XENIA — Xenia Community Schools and First Student Transportation will host the Ohio School Bus Driver Safety Road-E-O from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.

School bus drivers from Xenia, Bellbrook, Beavercreek, Fairborn, Mad River, Centerville, Kettering, Valley View, Urbana, Springfield, Northmont, and Celina have confirmed their participation.

“This is my second year participating,” said Matthew Keen, XCS transportation manager. “It is a fun event for our drivers who get to meet other drivers from other districts. We enjoy ourselves for the day and the healthy competition. Districts make a picnic out of it — they bring food and there are concessions and food tents. Last year, there were close to 58 participants which is low due to schools returning from COVID.”

The top six drivers will be invited to go to Westerville near Columbus for the state competition. Both conventional busses and transit busses will participate.

According to Keen, the day begins with 11 events which showcase the drivers’ talents and skills. Events include: General knowledge (written test); pre-trip inspection; right hand turn with specific dimensions; railroad crossing with specific procedures judged; student right side pick up and drop off; student left side pick up and drop off; diminishing clearance; reverse serpentine (backing through a set of four cones); and turnaround (similar to alley type backing and turn around); and field observation.

All events will take place in the Xenia High School parking lot and are open to the public. The written test begins at 9 a.m. with driving events beginning at 10 a.m.

Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.