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Stevan Fabela thinks being called “ bus dad ” sounds great .

When a student refers to him this way , he knows he ’ s meeting his goals as a bus driver – to keep students safe , get them to school or home on time , and also make positive connections with them .

Fabela has been a bus driver since 2007 and is currently a relief driver , filling in where needed instead of having a regular route . He misses learning all the names and characteristics of students but also loves the variety and wider influence he can have .

Fabela is also one of the leaders of the district ’ s award-winning bus road-eo team . The team competes several times a year in events that test bus drivers ’ skills doing various maneuvers on a set course .

Fabela , a former music teacher , sees his job as far more than the driver of the bus . He wants to help frame the day for students so they are ready to learn .

“ I ’ m the first district employee the children see ,” he said .

His routine is to greet all students on the intercom with an enthusiastic “ good morning ” and maybe some cheerful banter .

“ You ’ d be amazed how that just breaks the ice ,” Fabela said .

And if students seated near him want to talk , he welcomes that . He also makes sure to let students know exactly what his rules are and what he expects of students and , “ 90 % of the time that works .”

Paul Rosencrans , director of transportation , said Fabela is exceptionally dedicated , a great leader and team builder , and committed to helping his colleagues improve .

“ Stevan Fabela is an exemplary bus driver known for his unwavering commitment to safety , punctuality and passenger comfort ,” Rosencrans said . “ He ’ s a valued member of Fresno Unified Transportation Department , a source of pride for us .”

Fabela might not have ever found his way to driving a bus had it not been for a strange incident involving his sister ’ s cat , a stray she had taken in . When he was 26 , he was helping coax the cat from underneath a china cabinet and got scratched . The next day he began a cross-country road trip to the University of Massachusetts for a student exchange program in music . By the time he arrived , an infection was raging in his lymph nodes and he had to have nerves in his throat removed .

He was a music major , hoping for a music career . But as a euphonium horn player , he felt his skills had been compromised . At Fresno State , he switched to a child development major with a music minor .

Fabela taught preschool in southern California and then was the music teacher at San Joaquin Memorial High School for 12 years . When San Joaquin Memorial eliminated his position , he decided to pursue bus driving ; he already had his certification as he was not only the band director but the bus driver as well for his San Joaquin Memorial students .

Knowing the many extra hours involved in teaching music programs , Fabela wanted something with more regular hours . He also wanted more time for his own music . He belongs to the Clovis Community Band , the Fresno Community Band , the Fresno State Alumni Wind Ensemble and Friends and the Kingsburg summer band , traveling throughout the United States and Europe to perform .

He also loves to take motorcycle trips on his 2014 Victory .

Fabela sometimes runs into students from years back who remember that he was their bus driver . They say things like , “ You were not mean , you were just strict .” Some students remember his friendly personality and that he knew their name .

“ Little things like that make you feel good for a long time ,” Fabela said .