October 26, 2022 - I am writing this letter of support to encourage the community of Mariposa to vote for Robert Morse for Mariposa County Unified School District Board.
I have known and worked with Robert for over 23 years. In 1998, when I first met Robert, he was serving as 1st Vice President for CASTO (California Association of School Transportation Officials) Chapter 14. He soon became President, and I was elected to serve as his 1st Vice President. I was in awe of his commitment and dedication to the school bus industry. He worked diligently and spent many hours of his time on weekends to put on workshops and school bus roadeos to ensure that drivers throughout the valley had access to every type of training and professional development available to ensure their safety and the safety of our students.
A few years ago, I found myself without a past-president on our Chapter 14 board. We are required to have a past president install our upcoming officers. I called and asked Robert if he would be willing to step in and assist us. Without hesitation he asked when and where he needed to be. He drove an hour and a half, performed the installation and drove home. He also joined our chapter, even though he was a member of a few other chapters. He held the role of past president for the past 4 years, assisting us with our workshops and roadeos.
Throughout my 45-year career in student transportation, as a school bus driver, instructor, and now as a director that oversees a very large transportation operation, Robert has always been available to assist in every capacity. I could call him at any time with questions, and if he didn’t have the answer, he would research it and get back to me. Robert has traveled to Washington DC and to the State capitol to champion for several different causes relating to school transportation.
Robert understands that school board members are a vital part of a governance team and as such, he must use his excellent skills of communication and persuasion, and his extensive knowledge of budgets, procurement, bidding regulations, and safety practices to support policies that advance positive and appropriate knowledge for students, parents, and staff in the MCUSD.
Robert’s commitment to ensure the success of all children is unsurpassed. If you want experience, dedication, a person of the highest character and integrity to represent staff, students, parents, and the citizens of Mariposa County there is only one choice and that is Robert Morse.
Thank you,
Vicki Wingfield
Porterville, California
Director of Administrative Services, Visalia Unified School District
President, CASTO Chapter 14
