An Indiana school bus driver was charged with driving while intoxicated after students on her bus reported her driving erratically, reported New York Post.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sept. 20, when 28-year-old Kayla Pier was transporting 32 students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School.
La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said via the article, that during the drive some of the students reported Pier for her driving behavior and mannerisms.
According to the news report the school’s transportation director, who was not identified in this writing, intercepted the bus and removed the driver, who resigned later that day.
However, the criminal investigation was reportedly not launched until more than a month later, when school officials passed along results from a toxicology test. It was not immediately clear why the test was carried out by the school rather than the authorities.
According to the article, Pier faces charges of operating while intoxicated and neglecting a dependent. The sheriff’s office reportedly commended the courages students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of their driver. Their actions may have prevented a tragedy from happening.
Pier turned herself into police custody last week and was booked into La Porte County Jail. She was released on bond reported authorities.
A 19-year-old woman from Minnesota is facing dozens of charges in connection with school bus crash that sent 12 students to the hospital, reported CBS News.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sept. 12, when a school bus transporting 22 students to Cherry School in Iron, was hit by a vehicle that blew a stop sign at Townline Road and County Road 5. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 19-year-old Svea Snickers.
Snickers reportedly drove through intersection, hit the bus, and caused it to roll into a ditch. The driver of the bus, who was not identified, told local news reporters he knew immediately it would be a bad crash but did not have time to respond in any meaningful way to avoid the collision.
The bus driver, 12 students and Snickers were reportedly hospitalized amid the crash. Nine other students were injured but did not need to be hospitalized. The student injuries ranged from lacerations and abrasions to concussions, contusions, fractures and more.
Authorities confirmed that while searching Snickers’ phone, investigators found she had used it while driving about two minutes before officers responded to the crash and just seconds before a 911 call was initiated. Investigators also learned the car was reportedly going between 48 and 53 mph just before the crash and Sickers did not brake before impact.
As of Dec. 26, Snickers is reportedly charged with five felony counts of criminal vehicular operations, 17 gross misdemeanors count of the same and two misdemeanor traffic offenses. The investigation remains ongoing.
Q’STRAINT, the worldwide leader in Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions, is synonymous with safety. Securement is one element of traveling that passengers rarely consider, simply because it’s expected. But that was not always true for mobility passengers in school buses or even public transit. For over 35 years, Q’STRAINT has developed technology that addresses the questions and concerns of securement for mobility passengers.
Today, Q’STRAINT’s trailblazing technology is used every day, all over the world and has become the gold standard in wheelchair securement; and the benefits of their most recent technologies extend to not just to passengers, but to drivers and transportation companies as well.
Q’STRAINT believes that all mobility passengers deserve access to the same level of safety as those around them. From research and development to engineering and support, Q’STRAINT provides innovative solutions that makes safety accessible. Q’STRAINT’s products have transformed the way mobility passengers travel by simplifying and speeding up the securement process, providing passenger independence and decreasing dwell times. They work on-site and hands-on with real mobility riders, drivers, maintenance directors and transit properties to improve and iterate on new products.
Q’STRAINT’s ‘promise’ is to Make Safety Accessible for All, and this promise extends into all areas of operation and influence: Quality, Testing, Standards, Training, Products, and Beyond.
But technology alone is never enough. Q’STRAINT continues to be at the forefront of defining and establishing securement regulations worldwide. They also work with global standards groups to ensure that safety becomes accessible for wheelchair passengers in every country — guaranteeing the highest levels of safety for all.
Innovative Technology: Taking the guesswork out of securement
Q’STRAINT ONE is an all-in-one wheelchair securement station that replaces the many parts and obstacles of traditional 4-point securement with a simplified single platform system.
Q’STRAINT ONE gets back to basics by making securement simple and straightforward with visible indicators, audible feedback, and push button operation, allowing operators to proceed with confidence even with even the most difficult mobility devices.
The system helps reduce liability by standardizing securement procedures and training as across fleets by having everyone follow the same process. The all-in-one design reduces the guesswork associated with properly anchoring securements into the vehicle floor, as well as alleviating concerns about missing parts and storing system components.
Finally, Q’STRAINT ONE is the only vehicle integrated wheelchair securement solution that has been fully crash tested to meet all current ADA standards. It’s a single approach to safety that makes every securement a simple process.
The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.
A sample screenshot displays the type of real-time tracking data that Zonar Ground Traffic Control can provide student transporters, in this case using a van to pick up a student who is homeless. Photo provided by Zonar. Cover design by Kimber Horne
The first issue of 2025 highlights transporting students with special needs and disabilities. Read more about considerations of using non-yellow school bus vehicles, handling student behavior advice from TSD Conference speakers, how transportation can utilize Medicaid reimbursement, how to create a transportation plan for students with special needs and more! Also check out the 2024 TSD Conference Recap.
Atypical Student Transportation
Using non-school bus vehicles such as vans is nothing new but never so widespread, especially to address increasing rates of students being classified with disabilities and who are experiencing homelessness. Cost savings can be had, but at what price for safety?
Features
It’s All About Communication
TSD Conference attendees learn from experts on what students with disabilities are really saying when exhibiting behaviors on school buses.
Hurricane Response
Student transporters discuss how their operations were pressed into action by Hurricanes Helene and Milton as well as the lessons they learned for the next big storm.
TSD Conference Recap
See some of the action from the industry’s premier event for the transportation of students with disabilities and special needs. Read more about sessions throughout the magazine.
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It was like a movie scene. Corrin Reynolds, transportation manager at San Jose USD in California, was chatting with a colleague at Tyler Technologies’ Connect conference when someone approached him with an idea: What if we could integrate a ride-share service with your student transportation software? Reynolds said, “Put that in my contract.”
Connecting Student Transportation Solutions
San Jose USD was already using an alternative transportation solution and Tyler’s Student Transportation software, and Reynolds immediately saw the potential of connecting those solutions to better serve students and increase efficiency. Unfortunately, their existing alternative transportation provider wasn’t interested. “They balked at the idea that we would be able to see some of the information in their system,” said Reynolds. But, to him, that information sharing was a benefit.
Connections like these are the purpose of Tyler Technologies’ Onboard Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) network. It’s a one-stop data exchange that uses Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to bridge the silos of information between transportation technology providers, empowering transportation managers with more customization and flexibility to support their communities’ needs.
ADROIT, an Onboard iPaaS integrator and a company with roots in special needs transportation, specializes in the ride-share style alternative transportation that San Jose USD requires to best meet the needs of its students.
“For trips where it doesn’t make sense to send a bus, such as McKinney Vento students who need to travel well outside the district or students with special needs or IEPs who don’t do well in a school bus environment, we use a car service to get those kids to and from school,” said Reynolds.
The district switched to ADROIT for alternative transportation, and they’ve started to connect it with the data from their Tyler Student Transportation software through Onboard iPaaS.
“The ADROIT drivers have the same comprehensive information our bus drivers would have, including the routes built in Student Transportation and the students’ information. And we get information back from them, such as incident reports,” he said. Sharing this information between their solutions helps the San Jose USD transportation department keep their routes efficient and their reporting up to date. But it’s only the beginning of Reynolds’ vision of what’s possible with deeper integrations.
Looking Ahead to Seamless Connections
The San Jose USD transportation department is looking forward to more data from ADROIT flowing into their Tyler Student Transportation system to help increase efficiency.
“We want to look at AVL data and the planned versus actual run times to see where we can make improvements,” Reynolds said. Centralizing this information alongside their school bus data will help the district see the full picture of their transportation operation and keep it running smoothly.
Reynolds is also eager to see ADROIT’s data in the district’s Student Transportation software to improve transparency. “We’re working toward having information from their drivers import into our GPS system so we can see where the vehicle is, make sure they’re going where they need to go, and getting there on time.”
As the integrations progress, the students’ information and assigned runs will match up seamlessly to provide real-time updates on student pick-ups and drop-offs. “That’s the benefit I saw right away when I first heard the idea,” he said. “I want to be able to track our kids and take care of our kids. That’s what we’re here for.”
To learn more about Tyler’s Onboard iPaaS and the network of integrators, register for their upcoming virtual panel discussion.
The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.
White Township Consolidated School District, a rural pre-K through 8th-grade school district located in Belvidere, New Jersey, a small town dating back to 1825 with a current population of 2,532.
The district has long grappled with the challenges of managing transportation across a geographically expansive and sparsely populated district. With approximately 400 students, the school requires efficient systems to ensure that every child is safely transported to and from school.
Most students are transported because the roads are too dangerous for walkers.
“They can’t walk to our school and usually all our buses need to pick them up door side,” said Ingrid Scott, the district’s transportation coordinator.
Recently, the district upgraded their routing solution to Transfinder’s award-winning Routefinder PLUS solution. Scott, who’s been in her position since 2018, describes the move to Routefinder PLUS as being transformative for the district’s transportation management noting how user-friendly PLUS is.
Adapting Technology for Rural Needs
In a district characterized by winding roads and dispersed households, transportation logistics are particularly demanding. Many students live in areas without precise address points, making it difficult to accurately place them on bus routes. Prior to the move to Routefinder PLUS, Scott relied heavily on manual adjustments, often cross-referencing maps to pinpoint student locations.
Going with Routefinder PLUS introduced new mapping tools that significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of route planning. PLUS, with new maps, made all the difference. The upgraded system has streamlined the process, reducing the reliance on manual corrections.
Streamlining Processes with Routefinder PLUS
One of the most notable strengths of Routefinder PLUS has been the system’s ability to handle student transitions seamlessly. When 8th graders rollover to Belvidere High School, located in a neighboring town about five miles away, they are easily assigned to new routes.
“I didn’t have to redo stuff, which was a big help,” Scott said. “They show up on the high school buses as long as they’re geocoded in the right spot,” Scott noted. This automation saves valuable time and ensures greater accuracy, particularly during the busy school opening season.
“Everything worked great,” Scott said, regarding using PLUS for the first time at the start of the school year. “I had a smooth opening. Everything worked well.”
The enhanced functionality of Routefinder PLUS has also reduced manual labor in other areas. Previously, Scott would send parents postcards with their children’s bus stop and pickup times—a process that was both time-consuming and prone to delays. Now, she can email this information in a matter of seconds. “It was probably a three-second task to let them all know what their bus time was for their child,” Scott said. “It was great.”
Overcoming Initial Hesitations
Although the migration to Routefinder PLUS was initially daunting, the transition was well-supported by the company’s customer service and training resources. Scott described the training sessions as thorough and easy to follow, with the added benefit of recorded sessions for future reference. “I was scared to death when I first did it,” she admitted, but praised the support she received throughout the process.
For districts considering a similar upgrade, Scott advises against delaying the decision. “It was a great transition,” she said. “I probably should have done it sooner.”
Simplifying State Reporting (DRTRS)
In New Jersey, school districts are required to submit detailed transportation data for state reporting, the District Report of Transported Resident Students, known simply as DRTRS. It is a critical report for receiving state aid.
“We can’t have mistakes,” she said. Scott said the migration to Routefinder PLUS has made the DRTRS process significantly more efficient for White Township Consolidated School District.
“Transfinder knows all the information that’s required for the report,” Scott explained. “Transfinder’s been doing this for a long time, so they know.” By ensuring that the necessary data is correctly entered into the system, Scott can generate the required reports with just the touch of a button. This automation has eliminated much of the manual data entry previously required, allowing Scott to focus on other responsibilities.
Supporting a Multi-Role Administrator
Scott’s role extends far beyond transportation management. As the superintendent’s secretary, she juggles numerous administrative tasks, leaving little time for extensive system management. The simplicity and efficiency of Routefinder PLUS have been essential in enabling her to manage transportation effectively while balancing her other duties.
The district also benefits from the collaborative approach between Scott and their contracted bus company. Once routes are created, the company reviews them and provides feedback based on their on-the-ground knowledge, ensuring optimal routes for safety and efficiency.
The Rural Advantage
White Township Consolidated School District’s rural setting presents unique challenges, from long bus routes to winding, narrow roads. Transfinder’s Routefinder PLUS has proven to be a critical tool in addressing these challenges, particularly with features that prevent students from having to cross dangerous roads.
By ensuring door-side pickups and accommodating the region’s topography, the system enhances safety while maintaining efficiency. “Some of our roads are curvy, and you can’t see,” Scott explained. “To have somebody crossing is sometimes dangerous, especially for the little kids.”
Looking Ahead
With a successful migration behind her and a smooth school opening in place, Scott is optimistic about the future of transportation management in her district. While she acknowledges that there is always room for improvement, she is confident in the tools and support provided by Transfinder.
For other districts considering the transition to Transfinder’s Routefinder PLUS, Scott’s experience serves as a compelling case study.
“I was scared to death when I first did it,” she said. Then, when attending her trainings, her comfort level increased. “It was wonderful. Everyone has been so helpful.”
Scott raved about the support and training she has received.
“It was a great transition,” she said. “It’s totally worth my not having to spend as much time on certain things. The sooner you make the move, the sooner you’ll see the benefits.”
Artwork for cover and divider pages created by Kimber Horne using generative A.I. in Adobe Firefly
Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal agencies, manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers.
A mother in Arizona was charged with aggravated assault after hitting her daughter’s school bus driver. A video of the incident shows the mother yelling and assaulting the driver. Other parents who were at the bus stop stated that the women complained the bus driver had not stopped in the right location. The woman faced a single count of felony aggravated assault on a school employee.
The driver of a concrete truck that caused a fatal school bus crash in Texas admitted to taking cocaine on three hours of sleep before the incident. The incident resulted in the death of pre-kindergarten student Ulises Rodriguez Montoya. Dash cam footage from the school district showed the incident was caused by the concrete truck veering across the center line and colliding with the bus.
An 11-year-old from Maine was facing charges of terrorizing after authorities were forced to evacuate a school bus due to a threat with a suspicious device. Students had reported witnessing another student showing and talking about a suspicious device and immediately the Maine state police and bomb squad were called. Authorities later confirmed that the suspicious device found in the sixth grader’s home was not an explosive.
Blue Bird is the first school bus builder to install three-point seat belts and a bus driver airbag as standard equipment, starting in the fall of 2024. (Photo courtesy of Blue Bird.)
School bus manufacturer Blue Bird made history as the first OEM to announce lap/shoulder seatbelts as standard safety technology in all its vehicles. Blue Bird, in partnership with IMMI, will begin equipping new school buses with three-point seatbelts for all student passengers.
The company also announced the implementation of other safety improvements such as high-intensity LED lighting on the outside and inside of the bus, high-resolution front and rear cameras, lighted stop-arms and school bus signs, and strobe lights. More standard equipment Blue Bird is touting as the industry’s first technology is the introduction of 4Front, a steering wheel deployed airbag to protect the head and torso of school bus drivers during a crash.
A Minnesota school bus driver was arrested after he was accused of driving his bus while intoxicated with students on board. The 44-year-old man allegedly blew double the legal limit when tested. He was arrested by authorities for suspicion of second-degree DWI. The incident was under investigation.
A school bus crash with a semi-trailer in Illinois resulted in five fatalities, three of which were children. The semi-truck driver and the school bus driver were also killed in the crash. Amid the crash, both vehicles were engulfed in flames.
Two Dutchtown Elementary School students were left inside their school bus for hours after they fell asleep. One of the children’s aunt demanded the district recheck the bus after her niece was nowhere to be found after the child was supposed to be dropped off. A driver later showed up with two children who had been left behind on the school bus.
An update on the New York State stop-arm camera law closes a loophole that previously let motorists off the hook despite being caught on a camera passing a stopped school bus. Now, the law originally passed in 2019 allowing stop-arm cameras on school buses reportedly includes a “rebuttable presumption” that the vehicle being passed is a school bus and meets all requirements of being such a vehicle. The school bus must have a valid inspection certification, which is required for every New York state school bus, to meet all requirements.
A 9-year-old boy in Florida was seriously injured after being struck by an SUV while waiting for his school bus. Several children had boarded the bus at the time of the incident. The boy was airlifted to a local hospital and then referred to a children’s hospital with several road rash scrapes across his body.
A three-way crash in Ohio resulted in a 12-year-old student being struck after exiting his school bus. The child was reportedly thrown through the air, landed in a yard and was flown to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in an unknown condition. Police said neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to play a role in the crash.
First Student employees in Wichita, Kansas, loaded gifts onto school buses to deliver to Wichita Public Schools students and families in need, reported KNS News.
According to local news reports, bus drivers and staff had collected donations to benefit nearly 30 students. The drivers identified children they see on their daily routes whose families may be struggling this season. First Student employees loaded three school buses to deliver the gifts collected.
One mother whose kids received gifts told local news reporters she was glad hers were selected to set a good example.
Toys, clothing and other items were reportedly among the items delivered.
Ahead of President Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office and his promise to “drill, baby, drill,” school districts nationwide indicated they weren’t completely sold on electric school buses.
That is one conclusion that could be made after school bus manufacturers reported only 26 more electric school buses were manufactured despite year three of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program and a 145-percent increase in electric manufacturing the previous year.
It should be noted that school bus manufacturers have only so much current capacity at their factories for electric school buses despite recent new plants opening over the past year. However, one of those, Lion Electric’s plant in Joliet, Illinois, was closed at least temporarily at the end of 2024. At this report, it remained to be seen how long the struggling Canadian manufacturer would remain in business as it sought further extensions of credit lines as well as potential purchaser.
Previously, school bus OEMs have commented that they would each eventually need to achieve an annual output of at least 2,500 electric school buses, a figure widely considered to be necessary for for eventual market saturation. A bet made was that further EPA emissions regulations would phase out diesel.
But the political winds can change fast. While it remained to be seen what would happen to EPA’s Phase 3 GHG emissions regulations set to go into effect in 2027 under Trump, Daimler Truck North America in December announced a new $285 million capital investment into Detroit Diesel’s manufacturing campus in Michigan.
Diesel, indeed, continued to reign supreme as the fuel of choice, so shows the magazine’s annual survey of 10 school bus OEMs for the production cycle of Nov. 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2024, accounting for 22,889 school bus units manufactured. Gasoline came in second at 10,404 units. But 7,947 of those were Type A school buses with chassis provided by Ford or GM. Another 434 units not counted to that total were MFSABs.
Overall, the OEMs reported that school bus production decreased by over 2 percent during the 2023-2024 cycle, compared to the 17-plus percent increase in school bus output reported for 2022-2023. The slight dip in total numbers came in at 37,624 units, 2,928 of which were electric school buses.
Already the market share leader in propane, Blue Bird minimally benefited last year by competitors IC Bus and Thomas Built Buses no longer having an option to offer school districts and bus companies. Still, propane increased by 144 units to 1,958. Cummins announced last year it would not bring a propane version of its fuel agnostic engine to market, though it will offer gasoline starting next year. The survey data does not reflect any mass migration from one manufacturer to another in search of a propane option or to its gasoline relative.
Meanwhile, there was a significant jump in Type A production, as output spiked by 25 percent year-over year to 8,538 vehicles. One reason school districts embraced Type A over the past year could be the ongoing trend of finding a work-around to a lack of CDL school bus drivers. It could also reflect an easing of previous cutaway chassis shortages.
Overall, Type Cs continued to be the most specified school bus at 26,098 units, but that represented an over 10 percent decrease from 2022-2023 numbers. Type D increased 3,004 units from the previous figure of 2,601.
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the School Transportation News 2025 Buyer’s Guide.
It was a packed year for School Transportation News magazine. Tony and Ryan review the top article in each monthly issue and what student transporters have to say about their operations and challenges.
Electric school buses and mitigating school bus related incidents were among the most popular articles in School Transportation News magazine during 2024.
2024’s round-up recognized nurturing positive student behavior in “Effective Management Strategies” (January), “What’s Your School Bus Driver Salary” (July), “Breakdown of the RFP Process” (March) and Transportation Director of the Year (November), which went to Craig Beaver, who has been in the student transportation industry for 25 years.
Meanwhile, school districts nationwide are still struggling with a lack of school bus drivers to cover all routes, while transportation professionals continue to promote solutions, effective management strategies, and safety for students in and out of school buses. Additionally, professionals are continuously looking for better routing alternatives, technology integration to training, and encouraging participation in training and creating emergency evacuation plans to mitigate risks in case of emergencies.
STN is reporting on the top-viewed story of each monthly magazine edition.
The following news articles are organized by month of publishing.
January – Nurturing Positive Student Behavior – Effective Management Strategies (TL)
The article focuses on the importance of student behavior management and how it is crucial for ensuring safe and enjoyable transportation to all students. The first step provided to manage student behavior is to establish clear expectations, which can include rules regarding noise levels, seat assignments, bullying prevention and reporting, and appropriate usage of language. Additionally, other approaches to foster positive student behaviors on school buses include developing behavior guidelines that can not only be communicated to students but to parents as well. Lastly, various steps are provided for successful student management. These steps are: clear expectations and rules, positive reinforcement, managing negative student behavior, communication and partnership, training and support, and education and awareness.
February – Investing in the People
“While technological solutions are constantly evolving to protect children at school bus stops, proper training of all stakeholders should take precedent.” The article addresses the amount of responsibility school bus drivers have and emphasizes the importance of proper training. Denny Coughlin, president of School Bus Training Company, shared the importance of training school bus drivers particularly in school bus loading and unloading practices. Coughlin added how crucial it is the need to train students and parents on what to do at bus stops. Additionally, he explained that a school bus driver must always be in charge at the stops, instructing the children on when they should and should not cross. Furthermore, Coughlin stated that school bus safety training of students should start at the beginning of the school year. Wayne Reese, a transportation and logistic administrator for Cache County and Logan School District in Utah also shared thoughts on school transportation and shared how loading and unloading training available has greatly improved since he started in the industry 38 years ago. Lastly, even though new technology is helping supplement the duties of a school bus driver, it should never replace training.
March – Breakdown of the RFP Process
The article recounts the process transportation departments go through when purchasing buses, working with a contractor or buying transportation technology. Subsequently, it explains the use of a Request for Proposal or Request for Procurement (RFP), or Request for Information (RFI). Various transportation professionals shared their input on RFPs and RFIs. For instance, Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, chief support service officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools, shared that it is essential for an RFP to meet your operation’s goals and needs. She also emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions. Meanwhile, Robert Feinberg, transportation director for Deer Creek School District in Oklahoma stated that, while he was looking for vans, SUVs and cars to add to his fleet, the efficiency of the process depends on taking the time to make sure the RFP exactly outlines the district’s needs. Ultimately, the article highlights that while each RFP process will look different based on the district and fleet size, state regulations, infrastructure needs and technology, best practices can greatly aid student transportation professionals in creating a request that will get there exactly what they need in the timeframe required.
April – Lessons Learned
Operations discuss rolling out electric school buses secured with Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) funds. More electric school buses hit the road this winter thanks to the first round of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Program funding. This program promises $5 billion between fiscal years 2022 and 2026 to fund approximately 5,000 clean and zero-emissions buses across 600 school districts. One of these districts is Chickasaw County School District in Mississippi, which received $4.345 million in rebates, $220,000 for 11 chargers and the rest for 11 Jouley electric buses from Thomas Built Buses. Electric buses now make up more than one-third of the district’s total fleet of 28 buses. Meanwhile, another small school district, Caney Valley School in Kansas, used a $790,000 rebate to purchase two electric buses and a 60-kW dual port charger that can power both vehicles at once if needed. The article highlights how the CSBP is a great way for districts to take a step into electrifying their fleets.
May – In Case of an Emergency
For the past 30 years, School Transportation News has reported on a wide spectrum of student transportation-related incidents including school bus crashes, weapons and aggressive behavior on board the bus, fire and illegal passing, to name a few. This article explains that, while different factors can contribute to any of the previously mentioned situations, training and protocols exist for school districts to implement, in order to best prepare their transportation staff for effective and safe incident management. Lastly, the article highlights the importance of detailed planning, frequent training, collaboration with first responders, and communication response protocols, to prepare transportation departments in the event of any school bus-related incident.
June – Anyone Can Achieve a Greener Fleet
Many are quick to dismiss the idea of going electric due to different challenges they may face, such as their district being too small or routes being too long. This article highlights the experiences of transportation experts who share how no project should be dismissed simply because of preconceived notions. Kenni Jean Schrader from Three Rivers Community Schools in Michigan shared that ”there are going to be some instances where going 100 percent EV may not be the best idea for you. But if you can look at the challenge and problem solve that, rather than just saying, ‘No, I can’t, you’re going to open up a lot more opportunities.” Various school districts have taken the electric route, some larger like Monongalia County School District in West Virginia, Los Angeles Unified School District and other smaller districts. Nevertheless, this does not mean going fully electric today may be an option for certain districts, or that the process will be easy. However, it’s about being open to the idea that there are ways to incorporate zero emissions into a district’s bus fleets.
July – Trends: What’s Your School Bus Driver Salary? + What’s Your Solution? School Transportation News surveyed 209 school districts in the contiguous 48 states to determine average starting and maximum school bus driver hour wages. A chart breaks up the data by region. In this article, transportation directors nationwide shared their input on what they perceive as contributing to the ongoing driver shortage and how to best promote the job. Is the answer more pay? That seemed to be the case prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, times are changing and people in general are also valuing culture, safety and time. One director of transportation summed it up well when stating that more and more districts are trying to look at ways to improve morale and offer more thank-you bonuses to assist in recruitment.
August – What’s Driving Electric School Buses?
This article focuses on important distinctions in vehicle components that have been brought about by the movement toward electric vehicles. There are some primary differences between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, including the battery packs powering the vehicle, followed by the replacement of the engine and traditional transmission with electric drivetrains. The article also highlights the advantages and downfalls of multiple battery options, technology and performance. Ultimately, as noted by Darren Liu, Accelera’s executive director of battery, while electric vehicle technology matures, the current variety in approaches is understandable and regardless of the technology used in an individual component, the performance of the overall system is what matters most to a school district.
September – Accounted For?
School bus loading and unloading has historically been a safety risk for many students, leading to injuries and death. While numbers have decreased over the decades, experts point out one incident is one too many. This article highlights how technology integrated into training can help school bus drivers detect students at school bus stops as well as those who remain on board after routes end. Motorists illegally passing school buses is a big factor that contributes to these tragedies. Weather and road conditions can also influence and even suspend bus routes. A lack of drivers can create other safety concerns. Consultant Dick Fisher noted that school districts are responding by making students walk further to a bus stop to save time and crossing the roadway before the bus arrives. Kaitlynne Monaghan, Child Check Mate business development and inside sales manager, stated that the peak times when incidents occur are around afternoon pickups, at the start of the school year, holidays and daylight saving time. Transportation professionals have suggested various student detection solutions to help mitigate these risks.
October – Changing, Correcting Bell Times Can Have Positive Effect on Routing
There may be no perfect solution when it comes to routing. As can be painfully clear to all concerned, the narrow timeframes for morning and afternoon operations leave little margin for error. At the same time, requirements such as serving students with special needs plus school bus driver shortages add even higher degrees of difficulty. This article highlights how changing bell times has brought greater efficiency to the routing process for some school districts. Additionally, with special needs populations, which pose their own set of challenges, restructuring bell time can be a plus. Whether it is an effort to improve overall routing or enhance services to students with special needs, the process requires a cooperative approach as well as a measure of thick skin. The article presents steps for addressing changing bell times and acknowledges that districts may face challenges in attempting to do so.
November – Going Big
This article features Transportation Director of the Year Craig Beaver as he shares lessons learned from Oregon’s largest electric school bus deployment yet. After starting his transportation career with a trucking company, Beaver joined Grossmont High School District in San Diego, California, where he spent 15 years as director of transportation before retiring. Beaver saw a job available at Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, where he is currently employed, decided to move with his family and the rest is history, as they say. One of Beaver’s claims to fame – and the reason he was selected as this year’s Transportation Director of the Year – is his willingness to share information with his peers. Every month he publishes data on his alternative fuel and energy buses, reflecting reduction in emissions, performance and vehicle costs. Beaver is going on his 40th year working in transportation, in one form or another. It’s his 25th year working in student transportation. In addition, Beaver noted his continued goal is to educate himself as much as possible.
The 2024 holiday season featured celebrations that included Stuff-the-Bus drives for local communities, appreciation events for transportation staff, and lots of decorated school buses. Click through the gallery of photos below.
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DMJ Transportation in Pennsylvania thanked its employees for donating to the Toys for Children Program, organized by the Mount Pleasant Area Student Council. “With the help of our donations, the MPASD will be able to provide gifts for 100 children…We’re thankful we were able to give back to the students we transport this Holiday season!”
DMJ Transportation in Pennsylvania thanked its employees for donating to the Toys for Children Program, organized by the Mount Pleasant Area Student Council. “With the help of our donations, the MPASD will be able to provide gifts for 100 children…We’re thankful we were able to give back to the students we transport this Holiday season!”
DMJ Transportation in Pennsylvania thanked its employees for donating to the Toys for Children Program, organized by the Mount Pleasant Area Student Council. “With the help of our donations, the MPASD will be able to provide gifts for 100 children…We’re thankful we were able to give back to the students we transport this Holiday season!”
DMJ Transportation in Pennsylvania thanked its employees for donating to the Toys for Children Program, organized by the Mount Pleasant Area Student Council. “With the help of our donations, the MPASD will be able to provide gifts for 100 children…We’re thankful we were able to give back to the students we transport this Holiday season!”
DMJ Transportation in Pennsylvania thanked its employees for donating to the Toys for Children Program, organized by the Mount Pleasant Area Student Council. “With the help of our donations, the MPASD will be able to provide gifts for 100 children…We’re thankful we were able to give back to the students we transport this Holiday season!”
DMJ Transportation in Pennsylvania thanked its employees for donating to the Toys for Children Program, organized by the Mount Pleasant Area Student Council. “With the help of our donations, the MPASD will be able to provide gifts for 100 children…We’re thankful we were able to give back to the students we transport this Holiday season!”
Greenview Local Schools in Ohio shared these photos of the school bus that was in their local Christmas parade
Greenview Local Schools in Ohio shared these photos of the school bus that was in their local Christmas parade
Greenview Local Schools in Ohio shared these photos of the school bus that was in their local Christmas parade
Greenview Local Schools in Ohio shared these photos of the school bus that was in their local Christmas parade
At Hurricane Creek Elementary in Arkansas, school teachers rode on Bryant Public Schools Transportation school buses to carol in local neighborhoods.
At Hurricane Creek Elementary in Arkansas, school teachers rode on Bryant Public Schools Transportation school buses to carol in local neighborhoods.
At Hurricane Creek Elementary in Arkansas, school teachers rode on Bryant Public Schools Transportation school buses to carol in local neighborhoods.
Jordan School District surprised students with a visit from “Santa Claus” who was really school bus driver, Jon Jones. “Santa left his sleigh and reindeer behind to transport students to school, even stopping to have his picture taken with some students from Falcon Ridge Elementary School who happen to be riding the school bus,” said the Utah district.
Jordan School District surprised students with a visit from “Santa Claus” who was really school bus driver, Jon Jones. “Santa left his sleigh and reindeer behind to transport students to school, even stopping to have his picture taken with some students from Falcon Ridge Elementary School who happen to be riding the school bus,” said the Utah district.
Jordan School District surprised students with a visit from “Santa Claus” who was really school bus driver, Jon Jones. “Santa left his sleigh and reindeer behind to transport students to school, even stopping to have his picture taken with some students from Falcon Ridge Elementary School who happen to be riding the school bus,” said the Utah district.
Lamar County School District Transportation in Mississippi shared photos from their 2024 Christmas school bus decorating contest
Lamar County School District Transportation in Mississippi shared photos from their 2024 Christmas school bus decorating contest
Lamar County School District Transportation in Mississippi shared photos from their 2024 Christmas school bus decorating contest
Lamar County School District Transportation in Mississippi shared photos from their 2024 Christmas school bus decorating contest
Lamar County School District Transportation in Mississippi shared photos from their 2024 Christmas school bus decorating contest
Lamar County School District Transportation in Mississippi shared photos from their 2024 Christmas school bus decorating contest
Bill Wen, senior director of transportation services at Orange County Public Schools in Florida, sent this photo of the fleet celebrating the holiday season
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind said their students participated in the local Christmas parade in a decorated residential activity bus
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind said their students participated in the local Christmas parade in a decorated residential activity bus
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind said their students participated in the local Christmas parade in a decorated residential activity bus
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind said their students participated in the local Christmas parade in a decorated residential activity bus
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind said their students participated in the local Christmas parade in a decorated residential activity bus
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind said their students participated in the local Christmas parade in a decorated residential activity bus
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Student Transportation of America highlighted Massachusetts school bus and charter bus service company, Five Star Bus for their participation in the WCOD 29th Annual Cape Cod Stuff-A-Bus event.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch. (Photo from Stanly County Schools Facebook page)
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
Stanly County Schools in North Carolina hosted an appreciation breakfast for their school bus drivers that featured a visit from the Grinch.
A 7-year-old boy from London, Ontario, was struck and fatally injured in a collision as he was getting off his school bus, reported CBC News.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday afternoon, when the boy identified as Dante Caranci, was exiting his school bus and a passing vehicle struck him.
According to the news report, Caranci was rushed to London’s Victoria Hospital following the crash and was pronounced dead on Tuesday. London Police have not released many details of the crash.
A GoFundMe launched to help cover funeral costs and any other expenses had reportedly raised more than $91,000 as of Wednesday.
Police have not stated if charges are pending in the collision, and few details have been made public. Judy Madzia, the boy’s grandmother, told local news reporters that she had not seen any police report and was still unsure exactly what had happened.
Authorities have reportedly asked anyone with a dash cam who may have been traveling through the area between 3:45 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. to contact them.
Two Cooper High School students ended up heroes for jumping into action after their bus driver suffered a medical emergency, reported WCPO News.
The incident reportedly occurred Wednesday morning, when the school bus driver was transporting students.
According to the news report, Karter Dearwester, who was inside the bus at the time of the incident along with his friend Micah Jones, noticed their bus was getting too close to a mailbox.
Dearwester told local news reporters that the school bus driver was slumped over the wheel and seemed to have passed out. The teen immediately woke up Jones, who quickly got up, pushed the brakes of the bus and then removed the keys from the ignition.
According to the article, Jones checked their school bus driver’s pulse while Dearwester called first responders.
Authorities say via news reports that the school bus left the road and collided with several trees in the backyard of a home.
The boys said they recall there was a lot of screaming coming from the back of the school bus as not many students had reportedly sat in the front. The teens helped the other students, as police and other emergency crews began to arrive.
The school bus driver was rushed to the ICU and three students were reportedly hospitalized in unknown conditions. The quick actions of the two boys received praise from their principal Mike Wilson.
Wilson told local news reporters that they had no updates on the driver’s condition other than he is in stable condition and everyone at Cooper is praying for a full recovery.
A $2 million grant has been awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to improve commercial driver license testing in New Jersey.
The funds were allocated to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) to “launch a mobile CDL testing program, improve outreach to customers and stakeholders in the commercial driving industry, and upgrade existing CDL skills test sites,” as described in a NJMVC news release.
The program will involve two specialized teams that will travel to remote sites in New Jersey and offer CDL skills and knowledge tests. It will be a large-scale initiative that is being coordinated with over 550 statewide districts and driving schools to make CDL testing more accessible to applicants in more rural and underserved parts of the state.
The inspiration for this program came from the popularity of the NJMVC’s Mobile Unit program that followed a similar blueprint of bringing non-driver IDs, driver license renewals, REAL IDs, registration renewals, and other related services to state’s residents, to aid accessibility and convenience.
The NJMVC stated that funding will also be used to aid outreach with stakeholders in the heavy-duty vehicle industry and to promote CDL training in communities. Another target of improvement will be the testing process itself, which will be upgraded to “ensure a safe testing flow, increase testing capacity, and optimize courses for larger commercial vehicles” in accordance with FMCSA and American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration standards.
“By receiving $2 million through the CDLPI grant, drivers across our state will have better access to training materials and testing availabilities, enhancing the safety and preparedness of our workforce on the road,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “This investment reflects our commitment to building a stronger and safer driving community in New Jersey.”
The awarding of funds was recognized at a Delanco, New Jersey road test facility on Nov. 1 during a press conference featuring government and industry representatives.
NJMVC Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-said at the conference that the program will assist with meeting industry demands as well as provide jobs for individuals in marginalized communities. Assemblywoman Andrea Katz addressed the school bus driver shortage in the state, saying that while it’s improving it’s vital to ensure there are enough people to transport students in rural areas that often require longer routes to and from school.
Dan Jauch, president of the New Jersey School Bus Contractor’s Association and vice president of operations at Krapf Bus, said the program will improve efficiency for contractors and that a bulk testing program “demonstrates a thoughtful response to the unique needs of the school bus contractors across out state.”
Vinn White, who had previously served as a senior advisor to Gov. Murphy on transportation and mobility policy and is now the Deputy Administrator of the FMCSA spoke on the benefits of the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) Grant program, from which the funds for the New Jersey mobile CDL testing program are a part of. Overall, he said grant funds help to support the industry, the national economy and encourage individuals to get their CDL license which can aid multiple fields experiencing shortages.
“We know that it can be difficult to access this testing in rural parts of New Jersey and that’s why bringing this to the community is so important,” said White. “FMCSA is proud to invest in Americans breaking down barriers who are working and trying to earn their CDL.”
The school bus transportation industry has long grappled with a persistent challenge: A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. Despite the critical role these professionals play in ensuring student safety and access to education, many school districts struggle to recruit and retain enough school bus drivers to meet demand not to mention other employees.
However, with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, a new opportunity for outreach and recruitment has emerged. But this trend is not without its complications.
A New Era of Storytelling
Social media has transformed from a space for personal expression to a powerful marketing and engagement tool. TikTok, once synonymous with dance trends and lip-sync videos, is now a hub for creative content across industries. Businesses big and small use the platform for everything from showcasing products to building brands via influencers, other users who have amassed large followings. The school transportation industry is no exception.
School bus drivers have taken to TikTok to share their experiences, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a driver. Using hashtags like #schoolbusconversation, drivers showcase their passion for the job, hoping to inspire others to join the profession.
One standout influencer is Cor’Darius Jones, known by his handle Mr. Bus Driver. He has amassed over 61,000 followers to date on his TikTok channel by sharing engaging and informative content about school buses and driving them. (He is also on Instagram and Facebook.)
As an employee of Escambia County Schools, located on Florida’s panhandle and serving the Pensacola area, Jones has not only captured the hearts of viewers but also caught the attention of industry leaders, including IC Bus, which sponsors his content.
Jones’ videos extend beyond his daily routes. He attends trade shows, engages with industry professionals, and promotes the role of school bus drivers as an essential part of the education system. Notably, Jones will be speaking at the STN EXPO East near Charlotte, North Carolina, in March. He will join a panel discussion that will share insights on using social media as a recruitment and advocacy tool for the school transportation industry.
Jones said Escambia County Schools is aware of his social media work and has been supportive of the content.
Cor’Darius “Mr. Bus Driver” Jones takes his social media viewers on a tour of his school bus.
“A lot of times my higher-ups give me ideas for a funny video to create,” he explained. “At first, I didn’t know how my district would take it, being that I was filming on the bus and making jokes about the job while still trying to make an informative message, but they started to follow and absolutely love the content. They look forward to every video I create.”
Jones said his journey into social media began during his second year as a school bus driver.
“I started the page going into my second year of driving and was giving everyone an inside look at what it’s like being a bus driver for different grade levels,” he recalled. “The post went viral on [Facebook], gaining over 500,000 views within the first week. People — parents, students, bus drivers, teachers, school staff, a ton of people — would message me to make more videos, and that’s what led to creating the Mr. Bus Driver page. I would just post day-to-day life. The most relatable part is that it’s very much true and has happened to me and a ton of other drivers.”
His partnership with IC Bus, the manufacturer of the vehicle he drives everyday, and collaboration with school district officials exemplifies how social media can be leveraged to address driver shortages by highlighting the job’s rewarding aspects, as well as the universal experiences that resonate with the broader community.
“When we came across Cor’Darius Jones, more widely known as Mr. Bus Driver, it was clear he was a champion of student safety and the driver community in his own right,” commented Christy Zukowski, the senior marketing manager for IC Bus. “Those who have seen Mr. Bus Driver’s videos on their social feeds know that his passion for his career as a driver is contagious. With his unique ability to educate, entertain and connect while spreading awareness of the importance of safety best practices, Mr. Bus Driver is an empowering voice in the industry and an admirable example of the dedicated drivers who keep us moving forward.”
IC Bus sponsors Cor’Darius “Mr. Bus Driver” Jones and brings him to industry trade shows, where he interviews student transporters on a podcast.
Navigating the Challenges
While influencers like Jones have received district support and industry backing, not all school bus drivers receive the same level of oversight — or approval — for their social media activities. The integration of government property and social media monetization raises questions about ethics and compliance.
A transportation director from a school district in the western U.S. speaking anonymously to School Transportation News expressed concern over school bus drivers creating TikTok videos without the district’s knowledge.
Like many government agencies, the director noted, transportation staff does not have access to TikTok. “So, this was not something we were monitoring,” the director added. “There are issues with broadcasting on social media in uniform, using district equipment, acting as a spokesperson without authorization, and generating revenue while on paid status.”
The director revealed that one school bus driver had been filming TikTok videos while wearing a uniform with the school district logo visible despite an attempt to obscure it. This implied, the director explained, that the driver in question was officially representing the district without having prior permission to film content. Upon discovering the videos, transportation department management addressed the issue directly with the driver as well as others, instructing them to take down any content that might appear to represent the district.
“It’s important to ensure that employees don’t unintentionally present themselves as spokespersons for the district without authorization,” the director emphasized.
The challenges outlined in this scenario highlight a key tension: While these videos can inspire and educate, they also risk crossing professional and legal boundaries. School buses are government property, and filming content for personal or financial gain without explicit consent could violate district policies or government regulations. Moreover, the perception of using public resources for private profit can risk the reputations of school bus drivers and their school district or bus company employers. Clear communication and well-defined policies are essential to navigating these challenges.
STN reviewed dozens of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos posted by school bus drivers. Many of them made attempts, not all successful, to obstruct or blur any identifying district names or logos on uniforms. Videos included school bus drivers talking about their jobs and experiences while seated behind the wheel, performing pre-trip inspections, and even driving the vehicle with students on board. Any students were blurred out, and at least one post appeared to use interior school bus camera video footage.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Social media’s potential to promote the profession and recruit new drivers is undeniable. Videos showcasing the camaraderie, dedication and unique aspects of the job can counter misconceptions and attract individuals who otherwise might not have considered the role. Drivers like Cor’Darius “Mr. Bus Driver” Jones demonstrate that with proper support and guidance, social media can be a valuable tool for advocacy and outreach.
However, districts must address the potential pitfalls. Without clear policies and communication, drivers may unintentionally breach regulations or face disciplinary actions. Establishing guidelines around social media use, including seeking prior approval for content involving district equipment, could help strike a balance between creativity and compliance.
However, the future of TikTok, one of the most influential platforms for creators and businesses alike, remains uncertain. The app has faced ongoing legal battles and scrutiny, with federal and state governments questioning its data privacy practices and connections to its parent company, ByteDance, in China. These concerns have led to restrictions on TikTok’s use on government devices and recurring threats of a nationwide ban.
President-elect Donald Trump will take office a day after a Biden administration ban is set to take effect. While Trump previously sought to ban the app due to national security concerns, he now said he acknowledges the platform’s significance as a cultural and economic influencer. He has suggested the possibility of maintaining TikTok under stricter regulations to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and protect user data, offering a lifeline to a platform that continues to thrive amid legal and political uncertainty.
This past week, the U.S. Supreme Court said it will take up the case on Jan. 10 and will not block TikTok while it considers the issue.
Regardless, district leaders and transportation directors generally lack access to TikTok today, making it difficult to monitor or even be aware of the content their drivers are creating. This limitation further complicates oversight and highlights the importance of proactive communication between drivers and their supervisors.
But without access to TikTok and other social media services, district leaders may miss opportunities to guide or support school bus drivers who are using the platform to share their experiences. Additionally, the inability to monitor content means districts are often unaware of potential compliance issues, such as filming during work hours, using district equipment, or presenting themselves as spokespersons without authorization. Addressing these gaps requires clear policies and training, ensuring drivers understand the boundaries of their creative freedom while still leveraging social media to inspire and educate.
To fully harness the benefits of social media while mitigating risks, collaboration between drivers, districts, and industry leaders is essential. Districts should consider the following steps:
Develop Clear Policies: Provide written guidelines on social media use, including what is permissible when using district property or uniforms.
Training and Communication: Offer training sessions on responsible social media practices, ensuring drivers understand the potential legal and ethical implications.
Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between drivers and district officials to align content creation with district goals and recruitment efforts.
The passion and creativity of school bus drivers have the potential to reshape perceptions of the profession and address critical driver shortages. By establishing clear boundaries and fostering open communication, districts can support drivers in sharing their stories while maintaining professionalism and integrity. Social media is a powerful tool, when used responsibly or not. It can bring much-needed attention to the essential work of school bus drivers and inspire the next generation to join their ranks.
Despite the controversies, TikTok and other social media sites remain powerful tools for promoting small and large businesses and enabling content creators to connect with audiences worldwide. For school bus drivers and other professionals, it has provided a unique avenue to inspire change and attract talent to under-appreciated roles. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future highlights the need for districts to remain vigilant, crafting adaptable policies to maximize its benefits while navigating potential risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In addition to being a frequent STN contributor, S.Z. Estavillo is a social media professional and consultant with over 90,000 followers across her various channels.
For the small businesses supporting school transportation, the Corporate Transparency Act may be more than a speed bump in 2025.
In hopes of preventing criminals from hiding illegal acts through corporate anonymity, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act in 2021, sandwiched into a larger 1,482-page defense bill. The law initially took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, requiring companies to disclose stakeholder information to the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1, 2025.
In an order that called the law outright Orwellian, however, a federal judge on Dec. 3 granted an injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced — a decision that U.S. attorneys quickly appealed, putting the fate of the act in legal limbo.
If the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the lower court’s decision, the Corporate Transparency Act will become a thing of the past. But if the appeals court overturns the injunction, businesses may have to file the required benefit ownership report very quickly.
While the federal judge in Texas granted an injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced, a federal judge in Oregon denied a similar request in September, which will be reviewed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Parties often ask the U.S. Supreme court to review split decisions among appeals court, but since the high court holds arguments for less than 1 percent of the cases submitted, it is impossible to know whether it will step in.
In the meantime, small businesses should keep the law on their radar. If it is revived, failure to report required information could result in $591 fines per day of violation as well as up to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in penalties.
“In a limbo like this the best practice is to be ready to file,” said Megan Henderson, an attorney at the Longmont, Colorado firm Lyons and Gaddis.
Specializing in real estate and business transactions, Henderson said she spent much of the past year advising clients on becoming compliant under the Corporate Transparency Act.
Most businesses that filed paperwork with their state to become incorporated would be required to disclose their beneficial owners with the federal government, but exemptions abound. One big carve out is for larger companies generating more than $5 million in gross receipts annually. The umbrella of “beneficial owners” might be broader than some people think and covering not just owners but indispensable managers as well.
FinCEN published a brief guide to help businesses navigate the requirements. While neither a lawyer nor an accountant is required to file the paperwork, the process can seem daunting, especially for mom and pop establishments with limited time and resources.
“It’s going to impact the contractors that service the school districts,” said Chris Wojciechowski, an accountant at the Bonadio Group in Rochester, New York.
Wojciechowski said the regulation is more burdensome to small businesses with fewer resources.
“There’s such a tight timeline regarding compliance,” he continued. “So how is our businesses going to deal with this? They’re going to have to be nimble and be on top of the transition if they turn the law back on.”
Even if the Corporate Transparency Act is ultimately defeated in the courts, businesses should still be on the lookout for similar legislation at the state level. One of the first copycat laws comes from New York lawmakers, requiring companies to report ownership by Jan. 1, 2026.
“It’s tricky because every state has their own regulations. I’ve seen companies who operate in one state come to another state and get slapped pretty hard with fines because they did not dig deep into the state regulations for school buses in that state,” said Mark Szyperski, president of On Your Mark Transportation, a consultancy firm based in Nashville, Tennessee.
For Szyperski, who grew up on the seat of his father’s Greyhound bus between Bay City and Detroit, Michigan, transportation is a family business.
Upon entering a new state, Szyperski said he often arranges to speak with the state’s school bus administrator to go over the basics. To be ready for the court’s outcome on the Corporate Transparency Act, he set up a Google alert and included news of the injunction in his newsletter.
“People need to be aware that [the injunction] could be overturned and then you best be getting ready to put the information into the system,” he said.
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