April Staff Spotlight recipient Doug DiDio has a “spotless” reputation for two reasons. First, as the district's bus washer (and substitute driver), he takes pride in keeping the district’s fleet clean and pristine. Second, his attendance record is spotless, having never been absent in his 11 years on the job!
“Doug takes great pride in ensuring that the district’s fleet of buses is clean, safe, and well-maintained, while also serving as an extra set of eyes and ears by reporting any concerns he observes,” said Bus Mechanic Bartholomew (Bart) Hahn who nominated DiDio for the award.
“I consider it a pleasure to come to work every day,” says DiDio, who, in addition to washing the fleet, currently drives Bus #7. He willingly steps in to cover field trips and take on additional bus routes whenever needed. “I love seeing the kids everyday. They truly care about their school,” he said. Over the years, DiDio has learned that as the first person the students see in the morning, the bus driver plays an important role in getting the students’ day off to a good start. “How I talk and listen to the kids means a lot and could totally change their day,” he remarked.
“Doug’s reliability, strong work ethic, and readiness to serve reflect his deep commitment to the students and families of Cuyahoga Heights Schools,” added Hahn. He and his wife, Bev (Miss D), who has been a district bus driver for the past 21 years and is a 2023 Staff Spotlight recipient, help to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students. They often engage in thoughtful acts of kindness, such as providing winter hats, and organizing fun activities for the students, such as an annual coloring contest for elementary bus riders.
A die-hard sports enthusiast who says he can’t live without football and coffee, DiDio has been a Cleveland Browns season ticket holder since 1986 and is an avid fan of all Cleveland sports teams. If he weren’t a member of the CHS Transportation Department, the retired baker and pastry chef, says he would have liked to have worked as a groundskeeper for a professional sports franchise.
DiDio and Bev have been married for 32 years and have three children. Steven lives in Texas, Beth in Columbus, and Michael in Parma. The DiDios have three granddaughters – Ave, Emma, and Anna – and reside in Parma with their black cat Binx.