Maggie Moreland, a familiar face to many in Barnesville, has embraced a new role within the community, transitioning from a dedicated police officer to a beloved school bus driver for Lamar County Schools. Her journey is one of continued service and commitment to the well-being and safety of the town’s children.
Retiring from Law Enforcement
Maggie Moreland’s law enforcement career began after graduating from the police academy in 1984. Afterwards, she served ten years at the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Barnesville Police Department where she served for 30 years. Her roles included positions of increasing responsibility and direct interaction with the community’s youth, from teaching G.R.E.A.T and D.A.R.E classes to serving as a school resource officer.
Retiring from the police force did not mean retiring from serving the community for Maggie. “I quickly realized that I needed health insurance,” Maggie shared. “After discussing my options with some friends, quite a few suggested becoming a bus driver for the school system.” Thus, in January 2024, she began her new journey as a bus driver.
Daily Routines
How does this bus driver fuel her day? “I wake up at 5:00 a.m. to do my normal morning routine. I pray for the wellbeing of my riders and listen to my favorite gospel songs,” Maggie explains. Her faith in God helps her prepare for the day and set a positive tone.
Maggie’s work days start at the crack of dawn. She begins warming up her bus at 5:30 in the morning and starts her route for middle and high school students at 6:00. After completing the morning route for the middle and high schools, she picks up the elementary aged students around 7:00 a.m. She runs her errands during the day until the afternoon route begins at 2:00 p.m., finishing taking kids home at about 4:30 p.m.
Making an Impact
For Maggie, the transition from police officer to bus driver was seamless due to her love for encouraging and protecting children. She values the relationships she builds with her young passengers, treating them with respect and understanding. “My riders understand that I am the authoritative figure without me being a drill sergeant. We have a mutual respect for one another,” she says.
Maggie sees her role as vital to the community and the students’ education, even chronicling her enjoyment in her role on her Facebook account. “The community is impacted by me being a bus driver because they see that I genuinely care about their children. My students have seen me at different points in my career paths, so they know they can be anything they want to be if they focus on getting their education first.”
A Rewarding Profession
The most rewarding aspect of Maggie’s job is the appreciation she receives from her riders. “They hug me and let me know how excited they are to see me again the next day.” Balancing work with personal life comes easily for her, thanks to her flexible work hours, allowing her to manage appointments and personal business during the day.
Her advice to anyone considering becoming a school bus driver is to ensure the department has a great trainer and to be patient. “Being a bus driver is more than being a school Uber. You cannot be a successful driver without having a love for children because these children may be with us for a couple of hours a day, but greeting them with a smile and letting them know you’re looking forward to seeing them again could be what keeps them going, not just for the rest of the day, but for the rest of their lives.”
The Heart of a Servant
Maggie Moreland’s story reveals the impact one individual can have on a community. Her dedication, whether in a police uniform or behind the wheel of a school bus, continues to inspire and protect the next generation. Barnesville is lucky to have such a dedicated and loving individual ensuring the safety and well-being of its children every day.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
