Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – When Hampshire County School Bus Operator John Sitar completes his daily safety check before heading on his route, he makes sure one last item is complete – his tie is straight. He wears a tie and jacket every day on the job because it is part of his self-imposed uniform, and a way of showing how much he cares for his students. Sitar’s story is one of many proudly chronicled by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and county school systems as a part of Public Schools Week (Feb. 23-27, 2026).
This marks Sitar’s 15th year driving a bus for Hampshire County Schools. For him, the job is a calling and an opportunity to serve children. The county has been his home for most of his life. He lived on a farm, which is where he learned the importance of hard work. The county school system, however, is where he learned that appearance matters.
“When I was in high school, the principal made the men wear a tie, and the women had to dress up,” Sitar said. “It made a difference, and it set them apart as role models. I wanted to do that for these children.”
While his public school experience was decades ago, the impact has lasted a lifetime. Sitar is a veteran who served as an Army Ranger and Green Beret in the armed services. Regardless of where the military took him, he knew he would return home to the West Virginia Potomac Highlands.
“I know these kids might not see this every day,” Sitar explained. “Any interaction any staff member has with students is important. And if you acknowledge them as a human being, and somebody notices them when they get on the bus, that is a big deal to them.”
In Hampshire County, 48% of public school students are from low socio-economic households, a statistic that Sitar sees in real-time each day.
“Bus drivers are the first people the children see in the morning, and the last ones they see in the evening. I think what we do makes a difference. I just want them to know that I care about them.”
Watch John Sitar’s story and learn about the great news in public schools online or on state and local education social media channels.
