In the silence of the early morning hours, AM Transportation Coordinator Paula Hupcey is fast at work overseeing the Cuyahoga Heights District's school bus routing system. Her attention to details ensures that every aspect is handled efficiently and effectively, including schedule changes and last-minute adjustments.
“She consistently goes above and beyond to provide dependable, organized, and responsive support for a wide range of transportation needs,” says Joellen Podoll, secretary to the Athletic/Activities Director. “She is especially helpful to her colleagues, offering guidance and assistance each day.” For these reasons, Podoll nominated Hupcey for the Staff Spotlight award for February 2026.
“I do all the routing for each school year, and make sure all the field trips get covered, so the students don't miss any of their games. I even drive the bus during those times when we are short-handed,” says Hupcey. She joined the district in 2021 as a bus driver, was PM Transportation Coordinator in 2022, and has been PM Transportation Coordinator 2023. Previously she worked in the Nordonia Schools from 2004-2021.
Hupcey remarked about the district's kind, outgoing, and caring students who work hard to achieve their goals. Motivated by her desire to treat others as she would like to be treated, she says she most enjoys, “Working with our great staff and watching the students grow up to be the young men and women of the future.” Her commitment to the students extends beyond the school day as Hupcey also serves as the Head Varsity Bowling Coach.
In her spare time, she enjoys caring for her ducks and chickens and is especially proud of hatching two baby ducks in an incubator. “It was an exciting experience,” said Hupcey, about the hatchlings' appearance on November 1, 2025. Hupcey also enjoys bowling, golf, hiking, gardening, and hunting, and exploring new things and places to make new memories. She enjoys all these activities with family including son, Mark, and daughter, Marissa, who recently presented Hupcey with a grandson, Zaviel. Hupcey resides in Wadsworth with her boyfriend, his two daughters, and a dog named Millie.