Centennial Bus Driver Honored For 54 Years Of Service

WARMINSTER, PA — He was a familiar sight for Centennial children, a constant and calm guide to and from school every day.

For more than five decades, Richard Kutz drove a Centennial School District bus.

That time totaled 54 years — a milestone marked during his retirement ceremony on Monday.

Centennial School District administrators, employees, and members of the transportation department gathered to pay tribute to Kutz during a ceremony on Monday.

"Richard Kutz’s dedication to our students for nearly 54 years is truly remarkable," Schools Superintendent Dana Bedden told Patch on Tuesday. "His service is a testament to his commitment to our community. Our bus drivers play a critical role in the daily lives of over almost 5,400 students in the Centennial School District. Each day, Richard and his colleagues transport over 4,000 students at least twice per day. Their job is challenging, requiring focus and responsibility, and they are integral to ensuring our students arrive at school safely and ready to learn each day. It has been my honor and privilege to work on the CSD team with Richard these past five years.”

While working for SPS Technologies for 46 years, retiring from there in 2011, Kutz drove a school bus for the Centennial School District.

He got 50 years under his belt.

When he started, school buses were filled with gasoline, not diesel or propane. They had no power steering, had standard transmissions, manual doors, and no radios.

When a bus broke down, drivers relied on the kindness of neighbors to call the CSD bus garage.

Kutz has been married for 53 years, has two children, and five grandchildren.

"He is a conscientious, kind, and dependable driver," school officials said. "His desire to come to work is driven by the fact that he enjoys the challenge of transporting students to school and home safely. It has always been his top priority."

For more information, visit www.centennialsd.org.

(Centennial School District)