Starkey spoke about what drew him to MISD, what his responsibilities will be and what he hopes to accomplish in his first year as transportation director. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you get into education?
I’ve always had a heart for service and a desire to support students in meaningful ways. My journey started in school transportation, actually—I was a bus driver early in my career. That experience opened my eyes to how critical transportation is in a child’s day. It’s not just about getting students from Point A to Point B. It’s the first and last part of their school experience each day, and it sets the tone. Over the years, I found myself drawn to improving systems and building strong, supportive teams. That naturally led me into leadership roles in education, where I’ve been able to make a broader impact.
What made you want to be MISD’s new transportation director, and what experience do you have that will help you in this role?
What really drew me to MISD was the district’s strong culture of student-centered decision making. There’s a real focus here on doing what’s best for kids and families, and that aligns perfectly with my values. I also saw this role as a great opportunity to lead in a fast-growing district where transportation is evolving every year. I bring with me a deep background in transportation and operations—from route planning and safety protocols to team development and process improvement. I’ve led teams through growth and change before, and I’m excited to bring that experience to MISD.
In this role, what will your responsibilities include?
My day-to-day responsibilities cover everything from overseeing bus operations and routing to driver training, fleet maintenance, and ensuring we’re following all state and federal safety regulations. More than that, I see myself as a support system for our drivers and monitors. They’re the ones out there each day making sure our students are safe and cared for, and it’s my job to make sure they have the tools, training and encouragement to succeed.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as transportation director?
In year one, my main priorities are to strengthen staffing and stabilize routes, improve communication with families and campuses, and build a culture of trust and collaboration within the transportation team. I want our department to be known for being responsive, dependable and student-focused. That starts with investing in people—getting to know the team, listening and working together toward shared goals.
What are the biggest challenges when it comes to district transportation?
Growth is definitely a top challenge. As more families move into the area, we have to continually adapt—adding routes, reworking schedules and making sure we have enough drivers to meet demand. Driver recruitment and retention is another ongoing issue, not just here but nationwide. It takes a special kind of person to drive a school bus, and we’re working hard to create a positive work environment that values those individuals and keeps them here.
For this upcoming school year, how many routes will the district have, and is the district fully staffed with bus drivers, or is MISD still hiring?
We currently have 68 routes. We have a dedicated core team in place, but we are still hiring. If someone enjoys working with kids, wants a flexible schedule and values being part of a supportive team, we’d love for them to consider applying. It’s more than a job—it’s a chance to make a difference every day.
What do safety protocols look like on MISD buses? Are there any new safety features or protocols in place this year?
Safety is absolutely our No. 1 priority. All of our buses are equipped with GPS tracking, onboard cameras and the SMART Tag system, which helps monitor ridership and gives parents real-time updates. Our drivers and monitors go through thorough training in student management, emergency protocols and safe driving practices. We’re constantly reviewing and refining our safety procedures to keep up with best practices and new technologies.
How is the district approaching growth when it comes to its transportation services? What considerations are taken into account when deciding to add additional routes?
We work closely with other departments to monitor enrollment trends, housing developments and campus capacity changes. If we see growth in a specific neighborhood or new subdivision going up, we start planning early—looking at bus loads, travel times and where adjustments need to be made. It’s about being proactive and flexible, while also making sure we’re using our resources wisely.
What do you want parents to know about transportation in the district?
I want parents to know that their child’s safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do. We understand how important it is for that bus ride to be a safe, calm and positive part of a student’s day. We also know how critical clear and timely communication is, which is why we encourage parents to stay connected through the SMART Tag app and reach out if they ever have concerns. We’re here to help and we want to partner with families to make transportation the best it can be.
Is there anything else you’d like me to know or anything else to add?
I’m truly honored to be part of the Montgomery ISD family. Transportation is a big operation, but at the end of the day, it’s about relationships—between our drivers, our students and our families. I take that responsibility seriously, and I’m excited to lead a department that plays such a key role in our students’ success.
