PCAT Names Rodolfo Montes 2024-2025 Statewide Bus Driver of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cypress, Texas — On Tuesday, April 9th, 2025, Rodolfo Montes of Mission CISD was named 2024-2025 Statewide Bus Driver of the Year by PCAT in recognition of his service.
Now in its 21st year, the PCAT Bus Driver of the Year program recognizes drivers based upon multiple driver attributes including Leadership, Attitude, Perseverance, Student and Parent Relationships, and Technical Skill.
Rodolfo Montes, 2024-2025 PCAT Statewide Bus Driver of the Year
This year, 64 PCAT drivers have been honored as their District’s 2024-2025 PCAT Bus Driver of the Year.
The 2024-2025 PCAT Statewide Bus Driver of the Year award that was presented to Mr. Montes is presented to just one PCAT school district bus driver and represents the highest level of dedication and accomplishment.
Kelly Pedrotti from Acrisure presented Mr. Montes with the Statewide award on behalf of PCAT. The award included a $1,000 check, a Statewide Bus Driver of the Year 20-oz. tumbler, a Statewide Bus Driver of the Year tote, a commendation, and an engraved plaque from the PCAT Bus Driver of the Year program. A plaque commemorating Mr. Montes’ achievement was also awarded to Mission CISD.
From top row, left to right: VP of Board of Trustees Jerry Zamora, Superintendent Dr. Cris Valdez, President of Board of Trustees Iris Iglesias, Member of Board of Trustees Veronica “Betty” R. Mendoza, Member of Board of Trustees Dolores “Loli” Reyna, Member of Board of Trustees Petra B. Ramirez
From bottom row, left to right: Coordinator for Transportation Alma Alaniz, Kelly Pedrotti from Acrisure, Statewide Bus Driver of the Year Rodolfo Montes, Director of Transportation Ana Vely Uresti
When asked what motivates him to come to work each day, Mr. Montes shared, “It’s the students—getting to see them every day, getting to interact with them, and giving advice when they ask for it. They don’t always listen,” he added with a smile, “but it’s nice to be a part of their day. It’s hard saying goodbye to some of the kids you don’t get to see the next year.” He has been a dedicated bus driver with Mission CISD for one year and is known for his “let’s do it” attitude. Mr. Montes consistently spreads positivity among his students, peers and supervisors, creating an uplifting and supportive environment.
Although he is relatively new to the district, Mr. Montes has already distinguished himself as a leader. He’s a top contender for maintaining one of the cleanest buses across the district. His dedication to excellence goes beyond his daily route—he actively participates in professional development opportunities and competitions that reflect his commitment to school bus safety and performance.
Last year, Mr. Montes earned first place in the Transit Bus category at the South Texas Association for Pupil Transportation’s School Bus Road-eo and Educational Awareness Competition. This victory qualified him to compete at the state level, where he once again took first place at the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation School Bus Safety Road-eo. Representing the entire state of Texas, Mr. Montes competed in the 2024 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition and placed 7th among elite drivers from across the United States and Canada—including representatives from Ohio, California, New York, and beyond.
“Among the thousands of dedicated professionals who operate school buses in the PCAT program, Rodolfo Montes at Mission CISD stands out as a natural leader with an unwavering commitment to the fundamentals that help ensure the safety of his student riders,” said Aaron Ramsey, Director, Loss Prevention Services Group. “His positive attitude and breadth of skills commends him as an asset to his school community, and his high placement in state and national Road-eo events demonstrates that Mr. Montes is a student of the game who understands the value of continual improvement. PCAT applauds his dedication and thanks him for his service and leadership.”
About PCAT
PCAT is the largest public school risk pool in the U.S. devoted solely to property and casualty exposures. Formed in 2003 to meet the unique property and casualty insurance needs faced by Texas schools, PCAT provides coverage for over $19 billion in school properties. PCAT is administered by INSURICA. Loss prevention and claims administration are provided by Edwards Risk Management, INC.
For Questions Regarding the PCAT Bus Driver of the Year Program Contact
Aaron Ramsey
PCAT
busdriveroftheyear@pcatprogram.org
800.575.2657 (toll free)
pcatprogram.org
For PR only
Jackie Edwards | Marketing Director – Education Practice Group
INSURICA
jackie.edwards@INSURICA.com
INSURICA.com/education