Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools and mother to a student who was killed in the 2014 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, is attending the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference in November to talk about safety for all students in all educational settings, including the school bus.

At her TSD keynote on Friday, Nov. 9, Gay will discuss “Developmentally Appropriate Safety Education” and how schools can develop safety curriculum and training that supports and accommodates the unique needs of students and staff of all ages, abilities and educational levels. During her keynote, Gay looks to empower student transportation professionals to provide the appropriate kinds of training that will ensure student safety.

She will discuss how transportation can prepare staff to quickly and safely handle situations on or near the school bus, while keeping the physical and psychological safety of the students as the focal goal. As a very visible sign of students’ presence, the school bus can often be a target, and Gay looks to equip student transporters to protect the “rolling classroom” and the students onboard.

Gay began her work in the educational field as an elementary school teacher at the age of 21. She became a mom of three. She described one daughter, Josephine Grace or “Joey” as she was affectionally called, as “especially special” with many unique traits that came along with an autism diagnosis. Gay said she lived the day-to-day experiences of supporting a child with visual impairment, apraxia of speech, fine and gross motor skills. She shared that her daughter always made the most of life and that her goal as a mother and educator was to help her daughter navigate the world with those unique challenges.

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Gay was a guest on the School Transportation Podcast, where she shared more about the reason why behind her work for student safety. Listen to the full episode here.

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After the devastating shooting Dec. 12, 2014, and Joey’s murder along with that of 19 other 6- and 7-year-old students and six adult school staff members, Gay and her family was faced with the heartbreaking reality of the dangers that students encounter. She then founded Safe and Sound Schools, a national non-profit school safety advocacy and resource center, alongside Alissa Parker, who lost her daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook shooting. Since then, Gay has been sharing how communities can create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to safety.

An experienced and educated advocate, Gay has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She has addressed national audiences through media outlets, schools, law enforcement agencies and more. She continues to be a leading advocate for student safety, inspired by Josephine and all children like her.

Save $100 on main conference registration with the Early Bird Discount, available through Oct.4. The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 6 through Nov. 11 at Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center Visit tsdconference.com to register and view the conference agenda, which includes four keynotes and dozens of educational sessions all focused on transportation of students with special needs.

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Related: TSD Keynote Speaker Looks to Reveal Power of Praise in Student Transportation
Related: Hands-on Training Opportunities for Student Transporters at TSD Conference
Related: TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students

The post Mother of Sandy Hook Victim Brings Student Safety Message to TSD appeared first on School Transportation News.

With the new school year underway, the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is drawing urgent attention to the dangerous and ongoing issue of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses. The organization is calling on all New York drivers to be extra vigilant as school buses are back on daily routes across the state.

In a statement released last week, NYAPT emphasized the critical need for motorists to obey traffic laws designed to protect student safety, especially during boarding and drop-off times. According to a statewide survey of school bus drivers conducted by NYAPT, incidents of motorists passing stopped school buses remain a serious threat to student safety.

“Providing New York’s school-age children a safe school bus ride to and from school each day is our top priority, and we urge all motorists to do their part and be extra cautious as schools reopen,” said Marc Medina, NYAPT president and transportation director for the Farmingdale School District on Long Island. “We are asking drivers to avoid distractions while driving, be aware that school buses are back on the roads, and always to stop when they see those red lights flashing on a school bus because students’ lives depend on it.”

NYAPT remindeds motorists that New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law mandate all vehicles must stop when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, regardless of the direction of travel even on multi-lane or divided highways. Red lights on a bus indicate that a child is either boarding or exiting the vehicle.

Additionally, school buses on routes have federally mandated stop arms that extend during student loading and unloading.

A first-time offense can result in a fine ranging from $250 to $400, five points on a driver’s license, and up to 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders within a three-year span can face steeper fines, longer jail terms, and eventual license revocation.

“Riding a school bus is the safest way for a student to get to and from school each day, and we ask motorists who share the road with our school buses to do their part to keep it that way,” said NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher.

The concern over illegal passing of stopped school buses extends far beyond New York. A nationwide survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) across 36 states and the District of Columbia revealed that approximately 31 percent of the nation’s school bus drivers reported a staggering number of motorists illegally passing stopped buses. During the one-day count, the participating states reported a total of 114,239 school bus drivers documented 67,258 vehicles passing their buses unlawfully on a single day. However, New York did not hare its numbers with NASDPTS.

In addition to safety concerns, NYAPT is highlighting another pressing issue affecting school transportation: The ongoing shortage of school bus drivers. A recent survey revealed that 60 percent of NYAPT members report needing to hire additional school bus drivers.

“While Gov. [Kathy] Hochul and the legislature have made important policy changes to assist schools with recruiting and retaining school bus drivers, many school transportation departments are still struggling to address the driver shortage problem,” Christopher added. “We ask that parents and caregivers who experience delays in school bus service or have transportation routes temporarily paused due to a lack of drivers be patient and have backup plans for transporting their children.”

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Related: (STN Podcast E267) I Believe in This: Illegal Passing Drops & Michigan Pupil Transportation Leader Speaks
Related: Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame
Related: Updated: Fatal Motorcoach Crash During Band Trip Raises School Bus Safety Lessons

The post New York Association Urges Motorists to Stop for School Buses at Startup appeared first on School Transportation News.

Every maintenance professional has their own unique way of going about their craft, and every bus garage has its own feel. But when experts discuss approaches to parts purchasing and inventory management, certain best practices rise to the top.

For starters, fleet uniformity goes a long way toward achieving reduced downtime, mechanic familiarity with equipment, effective inventory management, and cost containment, explained a group of fleet directors and lead mechanics, some having earned the designation of School Transportation News Garage Stars in recent years.

“The last 15 years weve been buying Blue Birds,” said Chad Eaton, fleet manager with the Eagle County School District in Colorado. “It just simplifies everything: inventory, repairs, training. If you’ve seen an issue once on a Blue Bird, the next time it comes up, you know exactly what to do. It might take you 10 minutes instead of a half hour.”

Ryan Waters, head bus garage technician with the Lake Shore Central School District in Angola, New York and a 2024 Garage Star, agreed that “standardization” is a foundational best practice. “That helps us the most. If we run the same lights, the same tires on everything, we have to keep less parts in stock,” he explained.

Tim Dooley, bus mechanic supervisor at the North Kansas City School District in Missouri, added his district runs all Thomas Built Buses. “It might not always be the cheapest [solution] up front, but standardizing the fleet saves us a lot in the long run, when it comes to stocking parts and training mechanics,” Dooley said. “Keeping one manufacturer simplifies inventory and service. We looked at other brands, but the potential savings didn’t outweigh the added complexity.”

Andrew DeBolt, fleet management coordinator with Californa’s San Jose Unified School District, purchases original equipment manufacturer parts for consistency with service manuals and wear indicators. “Using OEM parts means the wear indicators match the service procedures,” he said. “It keeps everything consistent.”

San Jose also operates with an all-Thomas Built Buses fleet, necessitating fewer parts to stock, a simpler diagnostics process, easier training for mechanics and better pattern-failure predictability.

DeBolt, a 2020 Garage Star, said he operates a hybrid inventory management system that consists of stocking high-use items like tires, mirrors and other common parts while relying on local vendors for just-in-time delivery of infrequent items. He noted the system is streamlined yet responsive to the department’s needs.

“When I started, we had parts for buses we hadn’t owned in 15 years. Now we keep it tight. If we only use it once or twice a year, we don’t stock it,” he said. Proactive maintenance is another must-do, according to the garage experts. “We try to be proactive. If we see it’s close now, let’s just do it,” DeBolt commented. “Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue.”

Dooley said an important aspect of maintenance North Kansas manages is inspecting the brakes every time a bus is in the shop. “I keep a spreadsheet to monitor wear, and once a set drops to 30 percent, we schedule the replacement,” he said. “If the bus is already in the shop, we take care of it right then. No sense pulling it twice.” DeBolt applied that strategy to brakes and tires, acknowledging “there is a tradeoff.

“If you’re purely focused on trying to get every last penny out of that tire, you would run it down till it was at its minimum spec and then swap it out at that point, but you run the risk of a collateral issue (such as) a tire coming apart, taking out mud flaps and doing body damage,” he said. “Even if they have 8/32ths of tread left, we say, ‘They’re 10 years old and they’re coming off the bus.’ We sacrifice a little bit of service life on a brake pad or a tire, but we’re saving two weeks of shop time by the time we cut the mangled metal back, weld it and get it undercoated.

San Jose Unified, which buys tires through California’s state school bus tire program to secure better pricing, opts for recaps on rear axles to stretch tire life and save dollars. But DeBolt noted the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept students at home and buses off the road for an extended period, skewed maintenance cycles and caused some tires to age out before wearing out.

“We save 50 percent with recaps, but only if the tire’s being consumed in three or four years. Now we’re seeing 10-year-old tires,” he said. “All these tires that we had been using for recap on the rear axle, now they’re so old they’re failing. It kind of caught up to us.”

Waters’ department in Lake Shore, which maintains 57 buses and another 20 to 30 district vehicles, does use retread tires but does not keep casings longer than five years. When buying new tires, he opts for higher-end Goodyear options that he said improve longevity and cost effectiveness. “Even if you’re buying a tire that’s twice as expensive, if it lasts twice as long it’s less maintenance work for us to do, so it’s worth it in the long run,” he noted.

Waters said he initially tried multiple vendors before settling on one that consistently meets the district’s expectations. A requirement to secure at least three bids and the practice of conducting ongoing price checks with competitors maintains accountability. Decision-making is based on best value and service, not just price. “Sometimes paying a little bit more for a part will get us the better service. Value really does figure into it. It’s just not low bid,” he said.

While the COVID pandemic didn’t significantly disrupt tire deliveries, it did cause major price hikes. Those sharp price increases have largely remained in place. While a simmering global trade war has threatened to increase prices on bus parts from other countries, DeBolt said the uncertainty hasn’t influenced his approach to tire purchases, prioritizing U.S. manufactured brands.

“In the past, we’ve used other brands and had varying levels of success, but we’ve had the best success with Bridgestones, specifically the Bridgestones made in the U.S. And then Goodyears. Their stuff is all made in the U.S., too. The rubber quality is better. The build quality is better.” Does a commitment to purchase quality parts at a higher price fall into the best-practices category? Absolutely,” DeBolt insisted.

Eaton, who has 26 years of experience with Eagle County under his belt, shared a similar philosophy. The district runs only Michelin XZE2s on its bus steer axles and Michelin XDN2s on drive axles. “We’ve been buying these same tires for as long as I’ve been here. The tires are expensive up front, but they last. We tend to age them out before we wear them out,” he said. “It’s about value, not price. We’ve been doing it this way for so long because it works.”

The North Kansas City district contracts its tire work to a company that’s a trusted partner. “They handle most of our tire changes unless it’s something urgent in the morning like a flat. Having that partnership in place really saves us time and keeps our fleet moving,” Dooley said. “We’ve used Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, whatever is available. We don’t have a strong brand preference, but I do feel that Continental and Goodyear wear better than the Michelins that come standard.”

The school district does not run retreads on any of its buses. “Every tire that we put on is new,” he said. “That’s an investment in safety and reliability that pays off in the long run.”

Meanwhile, Eaton said he believes in investing in premium tires for long-term value and buying the same brand and types of tires. “We only need to stock the two kinds of tires steer and drive which really helps us manage inventory efficiently,” he added. Of course, even the top pros have their own approaches to their craft.

When it comes to purchasing, Dooley said he doesn’t spend a lot of time shopping for different prices. “I’d rather work with vendors I trust, who can get me what I need quickly and keep our fleet on the road,” he said. “Midwest Bus Sales knows our fleet, and they’ve talked about going back to a consignment setup, where they stock the shelves and bill us as we use parts. For a district with two garages like ours, that kind of support would be a big help.”

All four districts have made the transition to LED lighting for reliability and reduced maintenance times. Eaton said all of the Eagle County district’s new bus orders come pre-equipped with LED lighting and First Light illuminated stop arm systems and front and back school bus signs.

“We’re even retrofitting our older buses with First Light’s stop arms and school bus signs,” he said. “We’ve had great experience with their products. They’re bright, reliable and add visibility.”

It’s also important to take unique local conditions intoconsideration when purchasing parts and managing inventory.

“Living up here in the mountains in Colorado, we’re required to have drive-line retarders…and we have the exhaust brakes through the Cummins engines we run, so we’re very fortunate that having those two secondary braking systems on our buses means we don’t go through a lot of brakes,” Eaton said.

On the other hand, Dooley noted that North Kansas City goes through brake shoes fast. “About 20 boxes every two weeks,” he estimated. “So, I buy drums and shoes by the pallet. It’s more efficient and more cost-effective to stay ahead of demand like that.”

DeBolt recommended developing and maintaining open, honest and ongoing relationships with the district fiscal department as a budgeting best practice. He avoids “crying wolf” so that his budget requests are trusted and taken seriously.

“When I go to them and ask for money, they know it’s legitimate. That trust makes a huge difference,” he suggested. “We don’t guess with variable costs like fuel. We agree on a number, but we all understand it may need to be adjusted later.”

When possible, Waters makes a point of purchasing from vendors that offer longer warranties and then keeping track of warranties on specific parts. “One company might have a three-year warranty, another one might have a five-year warranty,” he explained.

He said he prefers paperless inspections and maintenance, using a system that automatically generates work orders and alerts based on input. “We don’t have paper in our buses. We have tablets,” he said. “If drivers have an issue, they put it in the tablet. It sends me an email and creates a work order. I can go on there, look at the codes of everything.”

Eaton said investing in training, whenever possible and practical, is another value-added best practice. “We definitely try to get into any training that’s available to keep them up to snuff with standards. But any time you can stay on top of your game in ever-changing industry, that helps cut down on your downtime, too,” he said.

Best practices shouldn’t be shaped by how many or few vehicles a district operates, DeBolt noted. “We’re all driving the same equipment big or small fleet. The best practices don’t change that much,” he said.

Two keys to success above all, DeBolt insisted, are the ability to gather crucial information and roll with the punches. When it comes to the former, he said a search for better fuel economy led to the use of low rolling resistance tires and other cost savings. As to the latter, DeBolt underscored the value of honesty: “Our mantra is, we can deal with anything as long as we know what we’re dealing with.”

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the August 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Related: A Jolt to School Bus Maintenance
Related: Technology and Communication: Crucial for Bus Maintenance and Safety
Related: Study: Electric School Bus Reliability, Cost-Effectiveness Stand Up in Montana Extreme Cold
Related: 2025 Garage Stars Announced: Relying on Training

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BYRON CENTER, Michigan – Pro-Vision, a leader in mobile video solutions, is announcing the launch of its annual service offering: the FleetGuard Maintenance Plan. FleetGuard is a proactive support and maintenance program engineered to maximize uptime and deliver peace of mind for school transportation fleets.

Exclusively available to school transportation customers at launch, the FleetGuard plan reflects Pro-Vision’s commitment to safer, smarter, and more reliable fleet operations. With a focus on reducing downtime and extending the life of essential video equipment, FleetGuard is designed to ensure every fleet runs efficiently.

Key Features of FleetGuard include:

• • Annual Equipment Inspection
    Certified technicians conduct thorough, on-site evaluations and preventative maintenance of all installed Pro-Vision systems.
  • Immediate Replacement
    Technicians arrive with commonly needed parts, enabling fast on-site swaps and minimizing operational disruption.
  • Waived Trip Charges
    Any new installs or service requests made during the annual inspection are trip-charge free.
  • Firmware Update Assistance
    Expert technicians assist with updates to get the latest features and improvements.
  • Dedicated Remote Support Technician
    Year-round access to a named support specialist for prompt and personalized service.
  • Priority Warranty Pre-Replacement
    Critical components are shipped in advance for replacement with no need to wait for a return to be processed.

“FleetGuard is more than just a maintenance plan—it’s peace of mind,” said Corey Mathews, director of sales for the Transit Division. “We’ve listened to the needs of school transportation leaders and created a service model that proactively keeps their fleets running safely and efficiently.”

FleetGuard is available now to qualified school transportation fleets. For more information or to enroll, contact us.

About Pro-Vision:
Founded in 2003, Pro-Vision is a global leader in mobile video technology, delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety, improve efficiency, and protect vital assets. The company’s comprehensive suite of products includes vehicle video recording systems, body-worn cameras, data management tools, and cloud-based storage solutions. Trusted by partners in transit, public safety, and commercial industries, Pro-Vision’s technology helps organizations operate more securely and effectively.

The post Pro-Vision Launches FleetGuard School Bus Fleet Maintenance Plan appeared first on School Transportation News.

Leander Independent School District in Texas is updating its seatbelt policy to require its school bus drivers to check for students buckled up before departure in response to a school bus rollover crash last month.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services confirmed a school bus rollover involving Leander Independent School District occurred Aug. 13 at 3:15 p.m. The school bus, which primarily transports students to and from Bagdad Elementary School, was transporting 42 children home from the first day of classes. Eleven students and the school bus driver were transported to the hospital with injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced the day following the crash that it is coordinating with the Texas Department of Public Safety on a safety investigation.

Monica de la Garza-Conness, Bagdad Elementary principal and Tracie Franco, the district’s transportation services director, shared in an Aug. 26 letter to parents that while DPS found no criminal wrongdoing by school bus driver Tim Gall, he was “cited for failure to drive in a single lane and improper use of a seatbelt.”

According to the letter, he is no longer employed by the district. Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said Gall was a “seasoned veteran bus driver.”

Texas Senate Bill 546 introduced in 2024 and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025, went into effect Sept. 1. The law states that by the end of the current school year, the board of trustees at  school districts must submit a report to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).that includes the number of school buses operated by or contracted for us by the school district that are not equipped with seatbelts. The report must also list the buses equipped with lap belts and equipped with lap/shoulder belts. School boards must also provide the estimated cost to equip three-point belts in each school bus used by the district.

By Jan. 1, 2027, TEA will collect the information and calculate the total amount of financial assistance needed for all school districts to equip with their school buses with lap/shoulder belts. TEA will make that information available and a school district mau accept “gifts, grants and donations from any public or private source to implement” lap/shoulder seatbelts.

The 2024 Blue Bird school bus was equipped with lap/shoulder seatbelts, per state law. The state requires model-year 2018 or newer school buses to be equipped with the three-point seatbelts. School districts can opt out if the school board determines that the cost exceeds the district’s budget and passes a vote during a public meeting.

Local news reports noted the DPS concluded some but not all students were wearing the safety restraints. State law says students are required to wear the lap/shoulder seatbelts if the school bus is equipped with them.

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Related: WATCH: Texas District Uses ‘Bus Buddies’ Program to Ease School Bus Ride Anxiety
Related: Superintendent Defends School Bus Driver Accused of Erratic Driving, Potential Impairment
Related: School Bus Seatbelt Law Appears Imminent in Illinois

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Garza-Conness and Franco addressed safety items from the DPS. They noted that voter approval of a 2023 bond resulted in every school bus running daily routes, including for students with individualized education programs, are equipped with seatbelts. An additional 44 school buses used for field trips and substitute buses are also equipped with seatbelts.

“Only if all of these are in use would an older bus without seatbelts be assigned,” the letter states.

“The report also reinforced the importance of consistent seatbelt use, a point of emphasis for us,” the letter continues. “We remain committed to reviewing our practices and strengthening reminders about seatbelt use to ensure the well-being of every child we transport. While state law does not hold districts legally responsible for seatbelt use, we expect students to buckle up whenever seatbelts are available. To strengthen this standard, drivers will now check seatbelt use before departure. These expectations for our staff members will be added to our transportation and district handbooks.”

The letter addressed a comment from DPS on tire tread depth, which was reportedly within acceptable safety standards.

Garza-Conness and Franco asked parents to help share the message and importance of wearing a seatbelt. “Please remind your child to buckle up every time they ride the bus—it’s one of the simplest ways to stay safe,” the joint letter notes. “Your partnership reinforces the same message our drivers and schools are sharing daily, helping us build strong habits together.”

The post Texas School District Updates Seatbelt Policy Following School Bus Rollover appeared first on School Transportation News.

Electric school bus manufacturer GreenPower Motor Company signed a multimillion-dollar contract with New Mexico for a pilot program at the same time it is facing obstacles with a similar West Virginia project and perilous corporate finances.

The company announced Aug. 4 that the $5 million-plus New Mexico contract resulted from an award made by the state under a request for proposals published in May for participation in a two-year, all-electric school bus pilot project. GreenPower stated the project would deploy three Type A Nano BEAST school buses during the 2025-2026 school year, and three Type D BEAST and Mega BEAST school buses in the coming months.

Those vehicles, the first three scheduled for deployment the week of Sept. 15, are expected to “rotate around the state in five pilot rounds each school year with each round lasting six weeks.” The company, which is partnering with Highland Electric Fleets to install and implement the necessary charging infrastructure, will also provide training for the school bus drivers, mechanics and the community’s first responders to “help ensure a seamless testing period.”

GreenPower President Brendan Riley said via a press release that the New Mexico project is “leveraging the successful pilot that GreenPower conducted in West Virginia but also has a concentration on evaluating charging options and infrastructure.”

At the same time, GreenPower has faced several headwinds this year in West Virginia with a similar contract that also began with a pilot. The electric school bus manufacturer took ownership of its South Charleston plant in August 2022 and eight months later entered into an agreement with the state to sell $15 million worth of BEAST and Nano BEAST models. The state also agreed to pay GreenPower a $3 million deposit.

Separately, GreenPower and the state signed an agreement for an additional $18.6 million in ESBs awarded by the EPA Clean School Bus Program in 2024 to seven county school districts.

But West Virginia Metro News reported last month GreenPower had only delivered about a dozen of the promised 41 ESBs as of this past spring.

The state claims breach of contract. GreenPower CEO Fraser Atkinson said the reality is far more nuanced. During a phone call Thursday, Atkinson told School Transportation News several factors have hindered the company’s ability to deliver the ESBs.

“We have either delivered or we had vehicles ready to go, to be delivered to every single one of those counties,” he said.

Among the issues, Atkinson added, some school districts have not signed required documents with the EPA and GreenPower’s West Virginia dealer, Matheny, to accept the ESBs. In at least one other case, Atkinson said a county did not have available the older diesel school bus EPA required to be scrapped, so the new ESB couldn’t be delivered.

“Even if the dealer came forward and said, well, don’t worry about this other part, let’s just deliver the vehicle, you still have to worry about it,” he added. “We [would not be] compliant with the program.”

He also noted some counties still don’t have electric infrastructure installed. While GreenPower could still deliver those school buses, Atkinson noted that ESBs can’t sit in a parking lot for months on end without being operated like internal combustion vehicles can.
“There’s a much higher level of ongoing maintenance that you need to have on these vehicles if you’re not using them almost every day,” he added.

A West Virginia official contacted by STN declined comment because the issue is ongoing, and a request for comment from Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office had not been answered at this report.

Hiccoughs With State Inspections and Maintenance

Meanwhile, Atkinson said some counties are having success with GreenPower. But not all say they are. Tony Harris, transportation director for the Monongalia County Schools serving the Morgantown and surrounding area, said the state’s second-largest district received a GreenPower Beast and a Nano Beast, which met his expectations at first.

However, he added, “We have been working with the West Virginia Department of Education, Department of Transportation and GreenPower in regard to a few issues where the buses do not meet the state specifications for a school bus.”

Harris clarified that the unmet state specifications center on failed state inspections for items such as the parking brake release, the color of loading light switches, non-working window defroster fans, and controls for exterior mirrors not working.

Atkinson said GreenPower has worked closely with the state on specifications but commented that not all state inspectors may have the same perspective on what constitutes an out-of-service item, especially as this could be their first experience with an electric school bus.

Still, he noted that any issues keeping school buses sidelined are “a concern.”

“Is there an educational process? I think you’re absolutely right. In hindsight, if all the parties had been in the same room 2 1/2 three years ago and worked through [the issues] …,” he said. “But the flip side is, until you’re actually in the field looking at these things in real time, you probably couldn’t have guessed what all the different issues or potential considerations that needed to be discussed are at the outset. It is a bit of trial and error.”

Harris also expressed disappointment about school bus-related services, which is “an area that has not come close to meeting expectations set for all vendors.”

“We have not been able to obtain stock inventory to have on-hand when something breaks on one of the buses,” he continued. “We have requested training several times for our mechanics on how to service the buses for our preventative maintenance schedules. The mechanics have received some training when representatives have been onsite to address issues when they have been onsite, but no formal training has been provided.”

He said training has so far consisted of what to do in the case of a battery issue or fire.

“A lot of the preventive maintenance items are typical in all school buses, but there are some unique things when it comes to EV school buses,” he said. “Also, we have no access to software or manuals to diagnose problems when they arise. We have requested these products at different times. We have these products for other bus types.”

Atkinson commented that GreenPower is very concerned about any high-voltage work necessary on its school buses.

“Our approach is, until they’re up to speed with the basics, we like to or prefer to take responsibility for anything that could be related to the high-voltage battery system,” adding dealer Matheny has limited experience working with GreenPower’s technology.

Harris said that the district has had to adjust its operations “considerably” after the delivery of the buses.

“We have two of the Nano BEAST buses in our fleet that have run no more than a month on routes since we took delivery of them. These buses have less than 3,000 miles on each of them,” he said, adding the school buses serve special needs and McKinney-Vento student populations. “We have four of the BEAST buses in our fleet, and one has been off the road since June due to defects found during an annual state inspection of the bus. The other three BEAST buses have been taken off the road [last] week due to issues that do not allow us to continue to use them at this time. By taking these buses off the road, it has impacted our bus routes due to the capacity of the buses and not having the same size buses in our spare bus fleet. The one BEAST bus has just over 4,000 miles on it, and this is because it was part of the state pilot program. The other three have less than 3,000 miles on them.”

Meanwhile, John Droppelman, director of support services with the Mineral County Schools, said in an email, “We have not received our two GreenPower buses. We have not received any information from GreenPower in quite some time. I do not expect to ever receive the promised buses. Information about the production and distribution of the GreenPower buses is scarce.”

Atkinson commented, “It’s the early days and there are things that have to get sorted out.” But he continued that, across the electric school bus market, he sees some school districts that have yet to buy-in to electrification, which complicates matters.

“If you have a good partner, they’ll work with you, and they’ll get the vehicles to a place where they’re just not encountering many issues or problems,” he said.

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Related: Safety Concerns of the Electric Grid?
Related: Another $200M Now Available for Electric School Buses in New York
Related: State Budget Calls for Real-world Range Testing for Electric School Bus Sales
Related: Cummins CEO Says Mixed Fuel Approach is Key for Commercial Sector
Related: Five STN EXPO Reno Exhibitors Recognized with Inaugural Innovation Awards

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At the same time, GreenPower has been unable to fully staff its South Charleston manufacturing facility. The agreement with West Virginia listed the goal of 900 jobs filled by the end of last year.

“We don’t get paid a cent until a bus is delivered,” Atkinson told STN.

In turn, he added, the company cannot promise its plant workers the necessary weekly hours.

The West Virginia MetroNews Network reported May 26 that confirmed more than a dozen employees had been notified by email three days earlier that they had been laid off. The company did not confirm the exact number of employees who had been laid off, but the network quoted GreenPower’s Riley saying, “The imposition of new tariffs has significantly increased our operational costs and disrupted our ability to build and deliver buses in a timely manner.”

He added that restructuring and other cost-cutting measures were not sufficient to prevent the layoffs.

MetroNews reported last month that GreenPower indicated it employed fewer than 100 workers even before the spring layoffs.

Resulting Financial Uncertainty

Amid all of this, BDO Canada LLP released its independent audit of GreenPower as of March 31, which stated that “the company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has an accumulated deficit that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.”

A statement by GreenPower issued in July of its financial status at the time noted that revenues for the fiscal year that ended March 31 fell 49.5 percent from the previous year — down from $39,271,839 to $19,847,279 — and experienced a total comprehensive loss of $18,511,895.

GreenPower contends that tariffs are “causing much harm to the entire school bus manufacturing sector. This business instability and the significantly increased costs impacts all school bus manufacturers whether they are producing electric, diesel, propane, or gas school buses. The implications are staggering. If a school bus manufacturer were able to pass these costs on to a school district, it would amount to a tax on the government as the cost would be paid by either local, state or federal government funding.

“But a school bus original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cannot pass on the increased cost since there are state contracts in place for the purchase of school buses,” the company continued. “The new tariffs leave no pathway for a school bus OEM to build vehicles in the U.S., and it completely halts GreenPower’s efforts to on-shore and friend-shore the supply chain, especially non-Chinese battery cells and components.”

An interim Q1 2026 earnings statement released Aug. 15 for the period ending June 30 showed gross revenue fell by 48 percent from the same period last year to $1.549 million, with gross profit at $361,682 after deducting the cost of sales, which actually represents a 63 percent increase from June 2025.

But the statement notes Greenpower anticipates it will not be in compliance with the minimum debt service coverage ratio at the end of the current fiscal year because it has not generated positive EBITDA in the previous four quarters. The outstanding balance on the term loan facility was $3.59 million as of June 30.

The interim statement echoed the warning of the auditor this spring.

“The company’s ability to achieve its business objectives is subject to material uncertainty, which casts substantial doubt upon the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” it says.

Ryan Gray contributed to this report.

The post GreenPower Hits Delivery, Financial Uncertainty Amid New Mexico Electric School Bus Pilot appeared first on School Transportation News.

A central Pennsylvania school district is considering a transportation stipend for families as it continues to grapple with a shortage of school bus drivers, reported WGAL News.

According to the news report, the Susquehanna Township School District may offer up to $1,000 per year to parents who transport their children to and from school. Under the proposed plan, families would receive $50 per student per month, with a cap of $100 per household.

The move reportedly mirrors similar efforts in districts like Philadelphia, where parental stipends have been used to ease transportation challenges.

The district stated the goal is to reduce the number of students requiring school bus service, thereby decreasing the number of buses needed each day. The proposal reportedly comes as the district canceled classes Monday for two elementary schools due to a lack of available drivers. District officials emphasized that participation in the stipend program would be voluntary. No final decision has been made.

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Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage
Related: School District Pays Parents to Drive Their Children to School
Related: Rural Virginia Counties Move Needle on School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Kentucky Students Release Rap Video in Response to School Bus Driver Shortage

The post Dauphin County School District Considers Paying Parents Amid Bus Driver Shortage appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER, Colo. — EverDriven, the nation’s leader in alternative student transportation, today announced the launch of its 360-degree Student Experience, an advancement in real-time visibility and safety for every ride. Purpose-built to support students with diverse needs, the solution combines advanced monitoring technology with human-led care to deliver unmatched transparency, proactive risk mitigation, and student-centered consistency.

“At EverDriven, we are dedicated to setting the bar for safety in student transportation. The 360-degree Student Experience turns that commitment into visibility, accountability, and consistent, calm rides—one student, one trip at a time.This is the standard we uphold daily, and an example of how we’re driving best practices across the industry,” said Mitch Bowling, Chief Executive Officer at EverDriven.

Introducing the 360-degree Student Experience

This solution ensures every ride is safe, transparent, and tailored to the students who rely on it.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Proactive Safety Monitoring: Dual-facing AI cameras and onboard and app-enabled sensors track 18 safety data points, proactively identifying risky behaviors and vehicle conditions before they escalate. Unsafe drivers are removed from service if thresholds are crossed;

Real-Time Ride Visibility: Districts and caregivers can access live trip status, offering peace of mind at every step of the journey;

Unparalleled Safety Standards: Drivers complete pre-service drug testing, random drug testing, and extensive background checking including sex offender registry screening, and motor vehicle record reviews. Ongoing training in defensive driving and sensitivity practices also ensure safe, supportive transportation for all students.

The solution builds on EverDriven’s proven foundation of safety and reliability and adds deeper insights and smarter safeguards. With more than 2 million trips completed annually across 36 states and a 99.99 percent accident-free record, 360-degree Student Experience reinforces EverDriven’s commitment to safe, student-centered transportation.

To learn more about bringing the 360-degree Student Experience to your district, visit everdriven.com.

About EverDriven:
EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 700 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Unveils 360-degree Student Experience: Real-Time Visibility and Safety for Every Ride appeared first on School Transportation News.

TULSA, Okla. – Over the summer, as part of school start-up preparation and training, fourteen maintenance team members from Durham School Services and its sister brands, Petermann Bus and Stock Transportation, participated in IC Bus University’s annual three-day training sessions. The training sessions taught participants how to service various types of engines, transmissions, and a number of other vital bus components from different manufacturers and vendors. Representatives from each manufacturer led their respective trainings for each bus component.

Training topics included, but were not limited to:

Allison transmissions
Bendix Intellipark/Stability
Braun Ability wheelchair lift
Cummins diesel engines
Electric Buses
New DLB/SDS software training
Next Gen updates
Service Portal navigation

In addition to the training sessions, participants were also given the opportunity to tour IC Bus’s assembly plants for both their standard and electric school buses.

“It is important for our Company to ensure our team members are provided with opportunities to fine tune and enhance their skills. The annual IC Bus University Training is one example and timing-wise is a great segue and supplement to our own school start-up preparation,” said Regis Rock, Senior Manager of Talent Development, Durham School Services. “And most importantly, these training and development opportunities ensure that our technicians are continuously being equipped with the utmost knowledge and skills to keep our buses in top condition to transport students safely year-round. We are lucky that we have some of the most committed, ambitious team members who are constantly searching for training opportunities to refine and advance their skills and are glad to be able to support their development.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve

The post Durham School Services and Sister Brand Technicians Elevate Maintenance Skills with IC Bus Training for School Start-Up appeared first on School Transportation News.

A routine school bus ride turned into a frightening ordeal for students and staff after a Spring Hill parent boarded the vehicle threatening the driver, reported Fox 13.

Authorities say via the article that 40-year-old Alvon Corley unlawfully boarded a Hernando County school bus at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 22 near the intersection of Anderson Snow Road and Edward R. Noll Drive. The bus was on route to JD Floyd Elementary School, with students on board, when the incident occurred.

According to the article, Corley, who has a child that rides the bus, allegedly stepped onto the vehicle without permission, used profane language toward both the driver and the bus attendant and refused to leave. Deputies reported that he stood in the bus doorway, blocking the vehicle from continuing its route and delaying the transport of students.

When warned that law enforcement would be contacted, Corley reportedly responded with a threatening remark. “I’ll go back and get my [expletive] gun,” he said, then exited the bus.

The incident was reportedly captured on the bus’s surveillance camera. After a review of the footage, conducted in coordination with the Hernando County School District Office of Safe Schools, Corley was arrested. He now faces charges of trespassing on school grounds, a serious offense especially given the threat of involving a firearm.

No weapons were found at the scene, and no injuries were reported. However, the sheriff’s office and school district officials are taking the threat seriously. It is unclear what led to the incident.

“This type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable,” a spokesperson for HCSO said via the article. “We will continue to work with school officials to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

The Hernando County School District has not commented on whether additional security measures will be implemented following the incident. Corley remains in custody as of Tuesday. His bond and court appearance details have not yet been released.

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Related: South Carolina Man Arrested for Allegedly Pointing Gun at School Bus
Related: New York School Bus Hit by Gunfire
Related: Iowa Student Found with BB Gun on School Bus
Related: North Carolina Student in Custody for Bringing Gun on School Bus

The post Florida Man Arrested After Boarding School Bus, Threatening Driver appeared first on School Transportation News.

With 2.2 million Canadian students back in school via the yellow school bus, a new report by the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) highlights the need for equity of access and funding to make the transition to electric school buses a successful one. ​

Fewer than 4 percent of Canada’s 51,000 school buses, about 2,000 vehicles, are currently electric. But 70 percent of school buses on the road are set to be replaced in the next two to seven years, the report emphasizes.

Embedding Equity in Canada’s Transition to Electric School Buses calls on federal and provincial policymakers to ensure no one is left behind during the country’s move toward zero-emissions school buses. It identifies challenges faced by indigenous communities, students with disabilities and under-resourced areas in accessing ESBs. Adoption remains “significantly lower” in indigenous and remote communities nationwide, due primarily to cost barriers. ​

“We want to make sure that provinces roll out some financial incentive for electric school buses because right now just for the deployment there are absolutely no guidelines that force school bus operators or school districts to prioritize electric school buses in communities where there is more pollution and where they’re actually underserved,” lead author Valerie Tremblay of Green Communities Canada, a co-coordinator of CESBA, told School Transportation News.

The paper notes most ESBs range from $400,000 to $600,000 per bus compared to $125,000 for a diesel model — and related infrastructure, which proves especially challenging for indigenous and remote communities that already have higher transportation costs and barriers to funding. For example, transporting a student in northern Alberta costs $1,279 compared to $363 in urban areas, according to a report on education transportation needs prepared for the Assembly of First Nations, an advocacy group for indigenous people across Canada. ​

School bus contractor Switzer-Carty is a CESBA member company and currently operates two, 2018 model-year, Type C ESBs from the former Lion Electric. Those buses transport general education students, said Rich Bagdonas, vice president of business development for Switzer-Carty. But funding is also at issue.

The federal government targets 35 percent of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales to be zero emissions by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. The Zero Emissions Transit Fund (ZETF) covers capital and planning costs, while the Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program funds chargers.

But Bagdonas pointed out that Ontario, where Switzer-Carty mainly operates, does not currently offer provincial funding programs or incentives though the company is exploring other local options.

Tremblay added ESB funding and deployment has so far focused on Montreal and Quebec, where 80 percent or about 1,600 ESBs operate, and other urban cities. Quebec also mandates nearly two-thirds of school bus fleets be electrified by 2030. British Columbia operates about 150 ESBs and also offers incentives, noted Bagdonas, as the province also aligns with California’s mandate that all trucks and buses be electrified by 2036.

Further illustrating the challenge, the report shares that Prince Edward’s Island also has no funding program currently in place despite targeting 100 percent ESBs province-wide by 2030. It had been relying on funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank Zero-Emissions Bus Initiative, but those funds are now exhausted.

The report recommends revising provincial and federal budgets to cover higher upfront ESB costs and better support small fleet operators.

Tremblay and associate Nicole Roach note that procurement guidelines and safety standards also need updating to ensure universal bus design and a wider range of school bus models that provide accessibility and inclusivity for all. For example, they call for standard wheelchair lifts for students with disabilities.

Tremblay and Roach write that Type A school buses now offer increased range, the prior lack of which had posed “significant challenges,” but supply remains constrained with only a few models available in Canada. The availability of Type C school buses equipped with wheelchair lifts “has the potential to ease some of the equity concerns tied to ESB adoption, especially for smaller operators or school districts,” they write.

Then, there is the obvious reduction in exposure to diesel emissions, which not only improves health but also provides better academic outcomes and school attendance. The report cites findings from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and the National Bureau of Economic Research in Massachusetts.

The report also considers the entire lifecycle of electric school buses, from resource extraction to manufacturing, adoption and use to disposal, and calls for intentional planning to ensure the transition benefits all communities, especially those on indigenous lands. Canada is a leading global producer of many critical minerals essential for ESB production, with mining predominantly located in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta.

Meanwhile, the report also notes the need for improved working conditions by increasing wages and operational funding for school transportation staff, “as electric buses provide cleaner and quieter environments but may limit extra income opportunities due to range constraints.” This includes workforce development to expand ESB maintenance training programs that address skill gaps and job losses in the transition. ​

In addition to newly manufactured ESBs, the report recommends funding pilot projects to convert diesel buses to electric, preventing the export of decommissioned buses to countries with weaker safety standards, policies for adopting safe recycling of electric vehicle batteries and strengthening protections in mining practices to respect the rights of indigenous people and address human rights abuses linked to Canadian mining companies. ​

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Related: WRI Research Highlights Monetary Health Benefits of Electric School Buses
Related: Previous Lion Electric School Bus Warranties Voided by Company Sale
Related: Report Finds Challenges to California Vehicle Electrification Plans

The post Report: Inequities in Canadian Electric School Bus Transition Threaten At-risk Populations appeared first on School Transportation News.

Headlines on the 2025 National Association for Pupil Transportation award winners, a new study on the financial savings of electric school buses, and the clean fuel choices districts are making.

“Our work is nowhere near done.” Mother and educator Michele Gay joins us for a heartfelt conversation about her daughter with special needs, losing her in the 2014 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, subsequently co-founding Safe and Sound Schools, the continued need for classroom and bus safety advocacy, and her upcoming TSD Conference keynote.

Read more about special needs.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

 

Message from School-Radio.

 

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 E272) Overcoming Tragedy: Newtown School Shooting Creates Classroom, Bus Safety Advocate appeared first on School Transportation News.

The roadeo competition presented by School Transportation News in partnership with industry group Women in Transportation (wit.) returns to the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference this fall with a new scholarship opportunity.

The 2025 TSD Roadeo Scholarship, also offered by STN and wit., will allow one participant to receive free main conference registration and a $500 voucher for travel. The scholarship will go to a registered roadeo participant (driver or attendant on a team), and the winner will be chosen based on need and a letter of intent in the application. Scholarship applications close Friday, Sept. 19.

“While not a traditional competition, this event has rather been developed as real-world training that will include hands-on child safety restraint systems (CSRS) and wheelchair securement, classroom education, a written test and driving events,” said Alexandra Robinson, wit. co-founder and a TSD Tenured Faculty member. “This coupled with real-life student behaviors and emergency scenarios is guaranteed to increase the skills and knowledge of those who participate as either competitor or judge.”

The roadeo event presented by wit. and sponsored by Q’Straint/Sure-Lok is open to any transportation teams of drivers and attendants from across North America, even if they have never participated in a previous state, provincial or national roadeo competition. Individuals can also register to be teamed with another solo participant. The only pre-requisite is that participating teams download and complete the Roadeo Competition Knowledge Test and bring it with them to the event.

The teams will conduct real passenger pickups, railroad crossing, parking in a confined space, and handling an unauthorized parent boarding the school bus. The student passengers are played by adult volunteers portraying various special needs or disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment or intellectual disabilities. Teams will be judged based on factors such as pre-check inspection, wheelchair loading and securement, CSRS securement, and the handling of simulated emergency events.

The roadeo will begin on Friday, Nov. 7 with the Wheelchair Hands-On Securement Training hosted by Q’straint/SURE-LOK, followed by a meeting later that day for participants and judges. On Saturday, roadeo participants will be transported to Prosper Independent School District for the competition. This will be an all-day event followed by an evening banquet to announce the winners.

With roadeo-only registration, participants can attend the educational sessions and keynotes offered Friday, Saturday afternoon following the competition, and Sunday. They will also have access to the Friday night Safety & Technology Product Demonstration/Special Needs Ride & Drive, the TSD Welcome Party at Topgolf and the Trade Show.

This year’s TSD Conference will feature dozens of educational sessions, hands-on wheelchair and child securement training, product demonstrations, a trade show and other networking opportunities with peers and vendors from Nov. 6-11.

Save $100 on main conference registration with the Early Bird Discount, available through Oct.4. The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 6 through Nov. 11 at Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center Visit tsdconference.com to register and view the conference agenda.

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Related: Hands-on Training Opportunities for Student Transporters at TSD Conference
Related: TSD Keynote Speaker Looks to Reveal Power of Praise in Student Transportation
Related: TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students

The post New Roadeo Scholarship Offered for TSD Conference, Applications Open appeared first on School Transportation News.

Wow, I learned a lot last month at the STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. Over 1,000 school transportation professionals joined a dynamic convergence of training, networking and innovation while exploring cutting-edge solutions, sharing best practices, and inspiring transformative change in school transportation.

Among the standout moments were keynote addresses by Jon Petz, the “Amazement Artist,” and Jim Schiffler, a veteran transportation leader. Together, their insights provided actionable strategies for fostering engagement, leadership and operational excellence

The Transportation Director Summit in Lake Tahoe featured Petz’s “Rules of Amazement,” a framework for transforming mundane interactions into meaningful, memorable experiences. During his four-part executive leadership workshop, Petz explored personal branding, the power of focus versus perspective, and embracing simple solutions. His presentation resonated deeply with school transportation leaders, emphasizing the profound impact of small, intentional actions, when every moment with students, parents or colleagues matters.

Two days later, Petz delivered his keynote address to the full conference on “Igniting Significance Through Simple Moments,” weaving a unique blend of business leadership,
inspiration and magical entertainment.

Petz opened with a personal, childhood story about learning a magic trick from his father, a fleeting moment that forged a lasting emotional connection. He also shared a memory of his own school bus driver, Mr. Pope, whose kindness left an indelible mark. Petz challenged attendees to ask themselves, “Do I perform to create an amazing moment, or do I perform just enough to get by?” This question struck a chord in an industry often fraught with stress and high stakes, urging professionals to reimagine their daily touch-points. These can be greeting a student, resolving a parent’s concern, or mentoring a colleague.

He shared another story about performing magic for a critically ill child named Nathan, illustrating how saying “yes” to a single opportunity created a transformative moment. Petz distributed seven of hearts cards to the audience, symbolizing his hope to reconnect with Nathan’s family someday, and encouraged attendees to seize similar moments in their work. Petz’s presentation moved the audience to tears and ended with a standing ovation.

The message was clear. Safety and trust are paramount in school transportation. Small acts of connection can build engaged, passionate teams and foster lasting trust with communities. Petz left attendees inspired to elevate their performance and create wow moments that drive team morale and student safety.

The next day’s keynote by Jim Schiffler, retired president of Minnesota bus dealer North Central Bus & Equipment, delivered a compelling session based on his book, “Stepping Up: From Valued Employee to Supervisor.” Schiffler addressed the complex challenges of transitioning a valued employee into a supervisory role, a common hurdle for school transportation professionals moving into leadership positions. His session provided actionable insights for identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders in
an industry facing driver shortages and evolving operational demands. The insights were particularly relevant in addressing the challenge of promoting drivers and support
staff into supervisory roles while maintaining team cohesion and operational efficiency.

Schiffler emphasized the importance of organizational culture, drawing from his success in creating environments where employees feel safe, respected and valued. He said talented individuals are often dissuaded from stepping into leadership roles out of fear they are not “good enough.” He offered a roadmap for overcoming these doubts, focusing on practical steps to build confidence and competence. Schiffler’s strategies included fostering open communication, recognizing individual contributions and aligning personal growth with organizational goals.

Schiffler’s session highlighted the need for intentional mentorship and training to prepare employees to lead. He shared real-world examples, illustrating how empowering
employees to “make a difference” not only boosts morale but also enhances safety and service quality. His approach resonated with attendees tasked with managing diverse
teams under tight budgets and regulatory pressures. He offered a blueprint for cultivating leaders able to navigate the industry’s unique challenges.

The transformative power of leadership and connection in school transportation inspired attendees to harness simple moments and to build trust and engagement, directly impacting student experiences and team dynamics. Petz’s and Schiffler’s insights offered strategies to enhance safety, improve operations and foster a culture of purpose and excellence. By applying these lessons, school transportation professionals can drive meaningful change that benefit their students.

We all have the power to transform simple everyday tasks into significant and impactful contributions. Encourage and empower your team to be what Petz called, “Showtime Ready.” This is a trusted method of achieving peak performance and driving toward a shared goal of student success.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the August 2025 issue of School Transportation News

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Related: STN EXPO Keynote Reveals the Impact of Simple, Intentional Moments
Related: STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’
Related: Gallery: Awards and Magic on Day 4 of STN EXPO West
Related: Magician Teaches Transportation Directors About Connection at STN EXPO West

The post Moments Matter appeared first on School Transportation News.

Increasingly, the conversation about cybersecurity and data protection includes student transportation. STN addressed the subject of security in the September magazine issue, featuring articles that focused on video camera storage and security as well as data security and routing.

STN spoke with Jake McOmie, the CTO of Confluence Security, a systems integrator company that brings together products from various manufacturers — of cameras, recording devices, servers, networking equipment, and sensors — to create tailored security systems. These systems are designed to address both physical and cybersecurity needs with an emphasis on automation, identity management and analytics. The company, which works with government, school and commercial or enterprise customers, also provides software that unifies all components, enabling features like real-time alerts, video analytics and automated response to security events.

STN: Why is security and cybersecurity important for school districts and transportation departments right now?

McOmie: Security and cybersecurity aren’t new concerns, but in today’s connected world, they are more critical than ever. School districts are rapidly adopting technologies like IP cameras, GPS systems, Wi-Fi routers and student tracking software. These tools improve safety and efficiency, but each device added to the network also introduces potential vulnerabilities.

We call this security of security, a phrase borrowed from our trusted manufacturer partner of open-architecture security software platform, Genetec. The approach ensures a cybersecurity-first posture and it’s critical practice to understand your product choices are being systemically protected by design, not as an afterthought.

In the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), everything is interconnected. One unsecure device — whether a camera, HVAC sensor, or access control point — can act as the weak link that compromises the entire system. No matter how robust a network may be, its strength depends on every component being secure. That’s why it’s not enough to harden just the network. Districts must vet the products themselves, hold manufacturers accountable for cybersecurity practices and ensure every piece of technology is built with a “security-first” mindset.

Trust is earned, not assumed. Cybersecurity must be woven into procurement, deployment and management. When one compromised camera or device can become an open door, due diligence isn’t optional. It’s essential.

STN: How can transportation departments ensure their data is protected? What steps should they be taking?

McOmie: Transportation departments manage highly sensitive data, including student info, vehicle locations, incident videos and operational logs. To protect this data, a comprehensive approach during the initial planning will ensure this sensitive data is not jeopardized from unauthorized access. We can talk about the various aspects end users should keep forefront during the planning phase

• • Vet manufacturers and integrators. Work only with vendors that prioritize cybersecurity and provide transparent security documentation. Vendors who operate under zero-trust security policies and demand nothing less of their technology partners, should be asked early in the process. It’s a pass or fail question and should be enforced without hesitation.
  • Network segmentation. Isolate transportation and security systems from general-use school networks. Implementing advanced enterprise segmentation through Federations allows for controlled third-party access while maintaining autonomous and isolated authorization. Preferably utilize SaaS-hosted federation services so partner agencies, such as between schools and 911 centers, can connect their networks for data sharing without actually connecting to anything except the mediary cloud-hosted federation server. This method adds the benefit of permission-based access at the most minute level of data, like allowing access to a video feed only if three independent trigger points have verified.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Implement MFA at all levels — application logins, device portals and cloud platforms — to prevent account takeovers, especially when passwords are compromised.
  • Zero-trust approach. Assume no device or user is secure by default. Require verification and limit access by role. To maximize the effects of this policy, utilize automations and/or integrations to minimize the number of touchpoints when permission changes occur.
  • Encryption & updates. Use end-to-end encryption for data in motion and ensure firmware/software is routinely patched. If available, consider using SaaS products to perform all or some tasks, which can help protect systems from becoming outdated, even if only for a short duration.
  • Automation & alerting. Leverage tools that can automatically identify patterns or anomalies and escalate issues to the right personnel. Open-architecture systems allow for a larger variety of inputs, and with proper configuration, the sensors can be associated with other sensors or events to help qualify any given scenario before notifying personnel, and ensure the correct personnel are the ones being notified.

Protecting data is not just about prevention. It’s about building resilience and ensuring your team can respond quickly and effectively when an event occurs.

STN: How do you advise school districts to work with their technology department?

McOmie: One of the most common challenges we see is operational silos. Safety and security departments know the problems they need to solve, but IT departments hold the keys to implementation. Successful projects require early and continuous collaboration between these teams.

At Confluence Security, we provide end-to-end IP-based solutions, which means we’re deeply engaged with IT teams during planning, design and deployment. While safety leaders define the why, IT ensures the how is executed securely and effectively. The IT team is critical in achieving a successfully hardened system and should include these three key points:

• • Designing the network architecture to limit exposure.
  • Setting access controls and firewall rules.
  • Validating compliance with cybersecurity policies.

In today’s world, a zero-trust model is no longer optional. Every actor, internal or external, must be authenticated and authorized. School districts can support this by standardizing processes like MFA and ensuring IT reviews any new connected hardware or software before it’s deployed.

STN: Where do you see AI in security?

McOmie: AI is transforming security in two important ways — behind the scenes and in front of the user.

Behind the scenes, AI helps devices self-optimize — learning traffic patterns, refining video compression, or detecting performance anomalies before they become problems. This isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational to deliver faster, smarter, more reliable systems. The increased accuracy and performance is generally appreciated by end users but in today’s world of tech, the continual improvements are more or less expected.

Video Analytics engines, where video streams are computer-analyzed for specific behaviors, have used AI to improve their intelligence for more than a decade in some cases. In this method, software developers gain tremendous assistance with perfecting their analytical algorithms. In recent years, advancemnts have been made so far as to providing users with the ability to generate their own behavior definitions and AI creates the behavior analysis, delivering a DIY approach to video analytics.

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Related: Security Sessions at STN EXPO East Address Violence, Safety Programs
Related: As Camera Systems Evolve, IT Collaboration Necessary

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From the user perspective, AI enhances how we interact with security systems. Instead of digging through hours of video, users can issue simple commands: “Show me anything unusual at Bus Lot A last night,” or “Search for students wearing red backpacks on buses 12 thru 15 last week.”

AI enables faster investigations and richer situational awareness. Rather than responding to noise (e.g., constant motion alerts), users receive qualified insights based on anomalies — events that stand out from the norm, like a student jumping out of an open bus window, or a person loitering in an atypical location.

But AI doesn’t stop at behavioral detection. It fundamentally supports action through automation. Systems can support users through if/then/else conditional logic decision making to promote accuracy in the users actions and response. Ultimately, the preferred outcome can be guided by digitized SOPs, allowing for a newbie operator to respond the same way a well-seasoned operator would.

These layers of logic ensure that when serious threats arise, escalation to law enforcement or 911 is intentional, not a false alarm, and delivers real actionable video, data and evidence.

STN: Thank you.

The post Q&A: Cybersecurity in Student Transportation: Why It Matters, Where It’s Headed appeared first on School Transportation News.

After more than two decades of working with Transfinder’s Pro software, Frank Gunn, a seasoned transportation consultant at Greenburgh Central School District, made a pivotal decision that would reshape the district’s student transportation system.

Gunn, who initially joined Greenburgh for a 45-day consulting stint and has now been there for six years, led the district’s transition to Transfinder’s browser-based routing solution, Routefinder PLUS, and its companion tool, Viewfinder.

His story is one of trust, adaptability and a commitment to excellence in student transportation.

It’s also one of loyalty.

Gunn’s journey with Transfinder began long before his time at Greenburgh, a district located in Westchester County, about 30 miles north of New York City.

“I’m 20-plus years with you guys,” he said of his relationship with Transfinder. “I was a Pro user for the longest time,” he said, “and it really didn’t give me any problems.”

He admits he wasn’t eager to make the move to Routefinder PLUS.

“I’m 63 years old and things scare me that are new,” Gunn said. But he knew that Transfinder’s award-winning routing solution Routefinder PLUS was the future and recognized his own need to adapt.

“So, I said, ‘Let’s take the plunge.’” What made the decision easier to make was knowing “the customer service I’ve always known you guys to have.”

The move paid off. Gunn describes the transition as smooth and well-supported, thanks to Transfinder’s training team.

“They walked,” he said of the implementation team. “We didn’t run. They knew I was apprehensive, and we just went through it step by step. It was never a rush thing. That’s what made this the easiest.”

That’s a good message for anyone looking to move to Transfinder’s technology, whether moving from Pro to PLUS, manual routing or leaving one vendor to partner with Transfinder: Transfinder’s support and implementation teams come alongside clients and put them at ease.

As a one-man transportation department, Gunn handles everything from routing to communication with contractors. Greenburgh Central transports approximately 2,380 students, including 360 special education and private school students going to more than 70 schools.

With 85 vehicles and 78 drivers, the logistics are complex—but PLUS has made it manageable.

Gunn highlights several features of PLUS that have streamlined his workflow:

• Speed and Efficiency: “I think it’s faster,” Gunn said. “I like that I can open up two map grids at once and print right from right-clicking on the routes.”
• Bus Pass Integration: “I can grab a group of students and print bus passes right from a window.”
• Enhanced Graphics: “The circular stops and boundaries are more crisp.” It is easy to zoom into a location to look at specific bus stops.
• User-Friendly Interface: “It’s very user-friendly. Every time I turn around, there’s another thing I learn.”

One of the most impactful additions to Greenburgh’s transportation toolkit has been Viewfinder, which Gunn describes as a game-changer for contractor communication. The district contracts with Royal Coach Lines for 90 vehicles. Viewfinder allows Royal Coach to access the same routing data Gunn uses, enabling real-time responses to parent inquiries.

“If a parent calls the bus company, they have the exact same information I have at their fingertips,” Gunn said.

This transparency and accessibility have improved service and reduced confusion.

Looking ahead, Gunn is interested in expanding Greenburgh’s use of Transfinder technology. Gunn is enthusiastic about Stopfinder, Transfinder’s award-winning parent app.

“We have to walk before we run,” he said, acknowledging the importance of a phased approach.

Support from Transfinder has been a cornerstone of Gunn’s positive experience. “Support from Transfinder is second to none,” he said. “I’ve never had a bad dealing in over 20 years.” Noting even receiving calls at 5:30 in the morning to resolve issues.

“They treat you like family,” Gunn said. “That’s the easiest way to sum up Transfinder—from the top down.”

For districts considering the switch to PLUS, Gunn offers heartfelt advice: “If you’re a Pro client afraid to take the plunge to PLUS, I’m living proof it’s idiot-proof. It would be the best decision you ever made in your life,” he said, adding, other than marriage.”

Gunn’s story is more than a testimonial—it’s a blueprint for how thoughtful leadership, trusted partnerships and innovative technology can transform student transportation. At Greenburgh Central School District, Transfinder isn’t just a vendor—it’s part of the family.

“I’m not a client,” he said. “I’m part of your family.”

Take your plunge for improvement and work with the best software and safety product as voted by the industry multiple years running. To learn more about Transfinder technology and support, visit Transfinder.com, email getplus@transfinder.com or call 800-373-3609.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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This month’s issue features the 2025 Technology Superusers, transportation directors that are embracing technology to not only address today’s needs at their operations but also the future. Read articles about efficient routing, data security, student ridership verification, how new technology is going to affect school bus maintenance and AI usage, safety risks during the back to school season and more.

Check out the magazine for more details on the upcoming Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference, coming to Texas on Nov. 6-11.

Read the full September 2025 issue.

Cover Story

Future-Focused Technology
Transportation directors this month discuss why they embrace technology that helps their district not only address today’s needs but also tomorrow’s.

Features

Routing for Results
Besides getting students from Point A to Point B, experts share that creating efficient routes saves time as well as money.

Under Surveillance
No one wants to experience a data breach. Student transporters and industry vendors share the secrets to keeping data secure and accessed properly.

Special Reports

Transforming Student Ridership
Regardless of how districts choose to implement student ridership technology— RFID card, QR code, or barcodes—many agree that streamlining the process can improve student safety.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Feeling Super About Technology?

Thought Leader by Robert Pudlewski
School Bus Maintenance Process Recommendations Influenced by Technology

Thought Leader by Gaurav Sharda
Why AI in School Transportation Must Start with Empathy, Not Efficiency

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
School Zone: Safety Risks Surge

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The post How concerned are you about the data security of your student transportation operations? appeared first on School Transportation News.

Choosing the right technology to manage student transportation can be overwhelming. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading existing systems, the landscape is constantly evolving—and keeping up can be a challenge.

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• What to look for in video, GPS, and safety systems
• How to match technology to your fleet’s needs
• Tips for choosing the right vendor and avoiding common pitfalls
• A checklist to help you prioritize and plan

From onboard safety to protecting students in the Danger Zone, this guide helps you invest in the right tools to keep students safe at every point of their journey.

Download the Buyer’s Guide now and take the first step toward smarter, safer school transportation.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

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School bus operations rely on technology to address the complex requirements of transporting students. Properly identifying your organization’s operational, functional, technical and financial needs will enhance its capabilities as well as your satisfaction with your choices—but how to start?

Download our complimentary white paper for fresh perspective into choosing a partner who provides good value, not just a good price.

• Take a wide, objective look at your organization to understand what’s needed.
• Identify the new technologies’ impact to end users and other departments.
• Work with potential partners to define KPIs and calculate projected ROI.
• Evaluate providers in detail to determine their suitability as a long-term partner.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, and look for partnerships and integrations.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

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