Carlos Fuentes: 'I put my heart into it'
Carlos Fuentes
Transportation Supervisor and School Bus Instructor
Meet Carlos Fuentes, the dedicated transportation supervisor and school bus instructor for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. With over 15 years of experience combined, Carlos plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of the district's transportation services.
Carlos began his journey as a school bus driver in 2008. His passion for the profession led him to Sacramento in 2017, where he attended the academy to become a certified school bus instructor.
In 2023, Carlos was offered the dual role of supervisor and instructor at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. In this position, he not only manages daily operations but also provides rigorous training to the district's bus drivers.
“I love the interaction with students, parents, and different agencies like law enforcement and the CHP,” Carlos shared. “It's a very rewarding career because it allows me to make a difference in a student's day, whether by simply saying good morning or checking in on their well-being.”
As an instructor, Carlos takes immense pride in ensuring drivers are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills they need.
"When I train our drivers, I put my heart into it," he said. “I want them to be so proficient that I would trust them to transport my own kids, knowing they're in safe hands.”
Carlos’s deep sense of responsibility comes from his personal journey. Growing up in El Salvador, he walked several miles to school as a young boy. He dreamed of one day driving a school bus. After immigrating to the U.S. at 17 and working in the fields, that dream eventually became a reality.
"It was so amazing and rewarding," Carlos recalled. "I reflect on my own childhood and think about how I can have a positive impact on the students we transport today."
Outside of work, Carlos enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children. They love to visit the beautiful Monterey beaches on weekends after church, making the most of the area's wonderful weather. Though he commutes daily from King City, Carlos feels the opportunity to work in such a beautiful and meaningful environment is well worth the drive.
When asked what drives him to continue in this challenging role, Carlos says, “To be a school bus driver is not an easy task. It has a big responsibility. But I always tell our drivers that if you work hard and give your best effort, you will be successful.”
He emphasizes the strong sense of teamwork within the department, where everyone—from drivers to office staff to the director—shares a common goal of providing the best transportation for students.
Carlos embodies dedication and passion in his work, and through his leadership, MPUSD's transportation department remains committed to keeping students safe and supported on their journeys to and from school.