Mary "Crissy" Ogden Named New York State School Bus Driver Instructor of the Year

Galway Central School District is proud to announce that Mary "Crissy" Ogden has been named the 2026 School Bus Driver Instructor (SBDI) of the Year for New York State, an honor presented by the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI) and the New York Association for Pupil Transport.
The award recognizes Crissy's outstanding commitment to ensuring the safe transportation of students, not only at Galway CSD, but throughout the region and across New York State.

The recognition came as a complete surprise to Crissy, who had no idea she had been nominated for the award. Family members, colleagues, and transportation professionals gathered to celebrate as she learned she had been selected as this year's statewide recipient, making for an emotional and well-deserved moment.
Crissy began her career with Galway Central School District on December 6, 2005. In January 2020, she became the district's Safety Coordinator, where she has focused on maintaining compliance with state and federal transportation regulations while strengthening the district's driver training program.

As an NYSED-certified School Bus Driver Instructor, Crissy is responsible for training and evaluating school bus drivers, monitors, and attendants, administering the state's required Physical Performance Test, and ensuring transportation staff meet New York's rigorous safety standards. Under her leadership, Galway has developed a comprehensive training program for both new and veteran drivers, earned an outstanding safety record, and become a resource for transportation departments throughout the region and New York State.

Crissy's dedication to student safety is evident in everything she does. Her commitment to excellence has had a tremendous impact on our district and has helped make Galway's transportation department a model for others across the state. We couldn't be more proud to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.

The Galway Central School District extends its sincere congratulations to Crissy on this remarkable achievement and thanks her for her unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students every day.