Rockwall ISD's bus drivers are starting the 2026-27 school year with a statewide safety distinction on their record: the district's Transportation Department is one of just 11 organizations in Texas honored by the National Safety Council for traffic safety excellence.

The department won the Employee Engagement in Traffic Safety Award, part of the NSC's Our Driving Concern program, after a hands-on training initiative cut at-fault incidents 10% year over year. Transportation Director Jennifer Gardella accepted the award at the Texas Traffic Safety Conference Awards Ceremony on July 15 in Addison.

The recognition came after the department identified an uptick in at-fault events and responded with what the NSC described as a strengthened training protocol and comprehensive safety action plan. The council praised Rockwall ISD for providing resources focused on student safety and well-being, according to the district's announcement.

That work matters across a district enrolling more than 19,000 students. During the 2024-25 school year alone, Gardella's team completed 17,442 routes and 30,951 shuttle runs, and trained 24 drivers who earned commercial driver's licenses, according to a School Transportation News recognition of Gardella published in November 2025.

"The roads in Texas are a little bit safer because of the people who have implemented road safety policies and procedures at these organizations," said Cody Stewart, a senior program manager at NSC and director of the Our Driving Concern program, in a statement tied to the July 15 ceremony.

The honor is rare. Other recipients included Prosper ISD, the cities of Arlington and San Antonio, and Cap Metro, among others. Rockwall ISD shared the Employee Engagement category with REAL, Inc.

For families navigating the new school year, which began Aug. 13, the district is using the Stopfinder App for 2026-27 to provide bus numbers, schedules and stop locations. The app sends push notifications for delays or route changes, offers real-time tracking with GeoAlerts and lets parents message the transportation department directly.

Parents can reach the Transportation Department at (972) 771-1948.