For more than a decade, Salvador Martinez has shown his dedication as a school bus driver for Goleta Union School District (GUSD).

Maintenance Operations and Transportation (MOT) supervisors have expressed their admiration for Martinez’s hard work, attention to detail, and the GUSD spirit he displays daily.

Martinez is a model employee for our district, and most deserving of receiving the award for GUSD Classified Employee of the year for the 2022-23 school year, the district said.

“By the time school is out, I feel like I’ve accomplished something for society and for my community — getting the kids to school safely,” said Martinez.

Martinez is likely the first and last member of GUSD his riders see daily, and it’s reassuring to staff and families that our students are in safe hands on their journey to and from school, the district said.

Martinez, who grew up in Goleta, said the Goleta Valley Community Center used to be his elementary school.

He has fond memories of spending time at the Goleta Boys Club as a kid, and remembers the impact George Chelini, former executive director of the Goleta BoysClub, and CEO of the United Boys & Girls Club, had on his life.

“I would ask him ‘So George, when you leave, who’s going to be in charge of the kids? Who’s going to lead them? I remember he looked at me and said, ‘you are,’” Martinez said.

Martinez was first nominated by his department internally, before being selected by the GUSD School Board to receive the classified employee honor.

“All other staff members nominated for this award across our district were deserving as well, but Martinez’s passion for the job and humble attitude are a credit to GUSD,” the district said.