The McAllen Independent School District is one of the local school districts starting classes on Monday, Aug. 17.

The district held a send off event for all 66 school buses that were ready to begin their routes and take thousands of students to their campuses.

Monday was the first day of school for over 19,000 students at McAllen ISD. The district says their bus drivers transport about 5,000 students daily.

In total, the district has 60 bus routes.

Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez thanked the bus drivers at the event for their work in safely driving kids to and from classes.

A police escort was used to send off the school buses.

Driver Tomasita Dillard said she's excited to see all her students. She's been driving her bus for almost 15 years.

Dillard said the safety of the students she transports is her biggest priority and it starts with communication.

"I try to have a lot of communication with students, parents and the staff at the schools. That's the most important thing you can do as a bus driver, safety," Dillard said. "It's awesome for me to help the students, to talk to the students."

District officials reminded drivers to be on the lookout for buses and to make sure to follow all traffic safety laws.

McAllen ISD is also making it easier for students and parents to never miss their bus. Here Comes The Bus is an app that  parents can download to track the school bus.

For more information on bus routes, click here.