District transportation worker wins award for women in transportation

Deb Schmoyer, a transportation router for Osseo Area Schools with 24 years in the industry, recently won the 2026 Holly Hoglund Klein Memorial Award. Given by the Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation, the award honors outstanding women who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership and commitment to student safety in school transportation. 

Schmoyer began her career in the school bus industry as a bus driver in 2002. She quickly began taking on additional responsibilities like covering charter routes, managing payroll and serving as lead dispatcher, supporting both Osseo Area Schools and the Anoka-Hennepin School District. 

Schmoyer became the district’s general education router and safety specialist in 2012, a role that Jim Greeley, assistant director of transportation, said allowed her to channel her deep operational knowledge into improving safety, efficiency and student outcomes at every level. 

“Deb has consistently demonstrated a dual commitment to fiscal responsibility and student welfare, designing routes that maximize efficiency without ever compromising the care and safety of the children she serves,” he said. “Her routing decisions reflect not just logistical expertise, but a genuine understanding of what it means to be trusted with the transportation of thousands of students each day.”

Beyond the scope of her normal duties, Schmoyer also manages the district’s annual School Bus Safety Poster Contest, the annual driver and bus paraprofessional kick-off meetings and professional development opportunities. 

“Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deb's greatest strength may be her character,” Greeley added. “She treats every student, parent, colleague, and community member with the utmost respect and professionalism. She is unfailingly dedicated, deeply hard-working, and approaches every responsibility, no matter how large or small, with integrity and care.” 

Schmoyer was recognized for her award July 21 in St. Cloud.