CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — In a world where the morning commute often sets a frantic tone for the day, one extraordinary bus driver is changing the tune for an entire school district. Meet Bill Nagle, the 72-year-old retired food sales manager who traded his briefcase for a bus key and transformed the daily school run into a symphony of fun and learning.
From Sales to Steering: An Unexpected Career Change
"I retired from my food job that I had for 35 years and I, I passed this building and saw a school bus out with a sign on it that they were hiring," Nagle recalls. That serendipitous moment in 2017 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life – and in the lives of countless students.
A Rolling Concert Hall on Wheels
Known affectionately as "Mr. Bill," Nagle has earned a reputation as the singing bus driver. But here's the twist: he actually lets the kids do the singing. As the bus rolls through the neighborhood, passengers are treated to an impromptu concert of children's voices belting out tunes. And when they're not singing, the bus transforms into a rolling zoo, filled with playful animal sounds.
"He's an awesome guy," says Chris Clark, Principal of Highcroft Ridge Elementary. "He takes time to learn students' names. You can hear his bus coming up the street because usually he's on the loudspeaker."
More Than Just a Ride: A Community on Wheels
For the students, Mr. Bill's bus is more than just transportation – it's the highlight of their day. Fourth-grader Colin Thomas enthuses, "I get to see my friends and I also get to be with Mr. Bill." His classmate, Lillian Thomas, adds, "When I get on the bus, I always feel happy and joyful that Mr. Bill's here."
Students who ride Bill Nagel's bus
But it's not all fun and games. Nagle takes his responsibility seriously, ensuring that safety always takes the front seat. "I want them to exchange, have fun, talk to their friends. But safety first," he emphasizes.
Easing Parental Worries, One Smile at a Time
In an era where many parents worry about their children's safety on school buses, Mr. Bill's approach is a game-changer. Terri and Rod Garbo, grandparents of students on the route, share, "I remember when our kids were younger, you know, sending him on a bus was a big deal. It's a scary thing. And to think that they would have a bus driver like Mr. Bill, that just takes all the fear out of it and makes it an adventure and a little community."
The Secret to Starting the Day Right
Nagle's secret is all about connection. "Getting a smile out of them saying good morning to them. ... Most instances I'll get a return reply and over time I'll get about a hundred percent," he says.
His impact hasn't gone unnoticed. Fourth-grader Emmalyn Askeland sums it up perfectly: "He is a fun bus driver and I think, all kids should have one like him."
In a time when school districts across the country struggle to find and retain bus drivers, Mr. Bill isn't just filling a seat – he's filling young hearts with enthusiasm for the day ahead. He's solving an age-old riddle: how to make the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round... and straight into the hearts of an entire school district.
As we watch Mr. Bill's bus drive away, we're left with a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most impactful melodies in life are sung not on grand stages, but in the most unexpected places – like a school bus on an ordinary morning.
Making a Difference
Is someone in your community making a difference? Text us at 314-425-5355 or email us at tips@ksdk.com. See more stories of people Making a Difference here.