Photo: Alice Independent School District
Ira Johnathan A. Isip is a school bus driver with the Alice Independent School District and serves the students as the driver of the special needs route.
Originally from the Philippines, Mr. Isip and his family moved to the United States in 2021 after his wife was hired by Christus Spohn Hospital. His wife is an Emergency Room Nurse and Mr. Isip is a former radiology technician. However, due to the differences in curriculum, Mr. Isip has to re-take the courses in the United States.
In a video posted by the school district, Mr. Isip says he was drawn to Alice ISD after he saw an advertisement at the Bus Barn, which offered free CDL training for the position of bus driver. He thanked God for the opportunity and training offered by Alice ISD Transportation Director Daniel Lee Galvan.
As the driver for the special needs bus, Mr. Isip’s route is a bit different. He drives a smaller bus and goes house-to-house to pick up each student. The bus is also configured to allow for students in wheelchairs to easily board, without having to store their wheelchair.
“This will truly be an inspiration for me. From the bottom of my heart, my wife, my family here and there in the Philippines, thank you Alice ISD.”
Ira Johnathan A. Isip, Bus Driver of the Year