Meet Paula Walker, Henry County School District
Every day across Georgia, hundreds of school bus drivers start their mornings long before the sun rises. They check their routes, inspect their buses, and prepare to safely transport the most precious cargo—our children.
During February’s Love My Bus Month, Georgia Commute Schools set out to shine a light on these often-unsung heroes of the school day. Among the dozens of heartfelt nominations we received, one stood out above the rest: Meet Ms. Paula Walker!
Paula poses in front of her Henry County School district bus
With 25 years in pupil transportation—14 in DeKalb County and the last 11 in Henry County—Ms. Walker brings more than experience to her job. She brings heart.
“I’m a Grady baby,” she laughs, referring to her Atlanta roots. “You don’t see that a lot these days!” Born and raised in Georgia, Paula has spent her life and career in service to her community. Her path to pupil transportation began when she was a cosmetology student and a single parent. The flexible schedule worked for her life—and for her daughter, who even rode her mom’s bus for a time. “My daughter is 21 now,” Paula says, “but I still drive the same route to Oakland Elementary School where she went.”
That dedication to consistency and care is what sets Ms. Walker apart. She’s not just driving a route—she’s building a legacy.
Driven by Connection
Ask Paula what she loves most about being a bus driver, and she doesn’t hesitate: “The kids.”
“Seeing the kids in the morning with their big smiles, and in the afternoon asking them, ‘How was your day today?’—that’s what I look forward to. When they get off the bus and say, ‘Thank you, Ms. Walker!’—that makes my day.”
Paula understands that a kind word and a warm smile can go a long way. To her, driving a school bus is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to create a safe, welcoming environment that sets the tone for a child’s entire day.
Lifting Others Up
After a quarter-century behind the wheel, Paula has seen the ups and downs of the industry. If she could change one thing, she says it would be improving driver retention and appreciation.
“I do everything in my power to make sure no child is left behind,” Paula says. “And if that’s above and beyond, that’s just what it takes.”
“There are some issues like parents not having kids at the bus stop on time,” she explains, “but overall, it’s about taking pride in your work. Whether you have one route or five, you’re still a bus driver—and that matters.”
She believes in building a strong community among drivers and emphasizes how important it is to make everyone feel included and valued. Her dream? To start a driver recognition program with monthly shoutouts and incentives that foster pride and belonging. And while Henry County is already doing a great job of supporting its transportation team, Paula is always looking for ways to encourage more participation and celebration.
“We just have to get drivers to participate!” she says with a smile.
Going the Extra Mile: McKinney-Vento Program
Beyond her regular routes, Paula takes on additional responsibility through Henry County School District allotted McKinney-Vento Program (MVP) funds, a federal initiative supporting students experiencing homelessness or in foster care. These students often face uncertain housing situations, but one thing remains steady: Ms. Walker.
“I do everything in my power to make sure no child is left behind,” Paula says. “And if that’s above and beyond, that’s just what it takes.”
Balancing her typical hours with MVP routes means long days—early mornings and late evenings—but for Paula, it’s worth every minute. She builds bonds with students who often feel uprooted and provides a sense of stability and routine when they need it most.
Words to Live By
When asked what advice she has for others in the industry—or anyone, really—Paula shares a lesson passed down from her mother: “If you love what you do, you’re going to do a good job. My mama always told me, you never know who is watching you, so do the best you can.”
It’s a simple truth that’s guided her for decades and one that continues to inspire those around her.
As we reflect on Love My Bus Month 2025, we’re proud to honor Ms. Paula Walker not just as a driver, but as a leader, a mentor, and a vital member of her community.