Board hires nationally-certified transportation director

Tuesday evening the District 308 Board of Education hired Derrick S. Berlin, a nationally-certified transportation director, to oversee District 308’s transportation department.

"It is with great honor to accept the position of director of transportation for School District 308,” said Berlin. “It is my goal and desire to make the transportation department a world-class facility able to support the needs of students and parents."

Most recently, Berlin worked as transportation director for special services at Valley View Public Schools in Romeoville, a position he had since 2004. Prior to that position he was employed by Naperville Community Unit School District 203 as its transportation coordinator.

“Our plan is to ensure a world-class transportation department is a part of a world-class school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wendt. “I am confident Mr. Berlin is the person to lead the department at this critical time. As we develop plans to educate over 20,000 students before 2020, it is wise to ensure the best leadership is in place in the department. Whether it is a morning or afternoon route, special education route or activity trip, we want a system that guarantees the highest level of student safety, customer service, parent communication and quality service at an affordable rate. It is a great day in School District 308 with the employment of a national certified student transportation leader.” 

Berlin has more than 23 years of comprehensive experience in the school transportation industry and extensive capabilities in all facets of operations management, budgeting, negotiations and financial analysis, child passenger safety, staff development, team building, strategic planning and community relations. He also has a proven record in managing multiple projects and maintaining successful relationships with national, state and local agencies.

"On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to welcome Mr. Berlin to the district team,” said Board President Bill Walsh. “He has 23 years in the field, a focus on safety, experience in developing a training program for transporting special education students and his director of transportation certification. This proves he has the knowledge to reduce the cost of our $9.5 million transportation operation and provide our approximately 12,000 bused students with the best service possible. The Board of Education is confident in Berlin’s ability to improve efficiencies and meet defined service commitments to our students and parents.”