The transportation operation supervisor for Cassopolis Public Schools will soon be driving away into retirement.

Transportation operation supervisor John Bright will retire from his position with Cassopolis Public Schools at the end of August.

As transportation operation supervisor, Bright is responsible for school transportations, as well as overseeing buildings and grounds, such as the athletic fields.

One of the last projects Bright will oversee will be a bond project allowing for a new track and football field.

“It’s always been a great rewarding job. I love all the kids, and the community is wonderful,” Bright said. “It’s rewarding to help the community.”

Bright has been in his position as transportation operation supervisor for the last two years. A retired Indiana police officer who moved to Cassopolis more than seven years ago, he spent time as a member of school board, before transitioning to his current position.

Though Bright said that his most recent position as transportation operation supervisor has been particularly rewarding, he has enjoyed every aspect of Cassopolis Public Schools, calling his time on the board “a great experience.”

“We have a great board that I’m glad I was able to work with and bring Cassopolis further along,” he said.

It was with the board’s approval that Bright was able to accomplish many of the things he is proud of during his time as transportation operation supervisor, including a bond project that improved athletic fields, brought up-to-date technology into the schools and increased school security through new systems, which included cameras.

He is also proud of the fact that he was able add four new busses to the school’s routes, starting next month, with each bus being no older than five years old.

Bright will be retiring along with his wife Robyn Bright, who left her position as food services director for Cassopolis Public Schools on July 27.

The couple will be moving to Florida to spend more time with their children and five grandchildren.

“I want to be with my grandchildren. Being so far away, we don’t get to see them very often,” Bright said. “We haven’t been able to go to their sports games and their birthdays, and we want to be there for those things.”

Being near family is especially important to Bright now, as he has recently lost two siblings.

“It kinda gives you a wakeup call to say, ‘hey, we gotta take care of family,’” Bright said.

Although Bright is excited for his future in retirement and to be closer to his family, there are many things that he will miss about Cassopolis and Cassopolis Public Schools.

“I’m going to miss the students and the community that has treated me so well while I’ve been here,” Bright said. “Everyone here is so helpful and friendly and kind. I don’t think there ever was a better place than Cassopolis.”