A Milestone for Our Transportation Program
Congratulations to Transportation Supervisor Angelina Esquivel Rico on Becoming a California State Certified Trainer
The Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Transportation Supervisor Angelina Esquivel Rico has successfully completed the California Department of Education’s Instructor Certification Course and is now a State Certified Trainer, a distinction held by very few professionals across the entire state.
The State Certified Trainer Program prepares transportation professionals to train school bus drivers in safety, regulations, vehicle operations, and instructional techniques. Completing it means Angelina is now authorized to train and certify others, giving HBCSD the expertise to build and sustain high-quality, in-house training programs that directly benefit drivers, students, and families.
For Angelina, transportation has always been personal. She has been part of the HBCSD family for nearly 19 years, a journey that began when this district transported her own daughter. “Her drivers were all so kind and caring,” she shared. “That sparked my interest to be a driver and show that same care and respect my daughter was given.” Today, she oversees an operation serving approximately 170 students daily, coordinating 11 drivers across 15 buses.
The certification required three intensive weeks of coursework and successful evaluation in three areas: classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and documentation, each demanding proficiency in both subject matter and instructional technique. “It was challenging being tested on topics that were completely new to me,” Angelina said, “but the most rewarding part was building relationships with transportation professionals from across the state. That sense of teamwork helped many of us successfully complete the course.”
“Watching Angelina grow into this role has been nothing short of inspiring, she has brought an extraordinary level of dedication to everything she does, and earning this certification is a reflection of exactly who she is: someone who never stops pushing to do better for our students and our team,” said Executive Director of Operations Mark Manstof. “Having a State Certified Trainer in-house is a tremendous asset for HBCSD, but what excites me most is knowing that it’s Angelina leading the way.”
As a State Certified Trainer, Angelina is now authorized to conduct official in-house training programs, strengthening the district’s ability to develop safe, well-prepared drivers from within.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have completed this program,” said Angelina. “I look forward to using what I learned to support and help develop safe, confident, and successful transportation professionals.”
Angelina’s achievement is a wonderful example of Purpose in Action, a commitment to continuous growth, professional excellence, and the well-being of every student who rides an HBCSD bus. Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding milestone.