Teacher Gets Commercial License to Help Student with Multiple Sclerosis Get to School

When North Live Oak Elementary, an elementary school in Watson, Louisiana, fell short of a special education bus driver, Erika Futch decided to volunteer for the position – all because she saw a family in need.

"Why not give it a try?"

For several months, the Posey family drove their son, Blake, to school. However, Blake has multiple sclerosis (MS), and the trip became rather difficult for the family. “With four other children, that kind of makes things pretty strenuous,” said Barry Posey, Blake’s father.

In order to help out the Posey family, the Livingston Parish School District asked teachers to take a course and apply for a commercial driver’s license, also known as CDL. “At first, I was like, I don’t know if I can drive a big bus,” said Futch, a veteran teacher with over two decades of experience. However, after seeing the Posey family struggle in their everyday conveyance, she jumped at the opportunity to help them out. “I said, ‘Why not give it a try?’. Now I get to pick him up and it’s a great job,” said Futch.

The entire training took a total of 4-5 weeks to complete and it included a written exam as well as a driving test. After Futch makes several stops and drops off Blake and several other students at school, she walks into her own classroom as one of North Live Oak’s special education teachers. For the Livingston Parish teacher, this cycle continues day after day and many individuals, including the principle of the school, Michelle Stone, call her a superstar. “She puts the needs of her students above anything else,” said Stone. However, Futch denies the title. “No, I’m just a teacher who likes to drive a bus. I’m just excited that I can help somebody,” she said. 

Posey family calls Futch “a tremendous blessing”

“For one individual to go to that measure to take care of your child, it’s just a blessing,” stated the Posey family. Blake’s father said that Futch is one of the most positive and upbeat individuals that he has ever had the privilege of knowing. “We know we can never repay her. I make sure to tell her thank you every morning before he gets on the bus,” he said.

Read on to learn more about Erika's story and how the Livingston Parish School has been working to help out those in need.

Photo: WAFB