Although it may sound strange to some, Oxford School District’s transportation supervisor, Charlene Podzikowski, said the hardest and easiest part about her job is working with residents in the community.
‘When you have to deal with so many personalities you can’t make everybody happy,? she said. ‘I put out fires every day.?
That skill of communicating and listening to all parties is sure to be missed, as Podzikowski has decided to retire on May 31 after serving 33? years in Oxford.
Podzikowski started her career in Oxford in custodial maintenance for 17 years before being named supervisor of transportation.
Her days are filled with working on bus routing for her fleet of 48, state funding reports, handling discipline complaints, administration meetings, supervising 53 employees and let’s not forget those 3 a.m. wake up calls to check the roads for school closings. ‘I probably won’t miss those a whole lot,? she joked.
Being that she, and all of her employees, pretty much work 13-hour days, Podzikowski said she strives to make the work environment a fun one.
‘We always have a good time,? she said. ‘We always talk about how we could write a book with some of the funny stuff that comes through with the kids and drivers. You have to laugh.?
Over her 16? years as transportation supervisor, Podzikowski said she’s amazed at the changes she’s seen, like the growth of the district.
‘When I first came here I had 26 bus runs,? she said. ‘It went to 28, 30, now we’re at 39 or 40.?
But one thing that hasn’t changed is her dedication and respect she wishes everyone showed her drivers. ‘I just want the public to know that the drivers have a difficult job, and it helps to have the student cooperation and the parent support,? she said.
Once her retirement starts, Podzikowski hopes to do a little more camping and work on home projects, but she won’t be giving up working just yet. She’s approached the district about contracting her services next year.
She said she will miss all of her friends she’s made in the district over the years who’ve brought her joy.
‘I’ve never had a dull moment while I’ve been here,? she said with a smile.