Analysis on the annual National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey which found six students were killed by school buses over the 2024-2025 school year, a safety PSA in the works around the upcoming Super Bowl, and new plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

We are joined by the two youngest transportation directors in Washington state, Cassidy Miller (22) of Cashmere School District, also a Child Passenger Safety Technician and a 2024 STN Rising Star, and her boyfriend Bowen Mitchell (24) at Entiat School District. They discuss leadership strategies, operational insights, TSD Conference attendance and more.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E285) This Is My Path: Washington State’s Youngest Transportation Directors appeared first on School Transportation News.

A 4-year-old girl died on Nov. 17 after she was struck by a Panama Central School District bus in front of Milton J. Fletcher Elementary School.

Police and emergency crews were called to the intersection near the school at approximately 8:08 a.m. for reports of a child hit by a vehicle. Officers immediately administered first aid before the child was transported to UPMC Chautauqua, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The Panama Central School District confirmed the bus was transporting one student to an out-of-district placement at the time of the incident. Neither the student nor the bus driver was injured. The student, Leanna Herrera, attended Jamestown Public Schools.

In a statement, Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Whitaker expressed deep sorrow over the child’s death. “We are heartbroken by this devastating news, and our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends,” Whitaker said. “This is an unimaginable loss for the Fletcher community and for all of Jamestown Public Schools.”

The area around Fletcher Elementary is reportedly busy during morning drop-off hours as students walk to school or wait for buses. It remains unclear at this time exactly how the incident occurred, including whether the child was in a crosswalk or what circumstances led to the crash.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team and New York State Police are assisting Jamestown Police in the investigation. No charges have been filed, and authorities noted that determining contributing factors will take time.

The Panama Central School District also released a message to families expressing condolences and acknowledging the ongoing investigation, calling the crash a “truly tragic accident.”

At Fletcher Elementary, the district has activated its Crisis Intervention Team to support students, staff and families affected by the tragedy. Counseling services will remain available throughout the week.

Community members have already begun placing flowers and stuffed animals near the school as a memorial grows. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information has been asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.

Related: Michigan Middle Schooler Dead After Exiting School Bus
Related: High School Senior Killed Walking to Bus Stop in Florida
Related: Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus
Related: Pennsylvania Kindergartener Struck by School Bus

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Hollywood rarely if ever does justice to the school bus industry. Movies and television often push the stereotypes of child-hating, curmudgeons behind the wheel. While this stereotype was largely absent in “The Lost Bus,” streaming on Apple TV, the film portrayed driving a school bus as a dead-end job. It is based on a true story, but the real-life details paint a more complete picture.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Kevin McKay, a school bus driver for Paradise Unified School District in Northern California, who saved a bus load of students and their two teachers (not one, like the movie portrays) from an elementary school that was in the path of the tragic 2018 Camp Fire—to date the deadliest wildfire in state history. McConaughey is a great actor, but from what I’ve read about McKay, the character doesn’t quite match the man.

I reached out to McKay for this column and never received a response. Still, I read that he was a consultant for the film. McKay is portrayed as down-on-his luck, barely able to rub two pennies together, divorced, caring for his ill mother, and at odds with his teenage son. The character is more concerned with getting additional hours than getting his bus back to the garage for a scheduled PM with the head mechanic. He nods in acknowledgement to his students as they board, but he appears distracted.

Journalist Lizzie Johnson, author of “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive An American Wildfire,” tells the full story. McKay was a former local high school football star who had a daughter as a teenager. His promising sports and academic careers derailed but he managed to carve out a successful stint as a manager of a Walgreen’s and later as a pharmacy technician, only to grow discouraged and quit after watching the opioid epidemic explode.

He returned to school—yes, like in the movie his beloved dog died, not long after his father succumbed to cancer—with the hope of becoming a teacher. The Paradise Unified poster seeking school bus drivers looked to be a perfect fit for his class schedule. He was also used to long commutes around Northern California visiting Walgreen’s stores.

Johnson’s book recounts the district’s hiring board asking McKay why he wanted the job. He discussed, Karen, his middle school bus driver in Paradise, who was always armed with a smile, an encouraging word and a bag of chocolate at Christmas. He left the officials in tears, as Karen had recently retired and they were planning on having lunch with her later in the day.

Johnson’s book portrays McKay as a caring, attentive driver, emulating Karen the best he could. That Kevin McKay was absent from “The Lost Bus.” By and large, school bus drivers are some of the most caring, dedicated and passionate people you’ll meet. Many of them climb the career ladder into administrative jobs. I know plenty of transportation directors who started in the industry behind the wheel.

I’ve read many opinions on social media from student transporters on “The Lost Bus.” The movie can’t be viewed through a lens of accuracy when it comes to student transportation operations. No audience is going to sit through a 30-minute scene of a pre-trip inspection. Transportation operations at Paradise Unified are also depicted as chaotic and unorganized. Actress Ashlie Atkinson plays “Ruby,” a nod to real-life Director of Transportation Rubina Hartwig.

I contacted Hartwig to get her perspective of the storyline. She also did not respond, but several years ago she told me the entire experience was too traumatic for her to speak publicly about. Completely understandable. She did attend the movie premiere in September along with McKay, his son, and teacher Mary Ludwig, played by actress America Ferrera. (The other teacher on board the real lost bus declined to be a part of the film.) The Paradise Unified superintendent’s office did tell me the district played no role in production and producers never reached out.

In the end, while biographical, “The Lost Bus” is a thrilling ride that relies on the imagination. Filmmaker Paul Greengrass told People magazine some moments were “either exaggerated or collapsed.” McKay added he shared his perspective and some of that made it into the film. McConaughey has said he used some aspects of McKay’s story but made the character his own. The realism in “The Lost Bus” is the overall theme of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. What the viewing public needs to realize is school bus drivers perform extraordinary acts multiple times a day for the entire school year. Those instances simply don’t make the news or a Hollywood movie.

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

Related: California Student Honored for Quick Thinking During School Bus Fire
Related: Colorado School Bus Driver Hailed Hero After Fire
Related: Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire
Related: Off-duty Ohio School Bus Driver Saves Student’s Dog From House Fire

The post Paradise Lost, Paradise Gained appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (“GreenPower” or the “Company”) a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced that it has entered into an agreement whereby more than $6 million in deposits that had been made to GreenPower for the manufacture of EV Star Cab & Chassis will be retained by GreenPower with no further obligation to deliver vehicles.

GreenPower received advance payments to manufacture EV Star Cab & Chassis and these deposits were recorded as deferred revenue until delivery of the vehicles was accepted. The parties have agreed to not proceed and a total of $6.8 million of deferred revenue will be recognized as revenue in the current quarter ending December 31, 2025.

“The elimination of this deferred revenue reduces the total liabilities of the Company with a corresponding increase in our shareholders equity of $6.8 million strengthening our balance sheet,” said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. “The EV Star Cab & Chassis that we manufactured with these payments will be used to produce our all-electric, purpose-built Type A Nano BEAST school bus, which will significantly reduce production lead times for these vehicles. This creates a clear path toward accelerated revenue recognition, margin expansion and improved operating cash flow for GreenPower.”

About GreenPower Motor Company Inc.
GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, cargo van and a cab and chassis. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com

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AUSTIN, Texas- BusPatrol, the leader in school bus safety technology, has been named to both the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500etch and the Inc. 5000 lists in recognition of its rapid growth and impact on student and community safety nationwide. This dual recognition reflects BusPatrol’s leadership in modernizing student transportation safety through cutting-edge AI, machine learning, and vision safety solutions adopted by communities across the country.

This marks BusPatrol’s second consecutive year on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, which honors the most innovative technology companies in North America. BusPatrol also earned a place on the Inc. 5000, the definitive ranking of America’s most resilient and high-impact private companies.

These recognitions reflect the growing national adoption of BusPatrol’s industry-leading technology solution and its proven impact on road safety. Communities using BusPatrol’s end-to-end stop-arm enforcement program see meaningful behavior change — more than 90% of first-time violators do not reoffend after receiving a citation. Through partnerships with school districts, municipalities, and law enforcement agencies, BusPatrol modernizes student transportation with cloud-connected, AI-powered stop-arm cameras and interior safety technology that help make roads safer for students and families.

“Our growth speaks to our team’s deep commitment to student safety and the mission that drives us,” said Karoon Monfared, CEO of BusPatrol. “Our strong community partnerships, paired with our deep know-how in building programs that communities trust and the technology behind our safety platform, make us a trusted safety partner to the communities we serve. As more communities adopt our turnkey technology solution, we remain focused on setting the standard for innovation in this space and delivering real safety gains where they’re needed most.”

BusPatrol is currently contracted on over 40,000 buses across 24 states, with new regions coming online each year. As the industry leader, BusPatrol is positioned for continued growth, driven by advanced technology, trusted partnerships, and a mission to improve public safety across the communities it serves.

The post BusPatrol Named to Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 for Advancing School Bus Safety appeared first on School Transportation News.

Caleb Caldwell at Fenton Mobility, gives School Transportation News Publisher and President Tony Corpin an up-close look at the future of wheelchair-accessible student transportation.

“This is the van school districts have been asking for,” Caldwell said, kneeling to demonstrate the Abilitrax removable flooring system. With a single tug, he unlatched the passenger seat and slid it forward twelve inches to lock back in place quickly and easily. “No tools, no drilling, no downtime. If a student’s mobility device changes tomorrow, we reconfigure the floor tonight. It also works with the Q’Straint tie-downs system.”

The AbiliTrax Modular Track System is rated to the current FMVSS & ADA safety standards yet remains infinitely adjustable. Districts can mix traditional forward-facing seats, flip seats, and multiple securement stations in the same vehicle without permanent modification.

Caldwell also demonstrates the Shift-N-Step with one smooth motion with a Braun Wheelchair Lift. “Attendees mouth dropped when they saw this innovative solution at the TSD Conference.”

Related: WATCH: Innovation Hits the Road: Transfinder’s Ride Along Tech Demo Steals the Show at 2025 TSD Conference
Related: (STN Podcast E283) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 2/2): Solution-Driven Partners + TD of the Year Interview
Related: Gallery: Trade Show at TSD 2025

The post WATCH: Fenton Mobility Wows Attendees at 2025 TSD Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

Mary took pride in staying sharp behind the wheel, but her route change for the upcoming semester caused anxiety. She would have to face more stops, more students and heavier traffic. Her concern about protecting students from stop-arm violations grew by the day.

Fortunately, a decision by the district helped ease her worry. The district planned to install a powerful safety solution on every bus: REI’s AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera.

That news made Mary ecstatic. The solution would automatically detect and record violations, allowing her to devote her full attention to students as they board and exit.

Think your drivers would appreciate the assistance?

To capture your district’s violations in the same manner, you need the following: an AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera; one or two license plate cameras; a sensor harness; an HD6 DVR; and the cloud-based, wireless ARMOR Software Suite for fleet management. Together, these products auto-capture both data and high-definition violation images. Here’s how:

• The vision-based AI Camera sees a motorist enter its detection zone while the stop arm is extended and automatically marks the video on your DVR.
• The marker then prompts ARMOR to download the violation video from your DVR.
• ARMOR is also prompted to send event alerts to your team to initiate investigations.
• The license plate camera(s) captures close-up images of the violator’s plate(s).
• ARMOR stores all images and metadata for review and sharing shortly after the incident.

Ready to streamline violation detection and reporting for your drivers and operation? With our AI-powered stop-arm solution onboard, the amount of time and stress saved could be transformative for your operation.

Ready for more good news? Updates to these REI^® solutions boost safety and efficiency even more:

HD6 Series 12-Channel DVR – integrates with REI’s vision-based-AI HD6 ADAS System to record detected events for administration/law enforcement and support safe driving behaviors.

ARMOR Software Suite – new Application Programming Interface (API) enables partnerships with major routing providers, expanding fleet management capabilities from a single source.

To learn more, contact us, call 800.228.9275 or send an email to: info@radioeng.com.

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

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What should be a simple part of a morning routine has turned into years of stress for one Lancaster County family, reported Local 21 News.

The Miklos family of Strasburg told local news reporters they’ve endured daily harassment from impatient motorists, all because it takes their 7-year-old son, Sirus, a few extra minutes to get on and off his school bus.

Sirus was reportedly diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy shortly after his first birthday. The rare neuromuscular disorder affects muscle movement, leaving him subject to a wheelchair. To get to school each day, he rides a bus specially equipped for children with disabilities. Loading and unloading takes about three minutes, just a few extra minutes compared to other stops, but the added time has sparked anger and cruelty from drivers stuck behind the bus.

“For the last three years, people have been swearing, honking and even swerving around the bus,” said Sirus’ father, Nate Miklos. “It erodes his self-confidence. He’s just trying to go to school like every other kid, and people are being impatient. He feels like that’s his fault.”

Sirus’ mother, Danielle, told reporters that the situation reached a breaking point this year.

“The final straw was a man coming down the street honking as Sirus was getting loaded,” she said. “As the bus pulled away, he yelled nasty things at us because he had to wait.”

The family reported the harassment to local law enforcement, but they say the behavior has only worsened.

“It’s about three and a half minutes of people’s commute in the morning that they have to stay while he gets on the bus,” Danielle said. “I don’t really think that’s a big deal.”

Frustrated but determined to raise awareness, Danielle shared their story. It gained attention and sparked a wave of compassion from their Strasburg neighbors. Within days, the community organized a special ride to school for Sirus, complete with local police officers who gave him a full escort.

“We got messages from people we don’t even know saying they saw him smiling the whole ride,” Danielle said via the news report. “It makes us feel like we belong in this community and that the community has our back.”

While the family says there’s still no permanent fix to stop the harassment, they hope their story will remind motorists to slow down and show empathy. “If it bothers you that much, take a different route,” Nate said. “But please, let our son get to school safely and with dignity.”

For Sirus, going to school remains the highlight of his day. He loves his teachers, his friends and learning new things. His parents say that despite the challenges, seeing his joy each morning reminds them why they continue to speak out.

Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to stop for school buses with flashing red lights, including those loading or unloading children with disabilities. Violators can face fines and license suspensions.

Related: Alternative School Transportation: Roadmap for Decision-Making For Children with Disabilities and Special Needs
Related: Gallery: Safe, Caring Transportation Promoted for Students With Special Needs
Related:Safety Expert Shares Transportation Social Story Strategies for Students with Disabilities
Related: Foundations of Transporting Students with Special Needs Returns to TSD Conference

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As federal immigration agents step up enforcement operations across Chicago, a growing network of volunteers in Albany Park has formed an unexpected lifeline for local immigrant families: a walking school bus that escorts children to and from school each day, reported WTTW News.

The effort emerged shortly after residents noticed a stark shift in neighborhood life. As explained by volunteer Alyssa May, the impact of the increased raids was immediate. “The moment that the raids started happening and people started getting pulled off the street, you could just see it,” May said via the article. “You could see less students, less families, less vendors. And it really did change. It just became a really quiet place.”

Fearing arrest, many parents have been hesitant to leave their homes, even to bring their children to school. In response, a group of mothers, teachers and community members reportedly came together to ensure students could still make it to class safely and consistently.

May now leads one of the daily walking routes for an elementary school in the neighborhood, guiding children whose parents are too afraid to accompany them. She estimates that between 80 and 100 students are picked up each morning. Out of precaution, volunteers asked that the school remain unnamed due to ongoing immigration enforcement in the area.

For many children, the walking school bus has become more than just a mode of transportation. Teacher Dulce Jimenez said the routine helps restore a sense of stability. “The kids have gotten to know the volunteers and like walking to school with their friends,” Jimenez said via the news report. “They’re kind of not even realizing the distraction that was created and what we’re trying to close off for them.”

For volunteers like Maggie Cullerton Hooper, the community’s response has been both inspiring and necessary. “It is really very heartening to see just how much we will all show up to be a part of making sure that all of our kids are safe, that all of our people are safe,” Hooper told local news reporters.

For May, who is also a mother, the work feels deeply personal. She recalled seeing fear on the children’s faces during the afternoon pick-up. “You could kind of sense at pick-up the fear of some of the kids of, like, will I come home to an empty house?” she said. “We still have to sit with that and know that that is a reality, but at least they are getting one bright simple spot every day.”

Related: Florida School Districts on Edge About Possible School Bus Immigration Raids 
Related: School Districts Seek Student Protections from Immigration Enforcement
Related: Florida Fathers and Father Figures Join Students for Walking School Bus
Related: No Attempt to Illegally Board School Buses Near Mexico Border, Sheriff Says

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GUILDERLAND, N.Y. – John BeGasse, Vice President of Business Development at Durham School Services, was honored with the Roger Weeks Contractor of the Year Award by the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) for his excellence and dedication to student transportation. John was recognized with the award at the NYSBCA’s 71st Annual Convention.

The Roger Weeks Contractor of the Year Award is NYSBCA’s highest honor and aims to recognize one contractor who demonstrates excellence in safety, performance, leadership, and community engagement in student transportation.

In a news release published by NYSBCA about John and the award, they stated, “With more than 40 years in the industry, BeGasse has been a steadfast advocate for student safety and operational excellence. A long-standing NYSBCA member, he has generously shared his expertise to strengthen the collective voice of contractors across North America.”

“The New York Contractor of the Year award is an amazing honor to receive,” said John BeGasse, Vice President of Business Development, Durham School Services. “The New York School Bus Contractors Association is on the front lines of so many issues facing our industry today. Issues range from seat belts to alt fuel, electric vehicles, the use and regulation of alternative transportation providers, driver training and vehicle maintenance standards, to name a few. Working with this very talented and involved group has been one of the highlights of my life. To be at the table as the vital issues of our industry are discussed and to be able to participate in that discussion is a truly humbling experience.”

As part of NYSBCA, John has represented Durham and served on the board since 2019 to provide his insight and expertise on the developments of the student transportation industry and has also participated in lobbying and advocating for safe and reliable student transportation.

“This is a well-deserved award to John and a great representation of his contributions and commitment to the industry over the span of his very impressive 40-year career,” said Dan Cecchin, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development, Durham School Services. “Through his involvement in NYSBCA, he has been able to provide invaluable knowledge and guidance to support the industry and ensure that our concerns are heard and addressed. We greatly appreciate John’s dedication in advocating not only for our Company, but also the industry as a whole for the sake of ensuring student transportation is both safe and reliable. Thank you, John, and congratulations.”

Durham School Services and its sister brands currently provide student transportation for twelve areas in New York spanning from Rochester to White Plains and plans to continue to grow its footprint in New York so that it can provide safe, reliable student transportation to more school districts.

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.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio- First Student, the company setting the standard for innovation and transforming the school transportation industry, today celebrates the third anniversary of First Alt®, its alternative transportation service offering.

Since its launch in 2022, the First Alt service offering has redefined what alternative transportation can be. Today, First Alt is the nation’s most trusted alternative transportation solution for districts that need safe, reliable, and equitable options for students with unique mobility or behavioral needs – including McKinney-Vento, out-of-district, and other hard-to-serve routes.

In just three years, First Alt has expanded into 25 states, with a focus on leading the industry by raising the standards and accountability for alternative transportation drivers. Whether a student is riding on a traditional yellow bus or an alternative vehicle, they deserve a driver who has been vetted to the same rigorous safety and training standards as the district’s yellow bus drivers, including mandatory drug and alcohol testing and background checks, as well as student behavior training programs. This commitment guarantees that all students receive the same level of safety, consistency, and compassion on every ride.

“Our commitment to safety and care extends beyond the yellow bus,” said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. “By combining the power of technology with the highest levels of training and accountability, First Alt is transforming how districts approach alternative transportation and what families can expect from it. In doing so, we’re living our value of setting the highest standards and fulfilling our mission to improve the transportation experience for every student.”

Raising Standards in the School Transportation Industry

This “raise-the-bar” approach reflects First Student’s broader mission to create safer, smarter, and more connected student transportation.

“The students we serve through First Alt are often those with the greatest needs: students with disabilities, out-of-district placements, or those experiencing homelessness,” said Gregg Prettyman, Vice President of First Alt. “They deserve to have drivers with the same level of vetting and training that their fellow students receive while riding the yellow bus. We are setting a new standard for what alternative transportation should be. Although there are many types of vehicles, there should only be one type of driver.”

Through its First Alt service offering, First Student provides an end-to-end transportation solution that brings yellow bus service and alternative transportation together under one umbrella. Districts gain a single, reliable partner equipped to meet every student’s needs while ensuring the same high standard of safety, care, and reliability on every ride.

The Future of Alternative Transportation, Powered by HALO

In 2024, First Student was named the North American winner of the Forrester Technology Strategy Impact Award, recognizing how its HALO Technology Platform is transforming the school transportation experience through data-driven innovation, transparency, and safety. Today, First Student is a leader in integrating AI, predictive analytics, and advanced visibility tools across its operations. This technology also powers First Alt, enabling smarter navigation, safer rides, and stronger connections between schools, families, and transportation teams.

As part of HALO, AI cameras are already deployed across 75% of the First Alt fleet, enhancing safety for both students and drivers by helping to prevent incidents while promoting care and professionalism on every ride. Paired with the First View® real-time GPS tracking app for districts and parents, intelligent route optimization, and consistent driver assignments, First Alt ensures every student arrives safely, on time, and ready to learn.

About First Alt:
First Alt, the alternative transportation service offering of First Student, provides safe, reliable, and customized transportation for students with specialized needs. Backed by First Student’s unmatched training, technology, and safety standards, the First Alt solution ensures that every student, regardless of ability, housing, or placement, receives equitable, high-quality transportation to and from school. Learn more at https://www.firstalt.com

About First Student:
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience with 5.5 million student rides across North America every single day. As the undisputed leader in K-12 transportation, the company completes 1 billion student rides annually, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of 46,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education. Named one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student’s impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start and end their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time. Learn more at https://www.firststudentinc.com/

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ELKHART, Ind.- Forest River has completed the acquisition of Premier Fiberglass Company, Inc., an Elkhart-based manufacturer of composite components primarily for the commercial vehicle sector. The transaction became effective Friday, Nov. 14.

Premier Fiberglass, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest River, has supplied high-quality fiberglass components for shuttle, transit and school buses, as well as commercial delivery trucks, for the past 34 years. All existing operations, facilities, management and employees, totaling 57 team members, will remain the same.

Leadership Continuity

Premier Fiberglass President John Kellogg will continue with the company as Senior General Manager, helping to manage a smooth transition and future growth.

“For more than three decades, Premier Fiberglass has focused on building dependable products that exceed customer expectations,” Kellogg said. “Joining Forest River provides tremendous opportunity to build on that foundation. Our employees, our processes and our core values remain the same—but now we have the backing and resources of one of the country’s strongest manufacturers. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Shared Values & Strategic Alignment

Forest River and Premier Fiberglass share a long-standing relationship in the commercial truck and bus market. Premier Fiberglass has established a strong track record in the industry, and both organizations emphasized that the acquisition is rooted in aligned values through its dedicated employees, quality workmanship and a commitment to serving customers with reliable products. “The purchase of Premier Fiberglass is a natural fit for Forest River and will be part of John Hanes’s commercial group which includes cargo trailers and trucks,” said Doug Gaeddert, CEO of Forest River. “Premier Fiberglass built their reputation on simple but important principles, including skilled employees who care about what they build, and products that consistently meet or exceed expectations. Bringing Premier Fiberglass and John Kellogg into our organization adds to that foundation and supports the continued growth of our business.”

The post Forest River Acquires Premier Fiberglass appeared first on School Transportation News.

An 11-year-old student was injured after being struck by a school bus while crossing a roadway in Hurricane City, Utah, reported 2 KUTV.

First responders were dispatched Wednesday to a local intersection following reports of an auto–pedestrian collision, the Hurricane City Police Department said . Upon arrival, emergency crews located the injured child and immediately began medical treatment.

The student, whose name was not disclosed at this writing, was transported to St. George Regional Medical Center and is reportedly in stable condition. Police said  the child may have sustained a head injury during the incident.

Witnesses told investigators that the student, who attends Hurricane Intermediate School, was running across 700 West when they were struck by a Washington County School District bus. Officials confirmed that several students were aboard the bus at the time, but no passengers or the bus driver were injured.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and police noted no additional details are available at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured student and family at this time,” the Hurricane City Police Department said in a statement.

More information will be released as the investigation develops.

Related: 6 Students Killed in Danger Zone, All by School Buses
Related: 14-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in New Jersey
Related: Teen Struck, Killed by Kentucky School Bus
Related: New York Mother and Child Struck by School Bus Following Drop-Off

The post 11-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in Utah, in Stable Condition appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor recap the lessons, experiences and takeaways from the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show last week. It covered evacuation training in a smoke-filled school bus, legal issues like onboard sexual assaults or objectionable clothing, tips to promote good student behavior, an in-depth session on deafness and much more.

Read more TSD Conference news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E284) Always Something to Learn: Special Needs Takeaways from TSD 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

While public awareness campaigns about illegally passing stopped school buses increase nationwide, the National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey finds that school buses and their drivers accounted for all the student fatalities reported for the 2024-2025 school year.

The 2024-2025 National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey, released Sunday at the National State Director of Pupil Transportation Services conferences in Washington, D.C., reported that six fatalities occurred in five states, with Louisiana reporting two. Four states did not participate in the survey, the most non-responses since 2015.

Over 55 years, the annual survey conducted by the Kansas State Department of Education’s School Transportation Safety Unit says school buses account for 56.5 percent of all reported fatalities, with other vehicles accounting for 39.2 percent and “other” 4.2 percent.

Several fatalities during the 2024-2025 school year occurred similarly. In Missouri, a 9-year-old girl had just exited her school bus. As the bus pulled away from the curb and began preparing to turn left, the student ran along the left side of the bus for unknown reasons. She was struck and killed by the rear left wheels.

Find All National School Bus Loading and Unloading Surveys Since 1970

A similar situation occurred in Wisconsin. A 5-year-old boy had unloaded the school bus at school. However, the student had dropped an item and crawled under the bus to retrieve it as the school bus driver pulled away. The student was struck and killed by the left rear dual wheels.

A 5-year-old Massachusetts boy unloaded from the school bus when the vehicle moved forward, and it struck and killed the child. The boy was killed by the left front wheel.

In Louisiana, a 7-year-old exited the school bus and was walking in front of it as the driver pulled away from the stop. He was struck and killed by the right front and right rear dual wheels of the bus.

Also in Louisiana, a 6-year-old boy was running to catch the school bus. He was in front of the bus as it pulled away from the stop, and he was struck and killed by the front of the school bus.

Similarly, in Texas, a 5-year-old was running to catch the bus. He, too, was in front of the bus as it pulled away from the stop. He was then struck and killed by the left front wheels.

Related: Senate Supports October School Bus Safety Month for 12th Consecutive Year
Related: Louisiana Boy Waiting for School Bus Allegedly Killed by Impaired Grandmother
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Related: (STN Podcast E283) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 2/2): Solution-Driven Partners + TD of the Year Interview
Related: High School Senior Killed Walking to Bus Stop in Florida

Half of the fatalities took place on the trip to school, the other half on the trip home. All the students killed were under 10 years old. Three were 5 years old. The National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey stated that during the past 55 years of the survey, 73 percent of fatalities occurred to students 9 years of age and under.

Three of the fatalities took place on a Thursday, and two took place in the month of April. For five of the fatalities, the weather conditions were clear and in daylight, with one being reported during cloudy conditions and one during dark. Two fatalities were reported in rural areas, whereas four were considered urban. In all fatalities, road conditions were dry.

The survey is based on police reports of student fatalities at school bus stops when the bus was on scene at the time of the incident.

The post 6 Students Killed in Danger Zone, All by School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

A 5-year-old Louisiana boy was killed after being run over in his family’s driveway by his grandmother, who police allege was drunk and under the influence of depressants at the time of the accident.

During a press conference last Tuesday following the incident, Slidell Police Department announced the arrest of 55-year-old Kristen Anders, who was charged with vehicular homicide. The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office formally identified her grandson as Carson Lawson the following day.

Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said officers were called to the family’s home at around 7 a.m. Tuesday, following reports that a child had been struck by a vehicle. Carson was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, Carson was standing in the driveway waiting for his school bus when Anders left the house to drive to work. Police allege she entered her SUV, which had been backed into the driveway, and began pulling forward, unaware the boy was directly in front of the vehicle. Because of the size of the SUV, Seuzeneau said, Carson was not visible to her. The child died instantly, according to police.

A drug recognition expert evaluated Anders at the scene. Seuzeneau said the expert determined she was impaired and under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants, though police did not specify the specific substances involved. She was taken into custody shortly thereafter and later booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Her bond was set at $50,000.

Seuzeneau spoke about the impact on first responders.

“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” he said. “I was at the scene this morning as well as several of our officers. This affects everyone. This hits home hard for all of us and all of the first responders who were at that scene.”

The police chief added that he had spoken several times with Carson’s mother on Tuesday.

“There isn’t anything that I can say that can make her feel better or make this situation better,” he said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: 14-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in New Jersey
Related: New Jersey School Bus Driver Struck, Killed by Another School Bus
Related: 9-Year-old Hit, Killed by School Bus in Canada
Related: Georgia Student Struck and Killed by Passing Vehicle

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The 2025 Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference buzzed with energy as hundreds of school transportation professionals converged on the Frisco Convention Center. Amid packed breakout sessions and exhibit halls, one experience stood out: Transfinder’s Technology Demo Ride Along aboard Type C school bus.

School Transportation News Publisher & President Tony Corpin caught up with John Daniels, Transfinder’s Vice President of Marketing to learn more.

“This isn’t a static demo,” Daniels said, gesturing toward the large video display onboard the school bus. “Attendees will board an operational school bus from Garland ISD and experience our solutions in motion—exactly as drivers and dispatchers use them every day.”

The 20-minute loop around Frisco, Texas showcased Transfinder’s flagship platform RouteFinder Plus and WayFinder. Riders watched live routing adjustments respond to simulated traffic, AI-powered stop-arm violation alerts trigger instant notifications, and tablet-based driver workflows streamline pre-trip inspections. GPS precision down to the curb ensured every scenario felt authentic.

Learn more about the TSD experience.

Related: (STN Podcast E282) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 1/2): Mission-Critical Partners for Special Needs Transportation
Related: TSD Panel Shares How Technology Improves Special Needs Transportation Operations
Related: Case Study on Data-Driven Technology Presented at TSD

The post WATCH: Innovation Hits the Road: Transfinder’s Ride Along Tech Demo Steals the Show at 2025 TSD Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

As the fall approaches, it’s an opportune time to prioritize your individual and team’s professional growth. Two upcoming conferences in particular—the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Conference and the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference—offer invaluable opportunities to sharpen leadership skills, stay updated on industry trends, and forge meaningful connections. These events are essential for professionals aiming to excel in the dynamic field of school transportation.

The NAPT ACTS, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 4 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, embraces the theme, “Driven by safety, guided by professional development.” The NAPT website states the event unites industry leaders with a shared goal: Ensuring safe and efficient transportation for every student. Attendees can expect Professional Development Series (PDS) training, discussions on industry challenges, and networking opportunities. The trade show provides an opportunity to explore solutions and connect with peers. Don’t miss the chance to visit booth #619 to meet the School Transportation News team and build new relationships that could shape your career.

You can also learn more about STN EXPO EAST in Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina on March 26-31, 2026. Meanwhile, the TSD Conference, taking place Nov. 6-11 in Dallas/Frisco, Texas, focuses specifically on transporting students with disabilities and special needs, providing hands-on safety training. This conference stands out for its specialized training and technology offerings, featuring four keynote speakers covering topics on student behavior and legal challenges and over two-dozen expert-led workshops. Attendees can also participate in the roadeo competition and the Technology Demonstration & Ride & Drive Experience on Friday, Nov.7. During the latter event, supplier partners and OEMs will showcase cutting-edge tools designed to enhance student safety and success.

The TSD Conference delves into best practices for supporting students with disabilities, offering insights that elevate both professional expertise and personal growth. By learning from seasoned professionals, attendees gain practical strategies to improve transportation services tailored to unique student needs. As one transportation director shared, “Conferences like TSD are vital for professional growth. They provide a platform to expand knowledge, develop skills and stay ahead of industry advancements. The networking and trade show sessions allowed me to exchange innovative ideas, build connections and gain insights critical for improving services, especially for students with disabilities and special needs.”

Beyond knowledge acquisition, these conferences foster collaboration and innovation. Trade shows expose participants to emerging technologies and potential partnerships, enabling them to integrate new tools into their operations. Engaging with exhibitors and fellow professionals sparks creative solutions to current challenges, ensuring school transportation remains efficient and student success focused. These interactions often lead to long-term collaborations that benefit both individuals and their organizations.

Conferences also offer enriching personal experiences. They provide a space to reconnect with colleagues, form new relationships and expand professional networks. These connections can lead to future opportunities, innovative problem-solving and collaborations that drive progress in school districts. The blend of professional development and meaningful networking creates a dynamic environment where attendees leave inspired and equipped to lead.

For those committed to advancing their careers, attending these conferences is a strategic investment. The NAPT and TSD conferences deliver actionable insights, access to industry leaders and motivation from inspiring speakers. They empower professionals to stay at the forefront of an evolving industry while building skills that directly impact student safety and success. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the field, these conferences offer tools to help you grow both personally and professionally.

I encourage you to seize this opportunity by registering for the TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas. Visit tsdconference.com/agenda for details on the keynote speakers, educational sessions and networking events. The schedule is packed with opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

Investing in professional development through conferences like NAPT, TSD Conference and STN EXPO yields significant returns for both individuals and organizations. These events provide a platform to acquire new knowledge, build lasting connections and draw inspiration from industry pioneers. For anyone dedicated to advancing their career and improving school transportation, attending these conferences is a critical step toward achieving lasting success. By prioritizing professional growth, you are positioning you and your team to lead with confidence in an ever-changing school transportation industry.

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

Related: (STN Podcast E283) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 2/2): Solution-Driven Partners + TD of the Year Interview
Related: NAPT Speaker Shares Strategies to Boldly Approach, Overcome Fear
Related: Closing TSD Keynote Bridges Gap Between Student Behavior, Positive Reinforcement
Related: Education Leader Challenges Transportation Professionals to Reimagine Compliance and Student Access

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued an administrative stay pending further legal review of an interim final rule announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in September to limit the ability of non-domiciled workers to obtain commercial driver’s licenses.

The Nov. 10 ruling on a case filed by a DACA recipient and an asylum seeker, who were blocked from getting non-domiciled CDLs, allows states to continue issuing the licenses as well as commercial learner’s permits (CLPs). Duffy responded Friday by announcing an emergency action to “drastically restrict” the eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs. The U.S. Department of Transportation also clarified states subject to a corrective action plan from the FMCSA must continue to adhere to the final rule.

A nationwide audit by FMCSA of these non-domiciled commercial drivers uncovered systemic non-compliance by several states, “the worst and most egregious” in California. FMCSA said 25 percent of non-domiciled CDLs in the state were improperly issued. The agency ordered California as well as Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Washington to immediately pause the issuance of the non-domiciled CDLs, identify all non-domiciled CDLs that fail to comply with FMCSA regulations and revoke and reissue all noncompliant non-domiciled CDLs if they comply with the new federal regulations.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is among the organizations supporting the FMCSA interim rule while the American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are in favor of last week’s court stay.

Related: U.S.DOT Welcomes New Leadership Following Senate Confirmation, Barrs to FMCSA
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FMCSA Renews School Bus Driver ‘Under-the-Hood’ Training Exemption

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Despite the federal government shut down and amid students continuing to die or be injured in the school bus “Danger Zone,” the Senate agreed on the importance of child safety with a resolution designating October 2025 as School Bus Safety Month.

Introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Gary Peters of Michigan, Senate Resolution 484 was filed on Nov. 5 and the full chamber agreed via unanimous consent to the language Monday. But it was originally scheduled for a vote on Oct. 1, the first day of the government shutdown.

“We stayed on them every day to get together and vote on it even with the government shutdown, which was very hard to do,” said Ward Leber, founder of the Child Safety Network, which has been the organization championing the resolution since 2013, when current Senate Majority Leader John Thune threw his full support behind it. “When both sides knew internally a deal was going to happen to reopen within a few days, our constant pushing paid off.”

Leber said this year’s resolution is dedicated to the memories of two 11-year-old girls who were killed as they were boarding and exiting their school buses.

“As a sergeant, a supervisor of school resource officers, and most of all as a father, I know the deadly outcome that can occur when drivers illegally pass school buses,” said Sgt. Dan Sperry, who spoke at STN EXPO West in 2016. “My 11-year-old daughter Makayla died in my arms just after stepping off her bus. I am proud to serve alongside the volunteers of CSN’s Senior Advisory Board, and grateful for all of the dedicated school bus professionals working every day to prevent another family from suffering a preventable tragedy.”

Leandra Backner, whose daughter was killed in 2022 after she tripped and was run over by her school bus, said “it warms my hear that the U.S. Senate has upheld School Bus Safety Month since 2013, honoring Annaliese’s memory through its ongoing commitment to safety.”

Sen. Peters said in a statement parents should have “peace of mind that when they drop their kids off at the bus stop, they will get to school and back home safely.”

The resolution results in funding for an NFL-themed PSA that alerts the public when it’s not safe to pass, especially when a stopped school bus is involved. The program is scheduled to launch in early 2026 around the Super Bowl.

It also touts the CSN Safe Ride campaign that offers school bus driver training, school bus technology, and free safety and security resources to school districts. To date, CSN said it has provided security awareness training materials to over 14,000 public and private schools, trained over 125,000 school bus operators and provided more than 175,000 counter-terrorism guides.

Peters also introduced last month the Brake for Kids Act to create a PSA about the dangers of illegally passing school buses.

In his home state, the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation recently filmed a PSA with NASCAR driver Ryan Preece, a member of the RFK Racing Team owned by Jack Roush, the founder and chairman of Roush Enterprises that includes ROUSH CleanTech. The company provides propane autogas and gasoline fuel systems to Blue Bird in partnership with Ford.

Related: STN EXPO Speaker to Discuss Daughter’s School Bus Death
Related: Colorado Senate Approves $5.5M to Improve School Bus Safety
Related: School Bus Drivers, “What’s Important Now?”
Related: Senate Recognizes School Bus Safety Month in ‘Tribute Year’

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