By Lookout Staff

December 29, 2025 -- The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has hired a new transportation director who began her career as a school bus driver and worked her way up the ranks.

Crystal Gonzalez, who has worked for the Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency since 2009, assumed the post in Santa Monica on December 1, District officials said.

After working as a bus driver from 2009 to 2015, Gonzalez worked in dispatch operations, staff training and customer support.

In her most recent role, Gonzalez "prepared weekly operational reports, managed route and fuel data, supported performance analysis, conducted onboarding for new hires and served as a primary communication link between drivers, staff and families," officials said.

"She also reviewed and edited official documents, managed a high-volume communication line and provided customer support across departments."

Her expertise includes GPS and route planning systems, database and record management and the use of spreadsheets and digital tools to improve workflows.

Gonzalez also represented colleagues as part of the California School Employees Association Negotiations Team, supporting labor relations and contract discussions.

Gonzalez "has a strong record supporting student safety, staff coordination and effective communication,” said Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton.

“Her qualifications and leadership will help strengthen our transportation services for students across Santa Monica and Malibu,” Shelton said.