’t as simple as that.

FROM CONTRACTOR TO CHS LEADER
Jeff’s journey with Centralia’s transportation system didn’t begin in the district office. For years, he managed transportation as an external contractor, a role he took on in 2007. “I’ve done this for a long time,” Jeff says, smiling as he reflects on his early years in transportation. The company he worked for oversaw the school’s transportation needs, and Jeff became known for his ability to make things work seamlessly—no matter the challenge.

In 2022, things took a turn. The transportation contractor Jeff worked for decided to retire, leaving the district scrambling to bring transportation inhouse. “We had to figure it out fast,” Jeff recalls. “It was summer, and we needed buses, drivers, and a system ready to go before school started.”

Jeff didn’t hesitate. In just a few months, he helped CHS purchase buses, hire drivers, and set up routes—all while transitioning from being a contractor to an official district employee. Today, he oversees a fleet of 14 full-sized buses, one handicap-accessible bus, and a special charter-style bus for the varsity athletics teams. The entire operation was built from the ground up in record time.

MORE THAN JUST ROUTES AND RIDES
While managing bus routes might seem straightforward, Jeff’s role involves so much more than coordinating pickups and drop-offs. “It’s not just about getting kids from point A to point B,” Jeff explains. “There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into it—tracking new students, adjusting routes, handling changes, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.”

August, he admits, is the most hectic time of year. “People forget until the last minute to register or update their addresses,” Jeff says, chuckling. “We have to make it all work, and it gets pretty intense.”

Jeff’s day starts before 6 a.m., often as early as 5:30, and he stays well after school ends. His dedication doesn’t stop with logistics, though. He’s also known for driving the buses himself when needed, something he’s proud of. “I’m out there every day, driving routes, helping where I can,” he says. His handson approach doesn’t just keep things moving—it builds a connection with his team. “I’m not just the boss. We’re all co-workers. I drive the same buses, take the same routes. That matters.”

In an era when school districts across the country are struggling to hire and retain bus drivers, Jeff’s ability to keep drivers on board is impressive. “Until recently, I never had a driver quit,” Jeff says. “I think it’s because I treat them like co-workers, not employees. They know I’ve got their back, and I’m out there working with them.”

It’s this mutual respect that has kept his team loyal, even through challenging times. Jeff’s philosophy is simple: Lead by example, and others will follow. “I don’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” he says. “They see me out there, doing the work, and that makes a difference.”

A JOB WITH HEART
For Jeff, the job isn’t just about buses and routes—it’s about the people he serves. “When kids get on that bus in the morning, sometimes, a driver’s may be the first smile they see all day,” he says. “And when we drop them off on Friday, it might be the last positive interaction they have until Monday. That’s important.”

Jeff makes a point to greet every student who boards his bus with a “good morning” and wishes them well as they step off. “It’s a small thing, but it matters. You never know what these kids are going through at home.”

After over 20 years in the field, Jeff’s passion for his work hasn’t waned. “I love it,” he says simply. “Every part of it.”

As Centralia High School continues to grow, Jeff remains a crucial part of the district’s success. His work ensures that hundreds of students get to school safely each day, and his leadership style fosters a supportive, respectful environment for his team. For the community, Jeff Campbell’s contributions go beyond transportation—they’re a testament to the dedication and heart that make Centralia High School such a special place.