Lancaster CSD Transportation Supervisor Named NYS Essential Service Leader

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Mrs. Judy Feldmeyer

ALBANY, NY (03/18/2025) (readMedia)-- Mrs. Judy A. Feldmeyer, transportation supervisor for the Lancaster Central School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 New York State Essential Service Leader Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is designed to recognize the invaluable services provided by civil service supervisors, administrators, managers, and support personnel who keep our schools and BOCES safe, effective, and welcoming environments for students and staff in New York State.

Feldmeyer has devoted 28 years of service to Lancaster CSD, steadily rising through the ranks to her current role. She began her career as a school bus driver in 1997, transitioning to a head bus driver position in charge of dispatch and routing in 2006 up until 2016, when she was appointed as the district transportation supervisor. With deep institutional knowledge and firsthand experience in every level of the department, she has become an invaluable leader in school transportation.

Beyond her work in Lancaster, Feldmeyer has been actively involved in professional organizations and committees that shape the future of school transportation. She has been a member of the Western New York Association for Pupil Transportation (WNYAPT) since 2006, currently serves on the Erie 1 BOCES Steering Committee, and is a dedicated member of Lancaster CSD's district-wide safety committee.

One of Feldmeyer's most significant professional accomplishments has been uniting and transforming the culture of the transportation department. Through her leadership, she fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among staff, turning what was once a fragmented department into a cohesive team that works collaboratively to ensure safe and efficient student transportation. She has championed driver retention through training and mentorship, created an employee-friendly climate, and initiated weeklong celebrations for Transportation Appreciation Week to recognize her staff's invaluable contributions.

Feldmeyer also played a pivotal role in the successful planning and implementation of a new three-tiered routing system. This innovation allowed Lancaster CSD to efficiently transport all students despite staffing shortages, utilizing fewer buses while maintaining timely and safe service. Her ability to develop and execute such strategic initiatives demonstrates her problem-solving skills and commitment to operational excellence.

Jamie Phillips, assistant superintendent of business and support services for Lancaster CSD, expressed admiration for Feldmeyer's leadership and impact, stating, "Judy Feldmeyer is an expert in her field, a leader and confidant to her staff, a trusted and loyal professional to the district, and works miracles every day to get each one of our students to school safely."

Feldmeyer's colleagues and supervisors widely regard her as a trusted resource and mentor within the transportation community. Her guidance and expertise are sought after by new transportation supervisors across the region, and Lancaster's transportation operations under her leadership have become a model for other districts. Her ability to navigate challenges with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student safety has earned her the deep respect of her peers and staff alike.

Reflecting on her years of service, Feldmeyer shared, "Achieving the position of transportation supervisor and dedicating 28 years to Lancaster CSD is one of my life's greatest accomplishments. I could not have done it alone – it took an incredible team of coworkers, administrators, and staff working together to make it happen. I love what we do, and I cannot think of a better group of people to spend my days with."

Feldmeyer received her Bachelor of Arts in Management from SUNY Buffalo and continues to actively contribute to the advancement of transportation safety and efficiency in education.

She and fellow 2025 SAANYS award recipients will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 2 at the Desmond Hotel-Crown Plaza Albany.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retiree leaders. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to its members in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).