Tomball ISD Alumni Spotlight: DeShaun Washington (THS, '03)
The Tomball ISD Transportation Department plays a critical role in a child’s school experience. Whether one is a bus driver, in charge of routes, supervising staff, or scheduling field trips, all roles are critical in a successful transportation operation within a school district.
For DeShaun Washington, being able to serve in a role that positively impacts a child’s school experience was exactly what he was meant to do in life. Through hard work and dedicated time spent learning and growing, Washington has elevated himself into a Transportation Supervisor in Tomball ISD, and he never goes a day without thanking those who helped him along the way.
A proud 2003 graduate of Tomball High School, Washington has called Tomball home his entire life. He attended Tomball Elementary, Beckendorf Intermediate, and Tomball Junior High where he played football, and finished at THS where he was a member of the ROTC.
“I have fond memories of my time in school here,” he said.
“The teachers were well educated, and the schools left a good impact on my life.”
While attending school, Washington discovered a new passion.
“I’m very appreciative of the experiences I had in school, most importantly school lunch. Good food gave me the thirst for knowledge about the food industry.”
At the age of 14, and still attending THS, Washington joined Savannah Steak and Seafood Restaurant as a dishwasher. Over time, continued hard work led the restaurant to put him through culinary school. He later became a sous chef, followed by chef, then became General Manager.
“I am grateful to Chuck Berry, along with his daughter Susan and Dennis Wilkenson for offering me a job opportunity when I was only fourteen years old,” Washington said. “This opportunity helped me become the person I am today.”
Washington always had the drive to work hard, and between working at a restaurant, attending school, and focusing on his future, Washington has never taken a career opportunity for granted.
In addition to working in the restaurant world, Washington wanted to assist those that aided him in becoming who he is today, and while still in school, decided to apply for a position with the JTPA (Job Training Partnership Act) program that works with students to get them work ready.
From there, he graduated in 2003, continued working his way up in the restaurant industry, and soon began his journey within Transportation.Knowing that Tomball was dedicated to children excelling in life, led him back to where it all started.
“When I started working in transportation in Tomball ISD, I was a sub-driver, then learned different fields of transportation,” he recalls. “During those early years, I assisted in routing and worked in dispatch. I want to thank longtime Tomball ISD Transportation Director Beverly Beisert for giving me a chance at such a young age.”
For 10 years, Washington served the students and families of Tomball ISD. A promotion opportunity came about which sent Washington away from Tomball to Conroe ISD as a bus driver trainer in 2013. During his time in CISD, he received the 2014-15 Going the Extra Mile Award.
It wasn’t long before he gained valuable experience and was able to return home in a leadership position. “Tomball is home so I returned as quickly as I could,” he said.
Upon returning to Tomball ISD in 2016, Washington became the field trip coordinator, assisted in driver training, and from there was promoted to Transportation Supervisor, a position he has held since 2019.
“I really enjoy being a Supervisor,” he said. “I’m not a micromanager, and I listen to our employees, and have gained their trust. I believe when employees trust their managers, they are more likely to be productive and exert extra effort to get the job done in a timely manner.”
As a leader in school transportation, Washington has completed various classes and is a member of various organizations to earn certifications, including an active member of Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TAPT) and is a certified TAPT Transportation Supervisor. Within that organization, he has won first place for the 2016 District Bus Rodeo and was a contestant in the TAPT State Rodeo.
He continues to be a life-long learner when it comes to school transportation, completing courses in routing and scheduling, personnel management, state reporting, field trips, student safety management, leadership, change and transition, team building, No Child Left Behind, and communication skills: community.
Washington continues to be a leader in various career roles and has been able to maximize his opportunities through which have greatly impacted so many individuals over the years.
When not working, Washington loves spending time with his family, enjoys time spent with friends playing golf, and being outdoors.
Source: Tomball ISD
