MLSD hires new transpo directors

MOSES LAKE — Longtime Moses Lake School District employee Dyan Ford has been named one of two people to lead MLSD’s transportation department. Ford will be the Director of Transportation, Personnel. Amiee Cook, currently director of transportation for the Prosser School District, will take over as Director of Transportation, Operations. 

Ford was serving as the interim director of transportation, following the resignation of Lorrie Smith in February. Ford was the assistant director of transportation prior to taking over the interim job. 

Ryan Shannon, MLSD communications director, said district officials decided to eliminate the assistant transportation director job. 

“From a financial standpoint, it seems to come out pretty cost-neutral,” he said.  

As district officials looked at what the transportation director did, they decided to make changes.  

“Running the transportation department is a big role,” he said, and district officials decided it made more sense to split it in two. 

Ford will be in charge of driver training, working with and supporting department staff. 

“She’s got such great rapport with the drivers,” Shannon said.  

Ford is a 27-year veteran of MLSD, starting as a bus driver, a job she did for more than 16 years. She worked as a supervisor for about five years before becoming assistant director, Shannon said. 

“I look forward to serving the community to the best of my ability and always keeping the students and their safety in the forefront of my mind,” Ford said in an MLSD press release. 

Cook will oversee daily operations and routing systems. 

“We feel very lucky to have her,” Shannon said. 

Cook is originally from Southern California. She started working in the school district transportation after graduating from college. 

“I have a passion for school bus safety, from teaching drivers, students and any community member that is interested in the whys of why we do what we do. Most importantly, keeping all of our passengers safe while getting them to their destinations.” 

District Superintendent Carol Lewis said the two women will complement each other.  

“Their partnership will help advance the efficiency and quality of our transportation services while supporting a strong culture of teamwork and service,” Lewis said.