Long before most students arrive at Meridian each morning, Roberta Johnson is already thinking about them. She’s thinking about whether every route is covered, whether drivers have what they need, and whether every child will arrive safely and on time. The work begins early and continues throughout the day, often behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every student who steps onto a bus.

Roberta serves as Meridian’s Transportation Supervisor, a role she stepped into this past year. But her connection to Meridian transportation didn’t begin in an office. It began behind the wheel.

For more than 20 years, Roberta has driven buses for Meridian. She still drives today, choosing to remain connected to the daily experience of the students and drivers she serves. “I continue to drive,” she said. “It keeps me grounded.”

Driving a bus gave her something more than a job. It gave her relationships. She came to know students by name, to recognize families, and to understand how important those daily routines are in the life of a school community.

Her journey to Meridian began far from southern Illinois. Originally from Indiana, Roberta later lived in Atlanta, where she attended cosmetology school and began building her life. But when it came time to raise her family, she and her husband—who graduated from Meridian—made the decision to return. “I didn’t want them raised in the city,” she said.

Back in this community, Roberta built a life centered on family and hard work. She opened her own beauty salon, running it successfully for more than two decades. At the same time, she began driving a school bus, balancing both roles while raising her three sons.

Meridian became part of her family’s story. Her children attended school here, grew up here, and graduated from the same district she now serves. Today, her family has grown even larger, with five grandchildren who bring her joy and pride.

Her move into transportation leadership came during a time of deep loss. For years, the transportation department had been guided by dedicated leadership, including Corey Medlock, who had worked as both a driver and supervisor. Corey was respected and deeply valued by those around him. His sudden passing, just before the start of the school year, left a space that was both professional and personal. “We loved him,” Roberta said. “That was one of the hardest things we had to deal with as a group.”

Stepping into that role carried emotional weight. Roberta understood the responsibility, not just of managing routes and schedules, but of continuing a legacy built on care and trust. “Those were some big shoes to fill,” she said.

Her fellow drivers, many of whom had worked beside her for years, encouraged her to take on the role. “With the help of the drivers and their support, they felt I was probably the best fit,” she said.

Now, her responsibilities include coordinating routes, communicating with parents, supporting drivers, and ensuring everything runs safely and efficiently. When concerns arise, she is the one families call. When adjustments need to be made, she helps find solutions.

Her experience as a driver shapes her leadership. She understands the challenges and responsibilities because she has lived them. She knows what it means to carry precious cargo each day.

The transportation team itself reflects the strength of the Meridian community. The drivers are local. They know the roads, the families, and the students they serve. “All the drivers are local,” Roberta said.

That shared connection builds trust. It creates a sense of responsibility that goes beyond schedules and routes.

For Roberta, Meridian represents more than a workplace. “I love it here,” she said. “I have a good rapport with everyone here.”

Her message to others reflects the lessons she has learned throughout her life. “Nothing’s too hard if you try,” she said. “Never give up.”