Transportation Department Mission Statement

The San Marcos Unified School District Transportation Department is committed to providing safe, reliable, and respectful transportation for all students every day. We believe the school bus is the safest way for students to travel to and from school, activities, and extra-curricular events.  We are committed to fostering positive relationships, supporting the diverse needs of our students, and contributing to a safe and inclusive learning environment. As the first and last part of each student’s school day, we play a vital role in ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and ready to succeed.

Mike Sawyer | Executive Director
michael.sawyer@smusd.org

Mike began his educational journey at San Marcos Elementary School; then, due to District boundary changes, he attended 5th and 6th grades at Paloma Elementary School.  After elementary school, he attended San Marcos Middle School (then known as San Marcos Junior High) and graduated from San Marcos High School in 1998.  Mike attended Palomar College, hoping to transfer to Cal State University San Marcos, but took a detour to National University, completing a Computer Information Systems program and obtaining Microsoft Certifications.  In 1999, Mike applied for and accepted a position with the San Marcos Unified School District as a school bus driver while attending college.  After a few years, he was promoted to Transportation Coordinator. In 2012, Mike was promoted to the position of Transportation Director, and he currently serves as Executive Director, where he strives to provide the safest and most efficient Transportation Department for the District. 

Andrea Mancino | Transportation Coordinator
andrea.mancino@smusd.org

Andrea began her educational journey at San Marcos Elementary School, then moved to the Paloma Elementary area, where she attended 5th and 6th grades.  After elementary school, she attended San Marcos Middle School (then known as San Marcos Junior High) and graduated from San Marcos High School in 2000.  Very similar to Mike's path.  Andrea attended Palomar College while she was raising her family.  After her children started school, Andrea learned how to drive a School Bus in 2011 by attending one of the District's training courses.  She quickly advanced and became a State Certified Driver Instructor in 2018, was then promoted to Dispatcher in 2019, and was further promoted in 2023 to Transportation Coordinator.