Deb Schmoyer Honored with 2026 Holly Hoglund Klein Memorial Award

The Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) proudly recognized Deb Schmoyer of Osseo Area Schools as the recipient of the 2026 Holly Hoglund Klein Memorial Award during the annual Train the Trainer Conference in St. Cloud.

The Holly Hoglund Klein Memorial Award recognizes outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to Minnesota's school transportation industry. Schmoyer's 24-year career reflects an unwavering commitment to student safety, professional excellence, and the advancement of pupil transportation across the state.

Schmoyer began her career in 2002 as a school bus driver with Laidlaw/First Student in Champlin. During her decade with the company, she served in a variety of roles including driver, charter driver, payroll administrator, and Lead Dispatcher supporting both Osseo Area Schools and Anoka-Hennepin School District.

Since joining Osseo Area Schools in 2012 as a General Education Router and Safety Specialist, Schmoyer has become widely respected for her expertise in routing, safety education, and transportation operations. She has consistently balanced operational efficiency with an unwavering focus on student safety, helping ensure thousands of students are transported safely each school day.

One of Schmoyer's most lasting contributions has been her leadership of the district's School Bus Safety Poster Contest. Through her dedication, Osseo Area Schools has produced numerous state-winning entries that have advanced to national competition, helping instill school bus safety awareness in generations of students.

Schmoyer also organizes and leads the district's annual Driver and Bus Paraprofessional Kickoff Meetings, creating engaging professional development experiences that prepare transportation staff for each new school year. Her commitment to lifelong learning includes earning certification in Child Passenger Safety and Car Seat Securement, further strengthening the district's safety initiatives.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, colleagues describe Schmoyer as a leader who exemplifies integrity, professionalism, and compassion. She is known for treating students, families, coworkers, and community members with respect while leading through quiet example and unwavering dedication.

In their nomination, Osseo Area Schools Director of Transportation, Security & Emergency Management Troy Schreifels and Assistant Director of Transportation Jim Greeley wrote that Schmoyer "embodies the very spirit and legacy that this award was created to celebrate."

"The Holly Hoglund Klein Memorial Award honors women who represent the best of the Minnesota school bus industry—women who lead with excellence, serve with heart, and leave the industry better than they found it," they wrote. "Deb Schmoyer has done all of this and more over the course of 24 remarkable years."

MAPT congratulates Deb Schmoyer on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her lasting contributions to the safety of Minnesota's students and the advancement of pupil transportation throughout the state.