After 47 years behind the wheel, a much-loved Amagansett school bus driver, Russell Schaefer, has retired, leaving a void that won’t easily be filled.
“He has been a staple in the community and our school. It’s almost like another family member, an extension of their families,” said Maria Dorr, the Amagansett School principal. “He has been here since day one. He cares about them. He brings the kids’ things when they forget them. He just has such a great relationship with every single one of them. The kids and the faculty absolutely love him. When we say M.V.P., he’s our M.V.P.”
Mr. Schaefer first started driving buses with his family company, Edward Schaefer and Sons, which transported East Hampton children to school for decades.
“Since joining the Amagansett School family in December 2008, Russell Schaefer has been a dependable, dedicated, and invaluable member of our team. No matter the task — of driving students safely on field trips, maintaining our beautiful grounds, moving classrooms, or lending a helping hand wherever it was needed -- Russell was always the first to step up with a smile,” said Michael Rodgers, the superintendent. “Standing well over six feet tall, Russell’s physical presence is impressive, but it is his enormous heart that truly defines him. He is the kind of person you are fortunate to meet once in a lifetime. Someone who becomes not only a trusted colleague but also a true friend. His unwavering commitment and compassion have left a lasting mark on our school community.”
Joe Tucker, the district’s head of building and grounds, was a student at the school when he first met Mr. Schaefer.
“First of all, Russell probably has the biggest heart of anybody you’ll meet. He’s just a great person. He drove me when I was a kid. He remembers my brother, my sister, and you’re talking about the 1980s,” Mr. Tucker said. “When I came to work here, back in 2017, he was working here. He’s just a great person and I’m happy to have worked with him for these last nine years.”
“He remembers everybody — their names, where they live. It’s unbelievable. He’s so dedicated. It’s more than just driving a bus. It’s amazing. He’s a great guy, and we’re gonna miss him, but he deserves to retire.”
Addie Slater-Davison, the school board president, said her children adore “Russ Bus” and love bantering with him about baseball. (They’re diehard Yankee fans; Mr. Schaefer roots for the Red Sox.)
“He is absolutely wonderful, and I feel so grateful that he has been able to deliver my children home safely every day after school. There is no one better than Russ out there, and all of our children are so lucky to have had Russ Bus,” Ms. Slater-Davison said.
“Russell, thank you for your years of service, your friendship, and the countless ways you have made Amagansett School a better place for students, families, and staff. Your impact will be felt for many years to come,” Superintendent Rodgers added. “On behalf of the entire Amagansett School community, we wish you the happiest and most fulfilling retirement. May this next chapter be filled with good health, happiness, time with family and friends, and all the adventures you deserve. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”