With the increased usage of non-yellow vehicles transporting students, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) released a position paper that stated in no uncertain terms, vans and other alternative transportation vehicles should not be used in place of school buses.

“Using vehicles other than school buses compromises student safety and heightens the potential for disastrous crashes with student injuries and fatalities,” stated the guidance issued Wednesday. “Thus, alternative transportation should be avoided except when completely necessary to meet specific students’ school transportation needs and when proper oversight and safety regulations are established.”

Still, NASPDTS recognized that many school districts nationwide are actively using vans and alternative transportation services. NASDPTS said the the purpose of the document is to serve as a guide in response to the “ever-expanding” need for alternative transportation services for student populations and as a resource for districts looking to utilize non- yellow vehicles.

The paper referenced the congressional School Bus Safety Amendments of 1974 [Title II –  School Bus Safety of Public Law 93-492] of that resulted in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) issuance of safety standards that applied to all school buses built starting in April 1977. It also created regulations for school bus driver training and licensing to ensure that school buses would be a safer means of transportation than a standard passenger vehicle.

NASPDTS also quoted a 2002 NHTSA research document on School Bus Crashworthiness. “American students are nearly eight times safer riding in a school bus than with their own parents or guardians in cars. The fatality rate for school buses is only 0.2 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) compared to 1.5 fatalities per 100 million VMT for cars,” the report reads in part.

NASDPTS listed multiple safety features of the yellow school bus, including its high visibility iconic yellow color, compartmentalization of students in padded and high seat backs, large vehicle size that reduces crash forces on passengers, emergency exits, rollover protection, child restraint systems, stop arms, and other FMVSS standards that increase the safety of students onboard the bus.

“According to NHTSA, these standards and regulations are why students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of a car,” stated the report, noting the safety records of school buses versus other vehicles. “The impressive safety standards indicate that the school bus should always be the first option for transporting students, with every effort to make that form of transportation occur.”

A definition of alternative transportation was “defined as the transportation of students in any vehicle that is not a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)-defined school bus, Multifunction School Activity Bus (MFSAB), Commercial Motor Coach, or Transit Bus defined by the Federal Transit administration (FTA).” The position paper noted that the increased demand for these van and passenger car vehicles is due in part to high demand for transporting students protected by McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and students with disabilities who have individualized education programs, the ever-present driver shortage, and “less stringent” driver and vehicle requirements. To meet this demand, a growing market has emerged.

As also noted by the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s statement on this topic last year, NASDPTS expressed concern about the lack of safety requirements for alternative vehicles as well as the individuals driving them. These concerns include drivers not being required to possess a CDL, which could then enable them to bypass federally required criminal background checks, regular physical fitness examinations, and annual alcohol and drug testing, extensive training, certification and “continuous reviews for disqualifying driving infractions.”

Questions also arise such as are vans being serviced regularly? Are they outfitted with the latest safety equipment? Are they undergoing similar vehicle inspections as school buses?

The guidance for drivers of alternative transportation vehicles included recommended background checks, child protective clearances, emergency training procedures, vetted license and driving history credentials, annual training, drug and alcohol testing, regular physicals to ensure medical fitness to transport students, restriction of use of mobile devices, special training if transporting a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Vehicles themselves should be equipped with signage to identify it as a student transportation vehicle, be regularly inspected to ensure proper functionality and safety and include necessary safety equipment.

Federal laws clarify that a vehicle transporting 11 or more persons, including the driver, is classified as a bus and then as a school bus, “if it is used, or intended for use, in transporting students to and from school or school-related activities.” The paper continued that federal law also prohibits school districts and county and state governments from renting, leasing or purchasing new 11-15 passenger vans that don’t meet FMVSS school bus or multifunction school activity bus standards for the purpose of transporting students to and from school or school related activities.

While the position paper looks to state and local government to regulate the use of a vehicle after its sold, it notes examples of van manufacturers providing written notification to their dealers on the prohibition of selling such vehicles to school districts. In some cases, a federal certification label of “Not School Bus” is affixed. NASDPTS also noted that this regulation does not currently extend to used vans.

The paper continued that vehicle dealers might be ignorant of these regulations or ignore them. Either way, a “non-conforming” full-sized van that has not been built to meet FMVSS school bus safety standards and is involved in a crash could leave the operating school district or transportation company liable for damages and could impact insurance coverage, depending on the policy. NASPDTS also noted that NHTSA has investigated and subsequently fined dealers that it found violated the law and sold vans to school districts, an action NASDPTS said it supports and encourages people to report sale or lease violations.

A letter from NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to chief state highway officials on Dec. 2, 2010, included observations on the lack of certain safety features on vans, as well as recommended alerts on safety related hazards to be sent to owners of passenger vans and vehicle inspectors.

“In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all [state] commissioners that pre-primary, elementary and secondary schools should not use 12 or 15-passenger vans for transporting students because they do not provide the same level of safety as school buses meeting NHTSA’s safety standards,” the letter stated.

While NASDPTS recognized that a school bus may not always be the most feasible method of transportation, it emphasized the importance of preventing the use of non-conforming vans through strict state requirements that vans meet school bus structural and safety standards.

The NASDPTS paper included an analysis of state laws regarding the use of alternative vehicles. A survey to all 50 states asked if the state has “school transportation laws regarding the use of 12 and 15- passenger vans for travel to and from school?” Twelve states said no, with the rest saying yes. The survey also asked if there were state laws regarding the use of 12- and 15- passenger vans for travel to and from school-related events, to which 13 states said no.

NASDPTS added that states should “enact regulatory measures to enforce compliance with the revised statutes.” They also noted that school districts are sometimes unaware of these regulations and that a combined effort between “state and local student transportation officials, state associations, insurance companies, van manufacturers, automobile dealers, and rental car companies” to inform districts on laws regarding the purchase of vans to transport students as well as safety liabilities is recommended.

NASDPTS President Mike Stier thanked President-Elect Tyler Bryan and his committee for their extensive work on the paper.

Related: TSD Panel Offers Necessary Considerations When Selecting Alternative Transportation
Related: January 2025 Magazine Digital Edition
Related: Delaware’s Bryan Named President-Elect of NASDPTS
Related: NAPT Statement Provides Recommendations for Alternative Transportation

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DENVER — EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, is proud to announce its expansion into Minnesota, offering cutting-edge technology and simplified operations to school districts and non-profits across the state. This expansion marks EverDriven’s entry into its 34th state.

With nearly 700 school district contracts nationwide, EverDriven continues to redefine student transportation by addressing critical challenges such as bus driver shortages, long commute times, and the unique needs of vulnerable student populations. This expansion into Minnesota ensures students with unique needs, disabilities, or experiencing homelessness have access to safe, reliable rides to school.

“As we grow, we’re excited to bring our solutions to new communities and create opportunities for students and their families,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “We look forward to partnering with school districts across Minnesota to ensure every student, regardless of their circumstances, has a dependable way to safely get to school and unlock their full potential.”

Data from a 2024 report from Minnesota Alliance With Youth shows a decline in attendance rates post-pandemic, affecting local student outcomes and graduation rates. Further, Playworks Minnesota describes chronic absenteeism as a serious issue in Minnesota schools, with one in four students regularly missing class. Accessible transportation solutions, like those offered by EverDriven, play a critical role in addressing chronic absenteeism by reducing barriers to attendance.

EverDriven’s entry into Minnesota includes key offerings such as its industry-leading District Portal, EverDriven Camera Solution, and enhanced VIP app for parents and school staff, ensuring safety and transparency at every turn.

“Our technology and services aim to alleviate some of the transportation challenges districts face today,” said Bowling. “Our EverDriven Camera Solution provides high-resolution interior and exterior recordings with secure access for authorized personnel, while the upgraded VIP app and District Portal offer GPS-enabled trip updates, driver information, and streamlined operations for districts and schools. EverDriven ensures a secure and efficient experience from start to finish.”

Minnesota’s school districts are now positioned to benefit from EverDriven’s tailored approach, which includes specialized services for students with unique needs, those under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, foster care, and out-of-district placements. By partnering with EverDriven, districts gain a trusted ally in reducing chronic absenteeism and ensuring every student has access to learning opportunities.

To learn more about EverDriven and how its solutions are transforming student transportation, visit https://www.everdriven.com/technology/.

About EverDriven

EverDriven is the leader in Alternative Student Transportation for school districts nationwide. With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 students served last year alone, EverDriven has established itself as a nationwide leader in safety and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, helping reduce chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

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A kindergartener is in the hospital after being struck by a truck while exiting his school bus in Missouri, reported KFVS News.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday Jan.13, when the 6-year-old, who was not identified at this writing, was getting off the school bus and was hit by a passing vehicle.

According to the news report, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) responded to the crash. Officers said via the article that a 19-year-old man was driving his truck southbound when he tried to stop, but his vehicle began sliding. That’s when he hit the 6-year-old.

When EMS arrived at the scene of the incident, Stg. Clark Parrott from the MSHP reportedly stated the child was conscious and alert.

The child’s father told local news reporters his son had a broken pelvis and a broken femur due to the incident. Additionally, the child had a small bleed on his brain that doctors were keeping an eye on.

Related: 5-Year-Old Hit by Car While Running to Catch School Bus in Utah
Related: 8-Year-Old Pedestrian Hit by School Bus Near San Antonio, Texas
Related: Missouri Student Struck, Killed By School Bus
Related: 9-year-old Boy Struck by SUV While Waiting for School Bus

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The Transportation Director (TD) Summit is coming to North Carolina for the first time during the debut of STN EXPO East in Concord, located in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

The TD Summit begins on Friday, March 21 with a Transportation Director leadership discussion on the unique operational challenges of the student transportation industry, facilitated by STN President and Publisher Tony Corpin. This late afternoon event will also include a networking mixer with appetizers and drinks.

On Saturday, participants will be transported to Topgolf for a full day of networking with a special presentation from STN EXPO East keynote speaker, Scott Welle. He will present an exclusive training to directors on the role and responsibilities of being a leader in this industry and empowering strategies to model best practices.

While at Topgolf, participants will enjoy golfing, food and drinks while discussing their operational needs and challenges with vendor partners. Following the event, participants will be transported back to Embassy Suites for the Road to the Championship Networking Reception, a fun-filled, basketball-themed evening to network with conference attendees.

To attend this exclusive event, applicants must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent. They must be actively involved with leadership decisions at their operations, providing input on purchasing decisions, driver training and creating policies and procedures.

Applicants must be able to attend both days of the Summit. The STN EXPO East Early Bird Savings ends on Feb. 14, register by the deadline to save $100 off full conference registration. Register, browse conference agenda and explore unique experiences at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina
Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East
Related: TD Summit Attendees Learn Leadership Lessons From the World of Sports

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A Florida man was arrested after he allegedly exposed himself to students while they were riding a school bus home, reported ABC News.

According to the article, the incident took place on Thursday, when several students told their parents that a male was exposing himself in a car next to the bus.

Police said via the news report that one of the students submitted an anonymous tip, including a video of the incident. The male was identified as 36-year-old Freddy Richie Parisi, and the vehicle he was driving was shown on the video, including the tag number.

The parents reportedly contacted authorities immediately to report the incident and deputies launched the investigation. A detective then identified Paisi from conducting sex offender checks and worked with school resources officers to identify the other victims who witnessed the incident.

According to the news report, Parisi was arrested for five counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition and is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond.

Related: Colorado School Bus Aid Arrested, Charged with Abusing Student
Related: Florida School Bus Driver Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Wisconsin School Bus Driver Arrested
Related: Florida Paraprofessional Facing Child Abuse Charges

The post Florida Man Arrested for “Exposing” Himself to Kids on School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

We analyze concern over possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at bus stops, an increase in the number of McKinney-Vento students, and the incoming Trump administration’s impact on green vehicle mandates.

Transfinder President & CEO Antonio Civitella joins us for a review of 2024 technology trends and a look ahead to 2025, including special experiences planned for the upcoming STN EXPO East in Charlotte, NC, and the company’s Annual Client Summit.

Did you know? One in three students who receive school transportation are taking a bus routed using Transfinder technology.

Read more about technology.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E243) Unhoused & Undocumented: Serving Students No Matter Their Status appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Florida man and registered sex offender is behind bars once again after police arrested him for loitering near children at a school bus stop.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office released a statement via social media confirming the arrest of 37-year-old Jonathan Louis of Poinciana, after a witness noticed the man standing amongst small children at a school bus stop on Friday morning. The witness reportedly felt that something was not quite right about the man.

According to the statement, police were contacted by the witness and deputies made contact with the suspect who was identified as Louis. Louis is a registered sex offender since a conviction in Lake County back in 2004 for Lewd and Lavarious Battery. The victims were 12 and 15-year-old.

Officers learned that Louis lived near the bus stop, but he had no children who went to school. Louis was unable to provide deputies with a reason why he was spending time at a school bus stop.

After his release in December 2024, Louis failed to notify his parole officer where he was residing. He was arrested and taken into the Polk County jail where he was charged with Violation of Probation for Failure to Register and Loitering by Sex Offender within 300-feet of Children.

Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Alleged Sex Offender Forces Way onto Missouri School Bus
Related: Florida School Bus Driver Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Former Massachusetts School Bus Driver Facing Charges of Sexual Assault

The post Florida Sex Offender Behind Bars for Loitering Near School Bus Stop appeared first on School Transportation News.

Are you struggling to hire school bus drivers, mechanics or other transportation professionals for your district or company? Are you confident that your team would recommend working at your organization? These are tough but essential questions for industry leaders to address as the school transportation industry grapples with worker shortages and rising competition from other industries.

The success of any school transportation department hinges on recruiting the right talent, fostering effective teams, and creating a positive, supportive workplace culture. However, achieving these goals is no simple task. In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to have strategies in place that not only attract talent but also retain them for the long term.

One of the most powerful tools for building a high-performing culture is positive reinforcement. Recognizing and celebrating your employees’ hard work can have a profound effect on morale, motivation and job satisfaction. When staff members feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue performing at a high level.

Recognition programs can be effective. I suggest offering a retention bonus once or twice a year for transportation staff. As a result, morale will likely improve as well as attendance and overall service quality. The transportation staff really appreciate the bonuses, especially with the cost of necessities rising. I also encourage you to empower your staff to advocate for your district or company, helping spread the word that your organization is a great place to work and telling others about the available incentives. As the industry faces persistent shortages, ensuring your compensation package is competitive can help you stand out from other employers.

Other forms of recognition can include monthly appreciation meals, holiday gifts like turkeys or pies, or simply a note of thanks. These small gestures contribute to a positive and welcoming work environment, which is key to retention. Last month, Cody Cox, transportation director at Royse City Independent School District in Texas, recognized his transportation team on LinkedIn. “Royce City is such an awesome district. We are fully staffed. However, with our fast growth we are always adding more team members!”

Cox shared pictures of holiday decorations, food and a hot chocolate bar. He noted the importance of culture and invited potential candidates to apply for a position in his department.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining high-quality school bus drivers and mechanics. School transportation jobs are demanding, and it’s important that your compensation packages are on par with other industries offering similar roles.

Investing in technology and modern equipment is critical for attracting drivers and mechanics. Make sure your district is outfitted with the latest technology newer buses, routing software, GPS systems and quality support staff. Visible investments in your workplace and equipment signal to prospective employees that their work environment is valued.

Prospective employees, especially drivers and mechanics, are more likely to join an organization that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to safety, efficiency and technological advancement. Newer, well-maintained vehicles not only make the job easier and safer but also give drivers a sense of pride in the equipment they operate. Furthermore, modern routing software and GPS systems can make routes more efficient, reducing driver stress and helping improve on-time performance.

A supportive, collaborative culture is essential for retaining school transportation personnel. Create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and part of a cohesive team. This can be achieved through ongoing training and professional development, supportive leadership and clear communication. When employees know they can voice their concerns and have them addressed, they are more likely to stay.

To address the specific challenges of attracting school bus drivers and mechanics, you’ll need to implement recruitment strategies that speak directly to their unique needs and concerns like flexible schedules, certifications and specialized training programs for those looking to advance their careers. Create a clear career path for advancement.

Investing in your employees by offering recognition, competitive pay and a supportive and safe work environment will build a team that is committed, motivated and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the January 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (Recorded Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work
Related: Indiana Leader McKinney Discusses Alternate Fuels, School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: Transportation Coordinator Uses Technology to Drive Student and District Success

The post Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Staff appeared first on School Transportation News.

A crash involving a Waltham school bus in Massachusetts sent six students to the hospital with minor injuries.

The Waltham Police Department released a statement via social media confirming that officers had responded to a rollover incident involving a school bus on Friday morning.

According to police, the bus was transporting students to Waltham Public Schools northbound on Lexington Street just before 8:30 a.m., when it struck a white van that was attempting to make a left turn East onto Beaver Street.

Police stated that the van rolled over onto a third vehicle on Beaver Street, that was stopped for a red light.

According to local news reports, there were 34 students and a driver from the Waltham Dual Language School on the school bus at the time of the incident. A total of 37 people, including those in the other vehicles, were involved in the crash.

Six students and the operator of the white van were transported to local area hospitals for minor injuries. Their current condition is unknown. According to the police, the incident is still under investigation to determine charges, if any.

Related: Rhode Island School Bus Crash Leaves 8 Injured
Related: West Virginia Students Hospitalized After School Bus Crash
Related: A Major Crash in Louisiana Involving a Stolen School Bus
Related: Teens Hailed Heroes in Kentucky School Bus Crash

The post Six Students Hospitalized in Massachusetts School Bus Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.

A school bus emergency that requires evacuation becomes even more multi-faceted when the unique needs of students with special needs or disabilities are factored in. At the 2024 Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference (TSD) Conference, attendees of the Hands-on School Bus Evacuations for Students with Special Needs & Preschoolers class encountered this in real time during.

The TSD Conference brings together student transporters, special educators and other stakeholders for collaboration, education, networking and the critical hands-on training needed for those transporting our most precious cargo. Due to increased interest, two evacuation classes were held at the conference, one on Nov. 9 and one on Nov. 10. Both were hosted by Frisco Independent School District.

Launi Schmutz-Harden, industry consultant and TSD Tenured Faculty member, was one of the instructors for the class. Her many years in transportation have given her unique insight into the impact of emergency training. She noted the importance of collaboration when developing emergency response training. She listed meetings with emergency personnel, occupational & physical therapists, nurses, teachers and parents all as invaluable when determining an effective strategy to keep students and staff safe during emergency situations.

STN reached out to attendees who participated in the evacuation class to document their experiences. One such attendee was Joe Boyles, a school bus driver driver-trainer for the Montana Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT). He had been driving a non-yellow school bus since 2013 and began operating his first yellow school bus route in 2023. His experience driving a bus with students with special needs only began last August. He explained that there was a need for a driver-trainer specifically for drivers of special education routes, which led him to attend the TSD Conference.

“I registered for the evacuation training because I have a student in a wheelchair and I did not have any training on evacuating a student in a wheelchair,” said Boyles. “I know that evacuations are a challenge any time, but I felt that if I got this training, I could bring it back to our district as well as create my own training for MAPT.

Misty Horttor, the route coordinator for Elko County School District in Nevada, said her experience working with students with special needs began in 2017, when she applied for a job as a substitute bus aide on for special education routes. Her career progressed to school bus driver, then driver-trainer, and she now serves in not only as route coordinator but site supervisor and lead trainer. She learned about the TSD Conference while attending STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada.

She said the evacuation greatly interested her as “our drivers, especially our new drivers, are always intimidated by the thought of evacuation and evacuation drills. If there is a way to help them become more confident in their abilities, I am all for it.”

Both Boyles and Hortter said they received a wealth of information from the class. The classroom part of the evacuation class also includes a quiz for participants.

“The classroom part was great in that I needed the information to make the practical part make more sense. If you know the why we are doing this, the practice and practical part makes more sense,” said Boyles. “Coming up with an evacuation plan was probably the most informative for me. I needed to do one for my bus and this training gave me the information I needed to write that evacuation plan.”

“One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching this class is witnessing the attendees engage in brainstorming sessions to develop evacuation plans,” added Harden. “Their passion for their work and commitment to the children they support often leads to emotional moments, underscoring the importance of this training.”

The hands-on training has participants enter a bus filled with theater smoke to mimic conditions during an on-board fire. The vehicle also contains dolls representing student riders with various special needs and disabilities. Using fire extinguishers and other tools, attendees implement evacuation plans to safely remove the students. Horttor said she rescued a student in a car seat, using belt cutters, evacuated a student with a blanket and other challenging scenarios.

“You have no idea how disorienting the smoke will be until you are in the bus,” noted Horttor. “How difficult it is to sweep the whole bus to make sure no one was missed and how staggering it can feel to realize that in a real situation, which I’m sure would be a hundred times more stressful, you would have lost an actual child. It was an eye-opening experience that I would love to try with all of our drivers.”

Boyles noted how he appreciated the smoke for the added realism, saying, “It was a real eye opener for me. To be able to search a bus while keeping low is a lot harder than you would think. Knowing it was practice helped me to not panic and make a thorough search. I just hope that if I ever need to do a search, I can keep calm and be thorough.”

Horttor noted the importance of having an evacuation plan and practicing it is often underestimated by many. Engaging in the training at TSD also provided valuable input from student transportation professionals from other operations across the country that are facing their own unique challenges, she said. “This training made us think about the what ifs, including some what ifs that haven’t crossed our minds. But thanks to our very knowledgeable instructors, we hope these situations never happen, but we have plans in case they do.”

Harden shared feedback she received from Ann Taylor, coordinator of transportation at Clay County Schools in Florida, who has attended the evacuation class three times. “She appreciates the collaborative learning environment, where students share valuable insights with one another,” said Harden.

Harden continued that many participants of the class are using the information they learned at the TSD evacuation class at their operations in such states as California, Delaware, Florida, Oregon and Texas.

“As this was the first national training I have ever been to, I did not know what to expect. I was a bit overwhelmed as I am a new special needs driver,” said Boyles. “I truly believe that I gained much information that I will be able to use at our school district. I can also use that information in training other drivers across the state of Montana.”

Boyles continued “I will say that I learned so much at this conference that I am very glad I attended. I got so much information that I hope to use in the future at our school district. I plan to have a meeting with the Transportation Director about things we can implement and make our buses safer and have our drivers better trained. I would suggest to everyone, only change one thing at a time.”

Horttor summed up her experience saying, “I feel better about the training we are providing to our drivers as well as the things I can add to our training program in the future to hopefully help our drivers become more knowledgeable and confident in their ability to handle the situations that may come with this job.”

Harden noted the importance of registering for trainings early due to high demand and not underestimating the amount of time that should be spent on continuing the training.

“It is crucial to understand the importance of practicing evacuations with students, as it can take up to a year for them to learn how to exit safely in an emergency. For some students, the height of the backdoor can be daunting, akin to jumping from a two-story building. Planning and practicing is essential for the students that ride the bus,” said Harden. “This training is crucial at TSD, which serves as a comprehensive resource for those involved in transporting students with disabilities. We discuss real-life scenarios and ensure that all attendees are prepared for emergencies.”

Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People
Related: TSD Conference Panel Discusses Routing for Students with Special Needs
Related: Gallery: Smoke & Safety at TSD Evacuation Class

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A parent is demanding answers after her 3-year-old was left on a school bus in a snowy depot alone for hours, reported WTOC News.

Talia Anderson told local news reporters that the incident took place midday Jan.10, after her daughter Aziyah was picked up by the school bus to go to preschool at Richton Square Elementary in Richton Park, Illinois.

Hours later, the school reportedly called Anderson asking why Aziyah was not in attendance. The mother worried about her daughter’s well-being. Sometime later, the superintendent called Anderson back saying Aziyah had fallen asleep on the way to preschool and was found on her school bus at the depo in Country Club Hills.

According to the news report, Anderson stated she was very frustrated because of this incident and questioned how they could leave a 3-year-old behind.

A spokesperson for Matteson School District said via the article that Aziyah was not delivered to the school and instead was unknowingly transported back to the bus depot. The bus driver involved in the matter will no longer provide services for District 162 because safety policies and procedures were not followed.

Related: 6-Year-Old Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: Louisiana Child Left Alone in School Bus for 5 Hours
Related: Ohio Child Left in School Bus Parking Compound
Related: Georgia Students Left on School Bus for Hours

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The Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo is back in Anaheim, California, with sessions that focus on helping fleets navigate the evolving landscape of clean technologies and policies, including one on school buses.

This year’s school bus session, School Bus Sector: Rolling out the New Generation of School Buses, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. The session seeks to give attendees insights into best practices of real-world school fleets, using private and public funds, exploring the environmental and health benefits, and discussing emerging technologies such as V2G. No speakers for the school bus session were announced at this report.

Attendees will also have the option to attend a Ride & Drive, browse the exhibit floor and attend keynote sessions, as well as the various other breakout sessions slated for the conference held April 28-May 1.

“As fleets enter 2025, there are more questions than ever about the state of the clean vehicle industry, which technologies are really working, how to achieve a positive [total cost of ownership] and a whole lot more. ACT Expo is the place where fleets can cut through the chaos and gain clarity on the best technologies and strategies to improve operational efficiency, drive sustainability, and gain a competitive advantage,” stated Erik Neandross, president of Clean Transportation Solutions at TRC, the producers of ACT Expo. “Our educational sessions are truly the best in the industry; we provide fleets with the tools to build a roadmap for the future that combines innovation with practical, real-world solutions and demonstrated expertise provided by other fleet operators.”

The Trump administration has said it will repeal any federal zero-emissions vehicle mandates and prioritize increased development of internal combustion vehicles. Sue Gander, director of WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative, added that “the incoming Administration has signaled its plans to roll back clean vehicle regulations, including potentially the California waivers,” she said. “These waivers, including ones that impact school buses, play an important role for air quality in California and a number of other states and rescinding them would be a setback.

Already, the California Air Resources Board withdrew its request for federal approval for stricter emissions rules for locomotives and semi-trucks. The rule would have phased out the sale of new diesel trucks and buses by 2036. Transport Topics reported that CARB pulled back because U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had yet to approve the request and that even if it had already done so the Trump administration would rescind it.

CARB already received an EPA waiver for the Omnibus Lo-NOX regulation that includes school buses. NOx emissions must be reduced by 75 percent for model-year 2024 through 2026 engines.

Related: EPA, Treasury Disseminate Electric School Bus Tax Credit Information
Related: EPA Extends 2024 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Application Deadline
Related: EPA Awards Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program Funds Nationwide
Related: Oregon School District, First Student Win Fleet Awards at ACT EXPO
Related: Districts, Contractors Discuss School Bus Electrification Journey at ACT EXPO

Meanwhile, ACT Expo keynote speakers for this year will be announced this month, with the full roster expected in February.

The 2024 event was at the Las Vegas Convention Center and more than 12,000 commercial transportation professionals attended. TRC stated that as the event returns to Anaheim, “it will feature roughly twice the expo hall space of the 2023 Anaheim event to accommodate the increasing number of exhibitors, advanced vehicles and clean transportation solutions on display in the exhibit hall.”

STN Media is a media sponsor of the event. 

The post ACT Expo Heads Back to Anaheim, Agenda Released appeared first on School Transportation News.

The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) restored previously suspended school bus routes that will benefit many student-riders at a Maui intermediate school.

Before the school year started, HIDOE had suspended 147 school bus routes in Central Oahu, East Hawaii Island and Central and Upcountry Maui due to the current shortage of school bus drivers and vehicles. According to local news reports, the service interruption reportedly affected around 3,720 student riders.

A statement released by HIDOE on Monday confirms that so far, the department has reinstated 118 previously suspended routes, which represents 86 percent of previously impacted routes. The latest restored bus will service routes operated by school bus contractor Ground Transport, Inc., for Samuel E. Kalama Intermediate School. Efforts to restore the remaining 20 suspended routes are ongoing.

According to the statement, Ground Transport is actively recruiting new school bus drivers, taking advantage of Gov. Josh Green’s Aug. 2 Proclamation Relating to School Bus Services, which lifted the restriction that only school vehicles may transport students and included specific provisions within employment-related law to allow for qualified drivers to serve in a student transportation capacity.

The proclamation also allows drivers with a commercial driver’s license and a “P” endorsement permitting them to transport passengers to operate school buses temporarily, instead of the “S” endorsement specifically required for school bus drivers.

Related: Routes of Change – Ohio District Travels on the Safe Side with Transfinder
Related: TSD Conference Panel Discusses Routing for Students with Special Needs
Related: (Recorded Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work
Related: Deadly Maui Wildfires Close Schools, Buses Evacuate Burn Areas

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When Tyler Bryan was selected by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) board to serve as the next president-elect, it was the latest achievement for the dedicated advocate of student safety and a 22-year veteran of the school transportation industry.

Bryan’s selection followed Mike Stier’s ascension to president following the resignation of Mike Simmons last year. Bryan will officially assume the presidency after the NASDPTS conference in November 2026.

In an exclusive interview with School Transportation News, Bryan expressed gratitude for this opportunity to lead NASDPTS.

“I am honored to be elected as the next president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services,” Bryan said in an email last month. “I look forward to continuing to move the association forward while working collaboratively with the school transportation industry to ensure our students receive the safest form of school transportation.”

Who is Tyler Bryan?

Bryan said his passion for school transportation began during childhood and grew into a lifelong career. From an early age, he dreamed of becoming both a school bus driver and a teacher, despite being told he couldn’t pursue both paths.

“My parents told me I would have to pick one or the other, but I eventually proved them wrong,” he shared. “I genuinely have a passion for school transportation and fully bleed yellow and black.”

Bryan joined the industry in high school in 2002, shadowing his district’s transportation supervisor. Recognizing his enthusiasm and knowledge, the supervisor offered him opportunities to help prepare for upcoming school years during the summers. By 2004, Bryan had obtained his commercial driver’s license with passenger permit and the school bus endorsement at age 18, the legal minimum in Delaware.

“For the last half of my senior year, I drove an elementary school route in the morning, worked as a high school office assistant, attended band class and then drove students home in the afternoon,” Bryan recalled.

In 2008, Bryan realized a personal milestone when he purchased his own school bus and became an owner-operator contractor for his district. This unique role allowed him to combine his love for teaching and driving, spending his days as a paraprofessional in the classroom and his mornings and afternoons behind the wheel.

“I was proud to prove that you can teach and drive. It was truly fulfilling,” Bryan said.

From Local Leadership to Statewide Impact

Bryan’s career took a significant turn in 2013, when leadership changes at his local district prompted him to step into an administrative role. As the transportation system analyst and later the transportation supervisor for Indian River School District in Selbyville, Delaware, Bryan oversaw the district’s 165 school buses, including those serving a county-wide special needs program.

During his tenure, Bryan implemented numerous improvements, including a computer-based routing system, tiered bell schedules and expanded training opportunities for school bus drivers and aides. His innovative approach earned state-level recognition, leading to invitations to join several transportation committees.

Bryan became Delaware’s state director of pupil transportation in 2019. Bryan began overseeing funding, regulation and training for school transportation across the state. His accomplishments in this role include the introduction of third-party skills testing, increased funding for school bus driver recruitment and the development of hands-on training programs for drivers and aides.

“I am proud of what I have accomplished in Delaware,” Bryan said. “My focus has always been on ensuring that students, our number one priority, are transported safely every day.”

A Vision for the Future

As NASDPTS president-elect, Bryan said he is committed to building on NASDPTS’s successes. His priorities will include: Highlighting the dangers of illegal passing and using data to push for legislative and technological solutions via NASDPTS’ annual survey of state; advocating for uniform training, credentialing and certification requirements across all transportation methods; collaborating with industry leaders to adopt emerging technologies and innovations that improve safety and efficiency; and strengthening ties with federal agencies to support NASDPTS’ mission of providing leadership, assistance and motivation to the nation’s school transportation community and industry.

Bryan will assume the presidency at a critical time for the industry, as districts nationwide continue to address school bus driver shortages, adapt to new technologies and ensure the safety of millions of students.

“This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference on a national scale,” Bryan said. “I am committed to driving our mission forward and ensuring the safety of all students.”

Personal Reflections and Legacy

Bryan’s connection to school transportation extends beyond his professional life. As a self-proclaimed “bus nut,” he repurchased his first contracted school bus after it retired from service.

“It’s a memento of my journey,” Bryan said. “My children love climbing aboard and pretending to drive. School buses have always been a part of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Bryan said the NASDPTS presidency will represent the culmination of decades of dedication to an industry he loves deeply. As he prepares for this next chapter, he added he remains focused on the students who inspire his work every day.

Related: Simmons Relinquishes NASDPTS Presidency, Stiers Takes Over
Related: (STN Podcast E220) The Future: Bus Garage Tech, Illegal Passing Survey, Radios for Safety
Related: School Bus Illegal Passings Continue Increase Nationwide, NASDPTS Survey Finds

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. and AUSTIN, Texas– Transfinder Corp. reported another record-breaking year, with annual revenue of $42.2 million, up from $35.4 million in 2023. The 20 percent increase represents Transfinder’s 27th consecutive year of annual growth.

Transfinder, which provides school transportation management and logistics solutions as well as policing software, also added 168 new clients, with 50 percent leaving competitors for Transfinder and 41 percent still routing manually.

There were a number of factors driving Transfinder’s growth, including hardware sales, which grew 117 percent to $9.5 million in 2024. Transfinder Hardware includes mounts and tablets for school buses running Wayfinder, Transfinder’s driver app, which provides turn-by-turn directions and the ability to take student attendance. Wayfinder sales alone jumped 67 percent in 2024 compared with the previous year. Servicefinder, the company’s fleet maintenance solution, saw sales increase 47 percent from the previous year. Sales in Transfinder Marketplace, which includes Transfinder’s partners, increased 134 percent year-over-year.

In addition to revenue growth, last year also marked a return of Transfinder’s premier Annual Client Summit, which had stopped in 2019 as a result of COVID. Transfinder’s Summit, held in April 2024 in San Antonio, Texas, sold out, with more than 300 attendees, its largest to date. In terms of attending conferences, Transfinder employees attended 49 conferences in 26 states, returning to some states multiple times. Transfinder’s experts recorded 147 days on district sites, up 29 percent from 2023.

Transfinder Community, an online resource created in 2020 that provides how-to videos, guides, webinars and live chat exclusively for Transfinder clients, has played a key role in the company’s success as more clients are receiving that Gold Standard customer service on their own time. Community’s homepage alone received 162,373 visits in 2024, up 237 percent from the previous year.

“We are running on all cylinders,” said Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella. “Last year demonstrated just how deep Transfinder’s team is, launching new products –

like Patrolfinder and Servicefinder – to new markets and hosting our largest Annual Client Summit in the history of the company in a new location for us. There’s a sense around here that there’s nothing we can’t do when we work together.”

Civitella said because of that he is setting even loftier goals, anticipating the company will hit $50 million in revenue in 2025. To that end, he is creating two divisions for Transfinder, the Pupil Logistics Division, focused on school transportation, and the Safety and Security Division, focused on police, municipalities and entities needing security-related solutions.

“While Transfinder is at an inflection point, we remain laser focused on the industries we serve and are devoted to making each and every one of our clients successful,” Civitella said. “There are synergies between the two divisions, but each industry will benefit from the Navy Seal approach we will provide.”

Civitella spoke about his vision for the company during a daylong kickoff at Transfinder’s headquarters in Schenectady, New York, on Jan. 13.

“We need to continue to innovate,” he told the Transfinder team. “We have done a good job and it’s going to get harder and harder to do this. But we are building on all the synergy we’ve created all these years.”

Proof of Transfinder’s continual innovation has been demonstrated by its solutions being named Best Hardware and Best Hardware for the second straight year at School Transportation News’ STN Expo in Reno, Nevada in 2024. (It’s the third year Transfinder received the Best Software designation). This year, Transfinder took home even more “hardware,” winning Best Safety Technology as well.

Backing the technology is Transfinder’s support teams. Trainings increased 2.9 percent to 8,930 in 2024 from 8,677 the year before, with trainings in Wayfinder increasing 144 percent, in Servicefinder increasing 125 percent and in Stopfinder increasing 46 percent.

Transfinder technology is more and more becoming “mission critical” technology for districts. Civitella said Transfinder’s award-winning Routefinder PLUS software was used to route students along 100,984,684 miles. That’s the equivalent of 212 round trips to the moon. Parents received more than 58 million notifications about their child’s bus via Transfinder’s award-winning Stopfinder parent app.

“The numbers in so many categories, from sales to notifications to miles routed keep climbing exponentially,” Civitella said. “It is extremely rewarding but it comes with an awesome sense of responsibility: Millions and millions of parents and students are counting on our clients to get it right day after day. We are partners with them in this mission.”

To bolster that partnership, Transfinder continues to add to its headcount. Currently, the tech company has 195 employees globally, up from 182 last year. Of the 5,903 candidates seeking a position at Transfinder, just 22 were hired in 2024.

“We basically have never stopped hiring,” Civitella said. “We are adding new roles, new teams and new divisions. We are looking for the best of the best.” He noted that 2024 demonstrated once again that Transfinder has become a destination for those wanting to do their best work with a meaningful purpose. Transfinder was once again named a Top Workplace by the Times Union and a Best Place to Work by the Albany Business Review in 2024.

“That success is the result of finding the right people who fit into the Transfinder culture,” Civitella said.

Highlights in 2024 include:

· 27th consecutive year of annual revenue growth

· 168 new clients

· Hardware sales up 117 percent from 2022

· Received Best Software, Best Hardware, Best Safety Technology awards from School Transportation News

· Made Inc.’s fastest-growing companies list (12th time)

· Made The Business Review’s fastest-growing companies list

· Named a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace

· Attended 49 conferences

· Received 5,903 applications (hired 22)

· Secured the location in Nashville, Tennessee for the Annual Client Summit

“We fought hard in 2024. There is no resting on our laurels. Every client call, every outreach, every conference mattered. The result is more clients trusting us for more of their solutions to run their operations,” Civitella said. “I said last year would be transformational for Transfinder and it was. Somehow, we will top even that in 2025!”

About Transfinder:
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a national leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts, adult care facilities and police agencies. Transfinder develops and supports its proprietary routing and scheduling solutions and apps for optimal transportation logistics. Transfinder has been an Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company,” 12 times, at one time holding a streak for 11 consecutive years on the list. The company has offices in Austin, Texas; Shanghai, China and Mumbai, India. The company provides both software and hardware, receiving Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology awards by industry leaders. Transfinder also has been named a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Company to Work for in New York State multiple times, For more information, visit www.transfinder.com.

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A joint U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Treasury webinar shared ways electric school buses could be more affordable using new tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The first tax credit discussed Thursday relates to the vehicle itself. The Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (45W) provides an income tax credit to a taxpayer who purchased and placed into a service a qualified commercial clean vehicle during the taxable year. The 45W rule, established by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, was published in the federal register on Tuesday.

45W credit amount for the lesser amount of either 30 percent of basis of the qualified vehicle, or the incremental cost of the vehicle up to a credit maximum of $40,000, in the case of a vehicle with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds or more. The incremental cost is the excess of the purchase price of a clean vehicle compared to a comparable gas or diesel internal combustion engine. The 45W Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would provide pathways for taxpayers to determine the incremental cost.

In order for the vehicle to qualify, it must be made by a qualified manufacturer (a list of qualified manufacturers is on the IRS website), is acquired for use or lease, treated as a motor vehicle for use on public roads, has a battery capacity of at least 15 kWh, used predominantly in the 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and be either electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Meanwhile, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (30C), published in the Federal Register in September 2024, allows an income tax credit equal to 30 percent for individuals and up to 30 percent for businesses for the purchase and installation cost of any qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property that was placed into service by the taxpayer during the taxable year. This applies to all aspects of electric charging infrastructure as well as CNG, propane or hydrogen fueling centers.

Each charging point is considered a single item and therefore the credit is limited to $100,000 per business use property and $1,000 for personal use property. Electric panels, conduit/wiring, smart charge management system installed in different tax years are only credible in the year the functionally interdependent or integral part property is placed into service.

Related: EPA Extends 2024 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Application Deadline
Related: EPA Awards Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program Funds Nationwide
Related: Propane Bus Grant Provides Funding Opportunities for Missouri Districts
Related: Webinar Reviews Community Benefits of School Bus Electrification

The webinar explained a special section of the tax credit rule, which relates to vehicles funded by grants and forgivable loans. The webinar noted, “if an investment-related credit property is funded by a tax-free grant or forgivable loan, entities get the same value of eligible tax credit as if the investment were financed with taxable funds, provided the credit plus the restricted tax-exempt amounts do not exceed the cost of the investment.”

This means if a school district receives a tax-exempt grant of $300,000 to purchase an electric school bus, in which the total cost of the bus came out to $400,000, the 45W credit is $40,000. Since the amount of the grant and the credit ($340,000) is less than the cost of the school bus, the credit is not reduced.

One attendee asked if these credits are at risk from the presidential administration change. A Department of Treasury representative noted that they will remain in effect unless changed by Congress.

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DENVER, Colo. -EverDriven, the national leader in Alternative Student Transportation, has reported a 167.4% increase in the number of McKinney-Vento students driven since 2020. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 defines homeless children and youth as students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This legislation requires school districts to offer transportation to students who are experiencing homelessness or live in unstable housing, even if they’re temporarily located outside the district.

The increase in McKinney-Vento students served by EverDriven aligns with findings from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, which reports that homelessness continues to soar. The department’s 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress reveals that the U.S. faces the highest level of homelessness ever recorded. Specifically, the percentage of families with children experiencing homelessness rose by nearly 39% in just one year, marking the greatest increase on record.

This growing percentage of students eligible for McKinney-Vento support often struggle with school attendance given the instability of their day-to-day lives. According to a March 2024 report on The Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness, lack of transportation is one of the key causes of chronic absenteeism.

“Homelessness among students is a national problem, and transportation remains one of the most crucial barriers to education for these students,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO at EverDriven. “Reliable transportation ensures that students experiencing homelessness can attend school to access shelter, meals, community, education, and stability, all of which are essential to their development. It’s our mission at EverDriven to serve this population and protect them from the long-term effects of chronic absenteeism.”

To ensure equitable access to education, school districts need a reliable partner like EverDriven. With flexible trip configurations and carpools, as well as best-in-class technology and the highest safety standards in the industry, EverDriven drives educational outcomes for McKinney-Vento students and school districts.

Vulnerable students thrive with EverDriven’s targeted support:

80% of students ride with the same driver every day, an industry-leading standard.
Flexible pick-up and drop-off locations.

Access to support, social services, meals, and education at school.

The EverDriven VIP app, which offers parents, guardians, and school staff transparency and real-time tracking.

“Changes in a student’s housing should not affect their ability to get to school, and at EverDriven, we go the extra mile to make sure they can,” said Bowling. “We understand the critical role that consistent education plays in shaping a child’s future. Our services are designed to combat chronic absenteeism and provide stability in otherwise uncertain circumstances.”

When school districts partner with EverDriven, they drive educational outcomes—including improved attendance rates and student test scores—at scale while saving on administrative costs.

To learn more about EverDriven and how it supports school districts and students experiencing homelessness, visit https://www.everdriven.com.

About EverDriven:
EverDriven is the leader in Alternative Student Transportation for school districts nationwide. With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 students served last year alone, EverDriven has established itself as a nationwide leader in safety and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, reducing chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and meeting unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special education, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

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Routing students with special needs and disabilities requires pupil transportation professionals to implement innovative thinking and solutions to achieve the best outcomes, a panel of experts shared during the TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas in November.

The session was moderated by Kerry Somerville, chief executive officer of Transportation Planning Solutions in Gilbert, Arizona, who has nearly 40 years of experience in school bus routing and a personal connection to special needs transportation. His daughter has cerebral palsy and rode the school bus. He said he remembers vividly the many challenges his family endured when working with the school district to ensure their daughter received the transportation service she needed.

The TSD Conference conversation highlighted key strategies for optimizing services while keeping costs down.

Alemnesh Allen, special education transportation coordinator with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, shared how flexible routing and technology are essential to managing the district’s 500 special education routes. With more than 135,000 students in the district, including 85,000 who are transported daily, Allen emphasized the importance of collaboration between school bus drivers, bus lot supervisors, and case managers.

“You can have special needs students on regular buses,” Allen explained. “We always consider how we can cut costs, including using alternative vehicles for longer trips.”

Kala Henkensiefken, special education transportation coordinator for Independent School District 31 in Bemidji, Minnesota, underscored similar points. In her rural district, which covers 700 square miles, she combines resources by using full-sized buses with three paraprofessionals to support students with higher-functioning abilities. This approach not only saves money but also integrates students with special needs into a regular bus environment.

“The kids would get on the bus and say, ‘Oh, I’m on a regular bus.’ It made them feel like their peers,” Henkensiefken noted.

Data was a recurring theme throughout the conversation, particularly when it comes to ensuring that the routing system reflects students’ unique needs. Henkensiefken shared her experience of initially struggling to enter the right information into the system, which confused both drivers and parents.

“I was routing it in the system but wasn’t getting the right data,” she explained. “We created a simple Google doc to collect vital information from parents, and over time, it helped streamline communication and made parents feel more involved in ensuring their child’s safety.”

Dana Rosen, assistant director of transportation specializing in student safety and campus support with the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Houston, Texas, stressed that clear, real-time communication with parents also plays a crucial role in minimizing complaints.

“If you use software with a parent app, you can give them more information and they feel more in control,” Rosen explained, adding that parents who can track bus schedules in real-time are less likely to call and feel more confident that their child is being safely transported.

One of the most significant challenges discussed was the integration of transportation with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

“Transportation is part of the IEP,” noted Allen. “It’s critical that transportation professionals are involved in the IEP process.” However, this is often easier said than done. While Allen advocates for transparency and equitable treatment, she admitted that attending every IEP meeting is impractical due to resource constraints. Instead, she ensures that transportation professionals are well-educated about the unique needs outlined in the IEPs.

Henkensiefken echoed this sentiment, noting that even small changes in a student’s condition, such as a shift in mobility or medical requirements, must be considered when making transportation decisions.

“Sometimes a child who was once non-ambulatory is now able to walk, and those changes can affect their bus needs,” she continued.

This underscores the importance of regular updates and clear communication.

Driver shortages are another critical issue facing transportation departments, especially as districts struggle to compete with private companies like FedEx and Amazon for CDL-certified drivers. Rosen shared her solution: Bringing in non-CDL drivers and offering them opportunities to grow within the transportation program.

“We can’t keep enough CDL drivers, so we need to think outside the box,” she said, adding that many paraprofessionals or staff from other departments can be trained to drive, often with minimal additional training.

Both Rosen and Henkensiefken said they have found creative ways to utilize paraprofessionals in transportation, leveraging their existing relationships with students to enhance safety.

“They already know the kids,” Henkensiefken noted. “So, we adopt them under the transportation department. It’s a win-win.”

The panelists agreed that having a clear, transparent process is essential for smooth department operations. “If any change comes through, it should go through one central document,” Rosen said. “This ensures accountability and provides a log of everything. It’s vital for both safety and efficiency.”

Allen emphasized that communication with parents and schools is key to avoiding misunderstandings. “I remind people that you’d never put a child in a classroom with a new teacher without informing them first. It’s the same with transportation,” she said, adding that ensuring the right information gets to the right people at the right time makes all the difference in providing safe and effective transportation for students with special needs.

The panel discussion revealed that while the logistics of special needs transportation can be complex, there are many strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safety. By integrating technology, fostering clear communication and prioritizing collaboration between transportation professionals and families, districts can overcome challenges and better serve students with special needs. The key to success, the experts agreed, lies in staying flexible, data-driven and always focused on the well-being of the children being transported.

Related: TSD Conference Sessions to Push Attendees to Uncover Innovative Solutions
Related: TSD Panelists Empower Student Transportation with Technology
Related: (STN Podcast E187) Onsite at the TSD Conference, Part 1/2: Technology, Cameras & Special Needs
Related: Behavior Expert Brings Special Needs De-Escalation Tools to TSD Conference

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CAMPBELL, Calif.,– ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), today announced two innovative new solutions to combat charger vandalism, featuring a new cut-resistant charging cable and ChargePoint Protect, an alarm system designed to increase charging station security.

First, ChargePoint announces the charging industry’s first cut-resistant charging cable, specifically designed to deter cable theft. ChargePoint leveraged its more than fifteen-year history of product innovation and charger design expertise to address the critical, industry-wide customer satisfaction issues related to charging cable theft and vandalism. ChargePoint’s cut-resistant charging cables deter theft and vandalism due to novel cut-resistant materials built into the cable, designed to make the cable substantially more difficult for would-be vandals to cut while remaining flexible and easy for drivers to comfortably maneuver while in use. ChargePoint intends to make its cut-resistant cables available for all of its commercial and fleet charging stations as well as to selectively license the cable design to other charging station manufacturers as part of an industry leading effort to combat cable theft and vandalism. ChargePoint believes the customers and partners that elect to use its cut-resistant cable design can make any charging station more resistant to tampering and therefore more dependable for all EV drivers. ChargePoint expects its cut-resistant cables to be available for license by the middle of 2025.

In addition, ChargePoint also announces the launch of ChargePoint Protect, a charger alarm system aimed at further increasing charging station security. ChargePoint Protect integrates a ChargePoint charger’s existing speakers, screens and lighting system to create a highly effective alarm system. ChargePoint Protect is capable of detecting charging cable tampering in real time and automatically engaging the alarm system with the aim of deterring vandals. ChargePoint Protect can be activated on select charging station models at no additional cost to existing ChargePoint customers through a cloud-based software system upgrade. ChargePoint Protect permits ChargePoint customers to receive SMS or email notifications in the event the system’s alarm is triggered, accelerating the timing for the station owners to be alerted or the deployment of law enforcement responses. ChargePoint expects ChargePoint Protect to be available beginning this month.

“ChargePoint Protect and our cut-resistant cables demonstrate our relentless dedication to offering a dependable charging network. We do not view ourselves as victims of vandalism, but rather responsible for solving it, not only for our customers but for the industry,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint. “We are sharing the technology to combat vandalism in the most aggressive way possible with the aim to eliminate charger reliability as a hinderance to EV adoption.

ChargePoint expects these two new solutions, when combined, will benefit charging station owners by reducing station repair costs associated with vandalism and EV drivers by ensuring they can trust charging stations to work when and where they need them.

For more information about the new products, please visit: www.chargepoint.com. To inquire about licensing the cut-resistant cable technology, please contact: techlicensing@chargepoint.com

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EL DORADO SPRINGS, Mo. – El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools, in partnership with transportation leader First Student, has become the first school district in Missouri, and one of only a few in the country, to transition its entire fleet of regular education bus routes to electric. Today, the district and company held an event to mark the successful deployment of 13 electric school buses (ESBs), which will provide a cleaner, quieter and safer ride for hundreds of students.

“With zero emissions, improved air quality and reduced noise pollution, the deployment of these electric school buses will have an immediate, positive impact on the community,” said First Student Head of Electrification Kevin Matthews. “We appreciate the partnership from

El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools to enhance the bus-riding experience for students. As more districts recognize the long-term benefits of electric school buses, First Student is proud to be leading the charge toward a more sustainable future by embracing this cutting-edge transportation solution.”

The electric school buses are a first for El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools. The ESBs will replace 13 diesel buses in the district’s fleet and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 700,000 pounds each year.

“The transition to electric school buses demonstrates our commitment to sustainable initiatives and support for innovative technologies,” said El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools Superintendent Brad Steward. “These electric school buses will benefit the well-being of our students and the community, setting a positive example for future generations. We are excited to work with First Student on our shared goal of greener, safer and more efficient transportation for our families.”

Funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program covered the cost of the electric school buses and charging stations. First Student has secured enough funding from the program to deploy around 1,200 ESBs for school districts across the United States.

First Student has committed to transitioning 30,000 of its diesel buses to electric by 2035 to improve the health and well-being of even more students and communities. The company

currently operates more than 400 electric school buses throughout North America and is close to marking 5 million miles of service with ESBs, expanding its industry-leading position.

About First Student:
As a leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, First Student strives to provide the best start and finish to every school day. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization, and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services with a fleet of about 40,000 buses. For more information, visit firststudentinc.com.

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