Industry consultant Derek Graham will take the stage at STN EXPO East to shed light on the trends of illegal passing trends involving school buses, the work of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to combat the crimes, and provide recommendations to protect the students on and off the yellow school bus.

The “Trends in Illegal Passing Awareness & Enforcement” session will be held March 29, on day four of the conference in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina. Graham has a career history of passion for school bus safety as an industry consultant and former state director of pupil transportation with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as well as past president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).

Graham’s home state of North Carolina was the first state to initiate an annual count of illegal passing trends, dating back to 1998. He co-coordinated the annual NASDPTS national school bus illegal passing count with Charlie Hood, at the time state director for Florida and later the association’s executive director, and worked with NHTSA to implement one of the first enforcement campaign using stop arm cameras.

During the STN EXPO East session, Graham will look at recent NASDPTS survey findings that found a drop in the number of illegal passing incidents last past school year. As he analyzes this and other federal data, he will explain the recent efforts of federally directed NHTSA studies that look at various components of the student transportation ecosystem to help reduce instances of illegal passing. This will include a breakdown of the NHTSA toolkit for planning safety school bus stops and routes and their evaluation of the technology offerings that target illegal passing as well their effectiveness. Graham will use his detailed knowledge of the nuance of federal laws and initiatives to summarize and explain how this research influenced NHTSA’s recommended actions to improve school bus safety.

Listen to Derek Graham’s recent interview on the STN Podcast.

Attendees will gain practical insights into how the results of these initiatives at the federal level can help further safety at their operations.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. The six-day conference will feature dozens of educational sessions, the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit, the hands-on National School Bus Inspection Training program and unique networking events including the Ride and Drive/Product Demo, Trade Show and Saf-T-Liner Thomas Built Buses Factory Tour. Some of these unique experiences have limited space, register now at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East to Share Importance of School Bus Video Review
Related: Security Expert to Share Indicators Violent Behavior at STN EXPO East
Related: UPDATED: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East

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“Smooth communication between administration and transportation operations begins with presence, clarity of vision and strong relationships,” Gorham (Maine) School District Superintendent Dr. Heather Perry told School Transportation News. 

Perry, one of the four finalists for the AASA: School Superintendents Association National Superintendent of the Year award, announced Thursday, continued that it means ensuring the right people are in the right leadership roles, setting clear expectations and maintaining consistent, two-way-communication. “So, transportation leaders are true partners in the district’s educational mission—not just problem solvers when issues arise. Spending time listening, coaching, and supporting transportation leaders helps ensure they are fully aligned with district goals and culture.”

Perry also wrote a blog for AASA outlining five ways the central office can strengthen the behind-the-scenes cultures, including school bus drivers. She noted leaders should integrate program leaders into the district leadership team, publicly celebrate the impact of support staff, provide tailored professional development, establish clear communication loops, and model respect and visibility.

Related: Superintendent of the Year Snapshot: Support, Understanding of Transportation
Related: (STN Podcast E293) Community, Not Individual: Maine Superintendent Collaborates for Student, Staff Success

“My advice to other superintendents is to intentionally invest in and publicly value their transportation teams,” she told STN. “Our bus drivers and dispatchers are often the first and last school connection students experience each day, and those moments shape how students feel about safety, belonging, and school itself. When communication is strong and the work is celebrated, we create a system where every child’s day begins and ends in a safe, welcoming, and caring environment.”

She highlighted the integral role of transportation in one of Gorham’s most significant initiatives, Aspire Gorham, a birth-to-adult, community-wide approach to building aspiration and purpose across the entire educational continuum. This program exposes students to a wide range of careers and possibilities, supports hands-on exploration and provides experiences for older students through internships, apprenticeships, Career and Technical Education and Extended Learning Opportunities programs, and community-based learning partnerships.

“The goal is to ensure that every student can see themselves in a future they are excited about and feel prepared to pursue it,” she said, adding that a critical factor in making the vision a reality is equitable access. “And transportation is often the gatekeeper. When learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom to job sites, colleges, training centers, and community partners, reliable and flexible transportation becomes essential. Without it, opportunities can unintentionally become limited to only those students who have access to personal transportation, creating barriers that run counter to our commitment to equity and inclusion. For this reason, strengthening our transportation system to be more adaptive, responsive, and student-centered has been an ongoing priority.”

She explained that transportation is not just an operational function, but an instructional enabler. “It is the bridge that connects students to real-world learning, career pathways, and life-changing experiences that define Aspire Gorham,” she continued. “When transportation is thoughtfully designed and adequately supported, it ensures that every student, regardless of circumstance, can fully participate in the opportunities that help them discover their passions, build skills and confidently step into their future.”

A working relationship with the transportation department, she said, is integral, not only to the program but to the effectiveness of education programs as a whole.

“As superintendent, one of my core responsibilities is quite literally to ensure we have the right people in the right seats on the bus,” she said. “That means building and sustaining high-quality leadership within transportation and providing the support, resources and clear communication they need to do their work well. When transportation leaders are valued as instructional partners rather than simply operational managers, the entire system functions more cohesively and responsively.”

She said a strong relationship also ensures challenges are anticipated, rather than reacted to, with safety and equity remaining at the forefront of every decision.

“When the relationship between district leadership and the transportation department is grounded in trust, collaboration and shared purpose, it creates a seamless system that supports students, families and schools and advances the district’s mission in meaningful, tangible ways,” she said.

Transportation Operations 

Mitzii Smith, the Gorham director of transportation and a former STN Rising SuperStar, said she has felt support from the administration from the start.

“Leadership has been welcoming and open to my ideas and experience,” she said. “Change can be challenging, but transportation consistently has support at the leadership level. That support truly starts with Perry, who values every employee and understands the importance of transportation’s role in the students’ overall educational experience.”

Related: (STN Podcast E245) Pre-Trip Yourself: Green Bus Funding Anxiety, Promoting Emotional Intelligence
Related: From School Bus Driver to Assistant Director: Journey of a Rising Star
Related: Follow the ‘GOLDEN’ Brick Road

She noted that transportation is currently focused on strengthening department training, developing clear driver handbooks and preparing for the expansion of the districts pre-k program to include 3- and 4-year olds. The department also implemented BusRight over the summer, and transportation leaders are actively working through the learning curve that comes with any new routing and communication system.

“Technology is a big part of our operation,” she shared. “We use routing and communication software to improve efficiency, enhance family communication and support safety and compliance. We continue to look for tools that make our operation more effective and transparent.”

Smith noted that while transportation is behind the scenes, it’s essential to student success. “When drivers are supported and leadership is engaged, it shows in the quality and safety of service we provide. I’m proud of our team and the work we doing,” she said, adding that Perry leads with open communication and trust.

“She makes a point to understand the challenges transportation faces and ensures we’re included in district-level conversations,” Smith added. “She’s accessible, responsive and visible throughout the district. As someone who transitioned after 20 years in my previous district, her support made that change smooth and rewarding. Gorham transportation is fortunate to have leadership that truly values our work.”

The post Superintendent Snapshot: Communication, Collaboration Key for Maine School District Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

VANCOUVER, Canada  – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (Nasdaq: GP) (“GreenPower” and 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 reported revenue of $8.5 million and net income of $4.2 million as a part of its financial results for the period ended December 31, 2025.

“Despite significant headwinds in the EV sector in general, GreenPower has made substantial strides with its transition from building EVs on spec., to a production strategy driven by building EVs to customer orders.” said Fraser Atkinson, GreenPower Chairman and CEO. “This transition has required recapitalization of the Company, retooling our manufacturing, managing inventory, and obtaining sources of production funding.”

“GreenPower is very excited about the excellent progress in the deployment of all-electric, purpose-built school buses during the last quarter in New Mexico; Continuing to perform on the state sponsored, two-year, zero emissions school bus pilot project.” said Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower. “This project uses the compelling West Virginia pilot project as its model but is focussed on the specific needs of New Mexico school districts where there will be challenges on deploying in both city and rural settings, challenges with charging infrastructure and operating the school buses in extreme cold weather at high elevations.”

Third Quarter 2026 Highlights
Generated revenues of $8.5 million in the third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year compared to $7.2 million for the third quarter in the previous year. Revenue was generated from the sale of vehicles, parts, leases and deferred income. Gross profit on the sale of vehicles was approximately 28%.

Total sales, general and administrative costs of $2.4 million in the third quarter compared to $5.2 million for the third quarter in the previous year representing a significant reduction in the Company’s recurring expenses. Excluding non-cash items, the sales, general and administrative costs in the current quarter were less than $2 million.

Working capital of more than $5 million and increased cash from the beginning of the fiscal year.

During the quarter the Company undertook the management of the New Mexico All-Electric, Purpose-Built, Zero-Emission School Bus Pilot Program. The contract with the state of New Mexico provides funding of more than $5 million for the deployment of GreenPower’s all-electric Type A Nano BEAST, Type A Nano BEAST Access, Type D BEAST and Type D Mega BEAST school buses, charging infrastructure and management of a pilot project in the state.

During the quarter the Company raised gross proceeds of $1,120,050 from the issuance of Series A convertible preferred shares (the “Series A shares”) with a stated value of $1,179,000. The initial tranche was comprised of 754 Series A shares issued pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement and 425 Series A Shares issued in a concurrent private placement. The Company and investor agreed that a follow-on tranche of 926 Series A Shares with a stated value of $926,000 and purchase price of $879,700 will be issued at a later date. The institutional investor has the right to acquire and the Company has the right to issue additional Series A Shares in tranches of up to $2 million, subject to certain terms and conditions, to a total of up to US$16 million

Subsequent to the end of the quarter GreenPower completed several transactions to recapitalize the Company. The Company closed on two term loans for a total of $5 million, closed on the new banking relationship with CIBC including a line of credit and Term Loan, paid out the existing bank line of credit, exchanged $7 million of related party loans for convertible debentures and exchanged $3 million of related party loans for Series B Convertible Preferred Shares.

For additional information on the results of operations for the period ended December 31, 2025 with the financial statements and related reports posted on GreenPower’s website as well as on SEDAR Plus or on EDGAR.

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

The post GreenPower Reports Revenue of $8.5 million and Net Income of $4.2 million for Third Quarter appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -HopSkipDrive, a leading technology company partnering with school districts to get kids to school more quickly, safely, and easily than anyone else, today released new data highlighting the impact of its expert-developed CareDriver education and the deep experience of its driver network. Following the launch of the company’s industry-leading driver education program focused on supporting students with neurodivergence, internal data reveals that 94% of surveyed CareDrivers say they feel confident supporting neurodivergent riders, a result that translates directly into greater preparation for students and better experiences for students, families, and school staff. Additionally, 85% of surveyed CareDrivers found these proprietary resources, developed in partnership with nationally recognized child development leaders, essential in preparing for these specialized rides.

Defining the “Caregiver on Wheels”

Unlike traditional rideshare platforms or traditional unlicensed brokers, HopSkipDrive vets the human, not just the paperwork. CareDrivers are highly qualified individuals from the community—often parents, nurses, or educators—who provide a dignified and supportive experience for students.

Reflecting a deep well of expertise within the network, CareDrivers bring a median of 10 years of prior caregiving experience. Every CareDriver is vetted through a rigorous 15-point certification process, which includes fingerprint-based background checks and mandatory video screenings to evaluate empathy and situational judgment before their first trip.

“My son’s driver was patient and understanding with him since he’s a special needs child,” says Andrea O., a parent in Los Angeles. “She always watched him get inside the building before she took off to make sure he got in safely. She provided a safe and calm atmosphere.”

The Differentiator: Education That Empowers Care

School districts often spend 95% of their time solving transportation for the most vulnerable 5% of their students, such as those with IEPs or those experiencing homelessness. HopSkipDrive’s customized curriculum provides CareDrivers with practical skills in:

Trauma-informed care to support students during difficult transitions.

Supporting neurodivergent riders and understanding sensory sensitivities to ensure a calm ride environment.

De-escalation techniques for proactive ride management.

“The integration [of HopSkipDrive] has significantly streamlined our processes, allowing for a smoother and more responsive service for our students,” says Marcy P., Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, Colorado. “It allows me to fully focus as a ride organizer by saving me valuable time.”

The Power of Direct Accountability

This specialized preparation is a primary differentiator of HopSkipDrive, which prioritizes direct accountability and verified oversight for every trip. As a fully licensed and regulated Transportation Network Company (TNC), HopSkipDrive maintains a direct relationship with every CareDriver on the platform. This allows for rigorous, transparent reporting and a level of verified compliance that provides school districts with peace of mind and reduced liability.

“Safety and education are not add-ons; they are the foundation of our entire model,” says Jennifer Brandenburger, SVP of Safety at HopSkipDrive. “Because we maintain a direct relationship with every CareDriver, we can ensure our specialized education reaches every person behind the wheel without a ‘game of telephone.’ This direct accountability ensures drivers are not just vetted, but truly prepared for the students they serve, providing districts with a level of verified compliance and risk reduction that subcontracted models simply can’t guarantee.”

About HopSkipDrive:
HopSkipDrive is a leading technology company partnering with school districts to get kids to school more quickly, safely, and easily than anyone else. The company is modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry through two core solutions: a care-centered transportation marketplace and an industry-leading transportation intelligence platform, RouteWise AI. HopSkipDrive’s marketplace supplements school buses and existing transportation options by connecting kids to highly-vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses in local communities. RouteWise AI helps schools and districts address critical challenges, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. HopSkipDrive has supported over 13,500 schools across 21 states, with nearly 1,300 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. More than five million rides over 95 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

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VANCOUVER — GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (Nasdaq: GP) (“GreenPower” and 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 reported revenue of $8.5 million and net income of $4.2 million as a part of its financial results for the period ended December 31, 2025.

“Despite significant headwinds in the EV sector in general, GreenPower has made substantial strides with its transition from building EVs on spec., to a production strategy driven by building EVs to customer orders.” said Fraser Atkinson, GreenPower chairman and CEO. “This transition has required recapitalization of the Company, retooling our manufacturing, managing inventory, and obtaining sources of production funding.”

“GreenPower is very excited about the excellent progress in the deployment of all-electric, purpose-built school buses during the last quarter in New Mexico; Continuing to perform on the state sponsored, two-year, zero emissions school bus pilot project.” said Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower. “This project uses the compelling West Virginia pilot project as its model but is focussed on the specific needs of New Mexico school districts where there will be challenges on deploying in both city and rural settings, challenges with charging infrastructure and operating the school buses in extreme cold weather at high elevations.”

Third Quarter 2026 Highlights

• Generated revenues of $8.5 million in the third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year compared to $7.2 million for the third quarter in the previous year. Revenue was generated from the sale of vehicles, parts, leases and deferred income. Gross profit on the sale of vehicles was approximately 28%.
• Total sales, general and administrative costs of $2.4 million in the third quarter compared to $5.2 million for the third quarter in the previous year representing a significant reduction in the Company’s recurring expenses. Excluding non-cash items, the sales, general and administrative costs in the current quarter were less than $2 million.
• Working capital of more than $5 million and increased cash from the beginning of the fiscal year.
• During the quarter, the company undertook the management of the New Mexico All-Electric, Purpose-Built, Zero-Emission School Bus Pilot Program. The contract with the state of New Mexico provides funding of more than $5 million for the deployment of GreenPower’s all-electric Type A Nano BEAST, Type A Nano BEAST Access, Type D BEAST and Type D Mega BEAST school buses, charging infrastructure and management of a pilot project in the state.
• During the quarter, the company raised gross proceeds of $1,120,050 from the issuance of Series A convertible preferred shares (the “Series A shares”) with a stated value of $1,179,000. The initial tranche was comprised of 754 Series A shares issued pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement and 425 Series A Shares issued in a concurrent private placement. The Company and investor agreed that a follow-on tranche of 926 Series A Shares with a stated value of $926,000 and purchase price of $879,700 will be issued at a later date. The institutional investor has the right to acquire and the Company has the right to issue additional Series A Shares in tranches of up to $2 million, subject to certain terms and conditions, to a total of up to US$16 million.

Subsequent to the end of the quarter, GreenPower completed several transactions to recapitalize the Company. The Company closed on two term loans for a total of $5 million, closed on the new banking relationship with CIBC including a line of credit and Term Loan, paid out the existing bank line of credit, exchanged $7 million of related party loans for convertible debentures and exchanged $3 million of related party loans for Series B Convertible Preferred Shares.

For additional information on the results of operations for the period ended Dec. 31, 2025 with the financial statements and related reports posted on GreenPower’s website as well as on SEDAR Plus or on EDGAR.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, GreenPower’s business and operations and the environment in which it operates, which are based on GreenPower’s operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “upon”, “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A number of important factors including those set forth in other public filings (filed under the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com) could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Consequently, readers should not place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements relate to the date on which they are made. GreenPower disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. ©2026 GreenPower Motor Company Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seeks public input on a proposed modification to its waiver of Buy America requirements for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which could impact K-12 student transportation professionals looking to use federal funds to purchase the equipment for electric school buses.

The proposal, announced Tuesday by FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster, aims to increase the domestic content requirement for EV chargers used in federally funded projects.

Currently, the waiver issued two years ago allows EV chargers manufactured in the U.S. to meet a 55-percent domestic component cost threshold. FHWA is considering raising this requirement to as much as 100 percent, meaning all components of EV chargers would need to be sourced domestically.

This change could have significant implications for school districts planning to use federal funds for EV charger acquisition or installation, when or if the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program or other funding projects return. FHWA said the proposal is part of a broader effort to support domestic manufacturing and align with federal priorities to maximize the use of American-made products in infrastructure projects.

If finalized, the new requirements would apply to projects obligated after the publication of the final notice.

Public comments on Docket No. FHWA-2025-007030 will be available through March 16 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. FHWA said transportation professionals are encouraged to share their perspectives on the potential impact of the increased domestic content requirement, including any challenges or benefits it may present for school bus electrification projects.

Related: EPA ‘Revamping’ Clean School Bus Program
Related: Report: Inequities in Canadian Electric School Bus Transition Threaten At-risk Populations
Related: Deploying Electric School Buses in Rural and Suburban Districts

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Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens reportedly shows a solid understanding and strong support for transportation operations by staying in regular contact with operations and transportation leaders as well as frontline staff.

Chief Operations Officer Greg Buchanan said Nivens, “has contributed to meeting transportation needs by helping secure successful bond elections to fund fleet expansion.”

Plus, Nivens — who was named the winner Thursday from among three other finalists for the National Superintendent of the Year award at the National Conference on Education — actively engages with employees during site visits, where he expresses appreciation for drivers, mechanics and leadership alike.

“Recently, he supported funding for 16 additional full-day drivers to cover absences and open routes, and he added leadership roles to keep transportation operations aligned with district growth,” Buchanan said.

The Superintendent of the Year Award is sponsored by AASA: The School Superintendents Association, along with Corebridge Financial and Sourcewell, celebrate the contributions and leadership of public-school superintendents.

Transportation Operations

Lamar CISD runs an entirely in-house transportation system that facilitates daily student mobility across a rapidly expanding district, “which allows the district to directly oversee safety standards, staffing and service quality,” Buchanan said.

It employs 275 drivers across three terminals for 265 daily bus routes. The district transports approximately 22,700 students each school day. During the 2024–2025 school year, school buses traveled more than 4.6 million miles, serving both general and special education routes.

Lamar CISD relies heavily on technology to streamline operations, enhance communication and improve safety. This includes Tyler Technologies’ comprehensive student transportation software for route planning, driver navigation, student ridership tracking, and a parent app. Fleet Vision helps the district manage fuel and parts inventory and Trip Tracker coordinates campus-based trip scheduling.

Ahead of the 2026 Superintendent of the Year being named Feb. 12 at the National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee, School Transportation News sat down with those in charge of transportation operations at the respective districts to gain a better understanding of how the services function.

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year to a student at a high school the winning superintendent graduated from or from the school district the winner now leads.

Lamar CISD also uses Safety Vision camera systems to monitor bus interiors and exteriors, aiding accident investigations. “Additionally, AI-enabled tools are used daily for operational planning, communication and leadership support, enabling staff to respond swiftly to changing conditions,” Buchanan said.

When it comes to workplace culture, transportation encourages engagement and morale through constant communication. Culture is a key focus of the department to align with the district’s overall strategic plan, “which highlights recognizing exceptional performance and fostering a culture of excellence,” he added.

Communication is fostered through including weekly newsletters, terminal-level outreach, and a sunshine committee that organizes employee recognition, morale-boosting activities and celebrations.

“These efforts culminate in an annual end-of-year awards banquet that honors outstanding service and achievement,” Buchanan said.

One current initiative is to address Texas Senate Bill 546, which requires all school buses to be equipped with three-point seatbelts by Sept. 1, 2029. “The district is meeting this mandate through a combination of new bus purchases and retrofitting select existing buses,” Buchanan said, adding that it is not operating alternative-fuel or energy school buses due to the significant costs and infrastructure requirements.

Another initiative was the opening of a new transportation facility, which was opened to support district growth and improve operational efficiency. In addition, the district opened a new Junior High School which was named after Ella Banks, a 40-year veteran school bus driver at the district.

“This recognition underscores the district’s commitment to treating transportation as an essential component of student success,” Buchanan said.

Related: AASA Announces 2026 National Superintendent of Year Finalists
Related: First Alabama Educator Named 2025 AASA Superintendent of the Year

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An unusually persistent cold front sweeping snow and freezing rain across the U.S. last month exposed a key vulnerability in school transportation systems across the South and Mid-Atlantic regions, where prolonged bouts with such severe winter weather is rare.

School districts unaccustomed to sustained winter weather were forced to suspend or significantly alter school bus operations, triggering widespread school closures, delays and logistical strain.

In Virginia, where snowfall is typically modest and short-lived, school districts across northern and central parts of the state struggled to safely operate school buses after repeated rounds of snow, freezing rain and overnight refreezing.

Fairfax County Public Schools, the state’s largest school district, canceled or delayed classes for multiple days, citing icy secondary roads and blocked school bus stops. Albemarle County Public Schools reported similar challenges, noting that while major roadways were largely cleared, neighborhood streets remained hazardous for large school buses navigating early-morning routes.

In neighboring North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) also faced transportation disruptions as icy conditions lingered on secondary roads. District officials said decisions to close, delay, or shift to remote learning are guided by a broad, safety-first assessment that extends well beyond road conditions alone.

“CMS considers multiple factors, including primary and secondary road conditions, local and state plowing schedules, staff commute safety, student drivers and walkers, accessibility needs, and the readiness of more than 200 facilities that must be safely cleared of snow and ice,” said Tom Miner, assistant communications officer for the district.

Miner told STN that Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools and administrative sites are not maintained by city or county crews. While local agencies focus on public roadways, district operations teams are responsible for clearing school parking lots, entrances, walkways, and bus lots to ensure safe conditions on campuses.

Because Charlotte-Mecklenburg serves a geographically large and diverse community, Miner said decisions prioritize countywide student and staff safety. When school is in session, district operations significantly increase traffic on local roads through buses, staff vehicles, families and student drivers, a factor weighed carefully during weather-related decision-making. District leaders also rely on guidance from weather experts and emergency management officials as recovery efforts unfold across the county.

The impact of the cold front was also pronounced in Tennessee, where severe winter weather remains relatively infrequent outside of mountainous areas. In east and middle Tennessee, a rare combination of freezing temperatures, snow and icy road conditions prompted widespread school closures as bus fleets were sidelined. Metro Nashville Public Schools canceled classes after determining that residential roads and rural routes were unsafe for bus travel.

Rocky (and Icy) Top

In Knox County, back-to-back winter storms over the past two weeks forced multiple canceled instructional days and delayed schedules. Ryan Dillingham, executive director of transportation for Knox County Schools, said even modest winter weather can have outsized effects in the region.

“We’re in an area that typically does not see heavy winter weather, so a relatively small amount that wouldn’t even be worth considering in other parts of the country can impact us heavily,” Dillingham told STN.

Dillingham said the district relies on a network of contracted bus operators positioned throughout Knox County to assess road conditions during weather events, combining those reports with forecast data and information from law enforcement, first responders and school safety and maintenance teams to guide decision-making.

“One of the unexpected impacts of these storms has been to drain our supplies of salt and de-icing compounds,” he explained. “We’re almost out locally, and suppliers are facing delays getting resupplies. That has led the county to prioritize major thoroughfares over neighborhood roads, which is logical and appropriate, but we have a lot of stops on neighborhood roads, so we feel that impact.”

Transportation officials across the region emphasized that many school bus fleets in southern states are not equipped with snow tires or chains, equipment typically unnecessary given their usual climates. Even brief overnight refreezing made routes unpredictable, forcing districts to prioritize safety over maintaining regular schedules.

Educators expressed frustration with the disruptions but largely supported school district decisions, acknowledging that transportation systems designed primarily for extreme heat and heavy rain are ill-suited for winter storms. The disruptions also renewed discussions about preparedness, with some districts exploring expanded use of remote learning days or adjustments to academic calendars to account for weather-related instructional losses. While forecasters expect temperatures to gradually moderate, school leaders say the cold front has already left a lasting impression.

Related: (STN Podcast E289) 2026 Kicks Off: Winter Weather, the World Stage & Rock ‘n Roll Leadership
Related: White-Knuckle Rides: School Bus Drivers Trained to Navigate Severe Winter Weather
Related: Study: Electric School Bus Reliability, Cost-Effectiveness Stand Up in Montana Extreme Cold
Related: When was the last time your operation trained with local first responders on emergency scenarios?

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Geotab Inc. (“Geotab”), a global leader in connected transportation, video telematics and asset tracking solutions, today at Geotab Connect 2026 launched the GO Anywhere family of asset trackers. Purpose built for distinct customer needs and use cases, the new hardware line delivers unified visibility across trailers and equipment while addressing critical business challenges, including the significant financial drain caused by lost or underutilized assets. The launch comes as the industry faces staggering costs from equipment misplacement and downtime; for instance, construction equipment loss alone exceeds $1 billion yearly in the U.S., often leading to project delays that multiply the total financial impact.

Geotab is including Starlink Direct To Cell connectivity in its GO Anywhere Plus asset tracker*. This marks a significant milestone in the industry, merging mobile and satellite networks, in a commercial IoT device. This innovation provides seamless coverage for high-value assets even in the most remote “dead zones,” at a fraction of the cost of traditional, hardware-intensive satellite connectivity.

“Losing a critical piece of equipment is about more than the replacement cost, it’s about the worker who can’t finish their job and the customer whose project is now stalled,” said David Wooten, Senior Manager Product Management at Geotab. “By providing near real-time visibility and vital data insights, we are helping remove the uncertainty that comes with managing valuable assets across multiple sites. Whether it’s ensuring a generator is maintained based on engine hour readings or confirming a trailer is ready for the road, we want to ensure that when a crew shows up for work, the tools and assets they need are working well and are exactly where they should be.”

Three Tailored Solutions for Total Fleet Visibility

The GO Anywhere family includes three distinct solutions tailored for various operational needs:

GO Anywhere Plus: The ultimate all-in-one solution for high-value mixed fleets. This hybrid tracker combines wired power for near real-time location, engine hours, and inferred hubometer readings with a field-replaceable backup battery for uncompromised insights. GO Anywhere Plus utilizes Starlink Direct to Cell technology, ensuring total operational awareness even in the most remote locations.This eliminates the need for expensive, specialized satellite hardware while maintaining connectivity where traditional cellular networks fail.

GO Anywhere: The definitive “set and forget” solution for non-powered assets, combining long battery life with consistent, reliable tracking. Engineered to deliver up to 10 years of battery life, the device lowers total cost of ownership by eliminating the need for frequent battery maintenance. GO Anywhere provides hourly location updates as a standard, helping ensure assets are trackable over time. In the event of theft, High-Frequency Mode can be activated for rapid recovery.

Small Asset Tracking: Utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, this solution allows businesses to track portable tools and equipment via nearby connected assets. This helps reduce the “invisible” costs of equipment loss through geofences that trigger alerts when assets move or are left behind.

By integrating these devices into the unified MyGeotab platform, businesses can eliminate blind spots in their operations, moving from reactive recovery to proactive asset management. Whether protecting construction equipment or monitoring sensitive logistics, the GO Anywhere family helps ensure every asset is accounted for in an increasingly complex global supply chain.

For more information on the GO Anywhere asset tracking solutions, please visit: https://www.geotab.com/fleet-management-solutions/asset-tracking/.

The GO Anywhere will be available in North America in Q2 2026, with a global rollout to follow.

*Starlink Direct To Cell will be available through select carrier partners.

About Geotab:
Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, with headquarters in Oakville, Ontario and Atlanta, Georgia. Our mission is to make the world safer, more efficient, and sustainable. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance and operations, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve approximately 100,000 global customers, processing 100 billion data points daily from more than 5 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organizations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorizations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Geotab Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views.

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PROSPER, Texas — On Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 a.m., Region 6 Education Service Center (ESC), in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), will host Operation STEER – Student Transportation Emergency Education and Response at Prosper ISD’s Children’s Health Stadium.

Operation STEER is a large-scale, hands-on emergency preparedness training focused on school bus transportation incidents. The event brings together school transportation professionals, first responders, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management teams, and education leaders to strengthen coordination and response during student transportation emergencies.

Visual:

Media will observe controlled, safety-managed emergency training demonstrations, including:

· School bus rollover and extrication exercises

· Live fire suppression and fire extinguisher training

· Smoke-filled school bus evacuation simulation

· Air medical aircraft landing and takeoff demonstration

All demonstrations are conducted by trained professionals under strict safety protocols. No students are involved.

Training Components: 

· School bus rollover and heavy-rescue extrication operations

· Live fire emergency practice and fire extinguisher training

· Smoke-filled bus evacuation simulations

· Identification of bus access points for Fire/EMS extraction

· First aid, CPR, and “Stop the Bleed” techniques

· Special needs student evacuation and securement training

· Emergency student management scenarios

· Air medical response coordination

· Train-the-Trainer instruction model

About Operation Steer:

Operation STEER is the only program of its kind in Texas, developed through a partnership between TxDOT and Region 6 ESC. This annual training serves as a model for emergency school transportation preparedness across Texas’ education service regions.

Event Details:

WHAT: Live Emergency School Bus Safety Training WHO: Registered Region 6 ESC, TxDOT, Prosper ISD, Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement agencies, school transportation professionals, emergency response partners

WHEN: Saturday, March 7 | 8:00 a.m. WHERE: Prosper ISD – Children’s Health Stadium, 2000 Stadium Dr, Prosper, TX

THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

The post Live Emergency School Bus Safety Training Demonstration School Bus Drivers, First Responders, School Officials & Industry Leaders Participate appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Detroit bus driver is facing community backlash after live-streaming himself offering free rides to students walking to school during frigid weather, a gesture he said came from concern, but that school officials warn could pose serious safety risks, reported New York Post.

Darrell Beaver, owner of Ellamin’Op Transportation, advertised the impromptu free rides on his Facebook page Jan. 28, encouraging parents on Detroit’s Eastside to alert their children if they saw his yellow bus.

Beaver wrote, “Hey I’ll be on the Eastside this morning finding kids that walk to school and giving them a free ride. Let your kids know if a yellow bus with Ellamin’Op Transportation on it, Its safe to get on please share and drop some location.”

The post quickly raised alarms among parents and Detroit Public Schools Community District officials. After receiving multiple reports, the district issued a mass text alert warning families that an unauthorized bus was operating in the area.

“An unauthorized bus was reported. Students should only ride official Detroit Public Schools buses on assigned routes,” the alert read, according to local news reports.

Beaver is not affiliated with Detroit Public Schools and is only contracted to operate a planned route with the Braniacs Clubhouse Child Development Center. However, officials reportedly confirmed he allegedly dropped off at least one student at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy with parental permission.

An investigation reportedly found no evidence of malicious intent but emphasized concerns about safety, liability and the precedent such actions could set.

“Removing this gentleman from the equation, we don’t have any information or evidence to suggest he had any nefarious intention,” said Detroit Public Schools Safety Police Chief Labrit Jackson via the article. “But we’re really focusing on sending the message to our young people: do not get into vehicles with strangers.” Jackson warned that publicizing such actions could inspire bad actors to exploit relaxed guidelines.

“The next person who’s watching this now, we’ve given him an idea… a vehicle to have access to our children,” he continued.

The incident occurred as Detroit experienced extreme cold, with morning wind chills between 10 and 15 degrees below zero. Beaver said the harsh conditions motivated him to act.

“I just jumped into help mode. Like, it was freezing,” Beaver told local media. “I was in a bus for over an hour, and my feet were froze[n], so I felt bad to see these kids walking.”

He added that offering rides to random students is not something he typically does and said he did not make money from the additional passengers.

Reaction from parents has been divided. Some defended Beaver, saying his actions helped families who could not afford ride-share services. “I wasn’t mad, but I was just hurt because we were really trying to get to work and school,” parent Jimerson said via the news report. “Lyft is $50. I don’t have $50 to get them to school at six-something in the morning.”

Others, however, expressed serious concerns about student safety.

“Who knows in this day and age what you want to do with someone else’s children,” parent Alana Jackson told local news reporters. “With insurance liability issues, safety issues, stranger danger issues, it’s totally inappropriate.”

No charges are reportedly being pursued against Beaver. He has agreed to stop offering rides to students who are not on his authorized route.

Related: Michigan School Bus Driver Stops Stranger Attempting to Board Bus
Related: Michigan Student Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: White-Knuckle Rides: School Bus Drivers Trained to Navigate Severe Winter Weather
Related: (STN Podcast E289) 2026 Kicks Off: Winter Weather, the World Stage & Rock ‘n Roll Leadership

The post Michigan School Bus Contractor Offers Controversial Free Student Rides appeared first on School Transportation News.

School bus video cameras have become an important part of the school bus safety infrastructure. But as a part of proper usage, it’s crucial for student transportation leadership to understand the policies and procedures needed to ensure timely review of the footage.

A March 30 panel discussion, “Proper & Timely Review of Video Recorded Incidents,” at STN EXPO East in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina will feature three student transportation professionals. Launi Harden, a consultant and former transportation director at Washington County School District in Utah, will moderate the session with Bernando Brown, director student transportation at DeKalb County School District in Georgia, and Teena Mitchell, special needs coordinator at Greenville County Schools in South Carolina and past National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) president.

During the session, Harden, Brown and Mitchell will look at the logistics of managing video footage for school bus fleets and detail the need for processes and policies to know what’s on the footage and respond to it. The panelists will discuss their own experience with school bus video cameras including best practices and the impact of the hardware and software on driver and student safety. They will also review the variety of considerations involved in creating school bus video camera review policies, from legal requirements to open records requests, impacts on IEPs to technology considerations.

Other topics to be discussed include reviewing footage to flag concerning behavior, the importance of consistent review for early detection of violent or sexual assaults, and communication with parents of video-related policies. Attendees will hear conversation on the proper storage of footage, archiving it for the right amount of time, how to create a documented process for allowing district employees to view the videos, and how these policies are in the best interest of district and transportation employees.

Attendees will leave the session with practical strategies to improve communication and collaboration across their district, with their larger community of students and families, law enforcement and contractors regarding this important facet of school bus safety.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. Registration will give access to this and dozens of other educational sessions, hands-on trainings and networking events including the Ride and Drive/Technology Demo, Trade Show and Thomas Built Buses tour, all held over the six-day conference. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Security Expert to Share Indicators Violent Behavior at STN EXPO East
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Features Exclusive North Carolina Thomas Built Buses Tour

The post STN EXPO East to Share Importance of School Bus Video Review appeared first on School Transportation News.

Insights on national school bus contractor First Student’s purchase of Chicago area contractor Cook Illinois Corp., the Blue Bird 2026 Q1 earnings report, and a California study on lap/shoulder seatbelt efficacy.

“Make sure that the right people are on the right seats on the bus.” Heather Perry, superintendent of Schools for Maine’s Gorham Public Schools, was named as one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year Award by The School Superintendents Association, AASA. She discusses her leadership journey, winter transportation operations, the value of collaboration and staff support, and a robust student career support program.

Read more about leadership.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from EverDriven.

Message from School Radio.

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

The post (STN Podcast E293) Community, Not Individual: Maine Superintendent Collaborates for Student, Staff Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

The West Virginia Department of Education shared this informative video during Love the Bus Month to provide a behind the scenes look at the detailed pre-trip inspection routine needed before school buses hit the road.

Related: Update: Love the Bus Month Underway, NAPT Seeks Recognition Year-Round
Related: WATCH: Maine District Highlights Drivers for Love the Bus Month
Related: Gallery: Love the Bus Month 2025 Celebrations

The post WATCH: West Virginia Highlights School Bus Inspection for Love the Bus Month appeared first on School Transportation News.

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge for school districts, even as student transportation needs continue to grow more complex. Changes in student mobility, specialized services, workforce limitations, and ongoing budget pressures have made transportation planning increasingly difficult, affecting even districts with mature, well-functioning bus systems.

In this session, transportation expert Greg Jackson and a district practitioner will discuss three student-centered transportation strategies districts are using to help support consistent attendance in a rapidly shifting landscape. Drawing from real district experiences, the conversation will highlight how transportation teams and district leaders are responding to new demands, collaborating across departments, and making intentional tradeoffs to preserve both student access and operational stability.

Three Key Strategies

• Viewing Transportation Through an Attendance Lens
  How districts are connecting reliability and on-time service to student attendance, and identifying where transportation decisions may unintentionally contribute to chronic absenteeism.
• Engaging Earlier in the Process
  Why districts are reconsidering when and how transportation teams participate in IEP planning, placement changes, and housing transitions, and the downstream impact when that engagement happens too late.
• Strengthening Governance and Communication
  How clearer leadership alignment, stronger documentation, and more effective cross-team communication are helping districts manage frequent student changes while minimizing delays and compliance risk.

Brought to you by EverDriven

REGISTER BELOW:

Speakers:

Greg Jackson
General Manager, Busing
EverDriven

Greg Jackson served as the executive director of transportation and fleet services for Jefferson County School District in Colorado for a decade. One of the largest districts in the state, Jackson oversaw 750 vehicles, 257 bus routes, 305 drivers, and four bus terminals, ensuring that nearly 14,000 students were safely transported to and from school and activities. The district benefited from Jackson’s charismatic leadership style and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, families, and vendors.

Prior to this position, he served as a transportation director, terminal manager, supervisor, and fleet coordinator across multiple districts and companies, providing him with unique insight into all facets of transportation. His experience includes knowledge about legislation and law concerning student safety, budgetary requirements, and best practices.

Jim Ellis
Director of Pupil Transportation
Henrico County Public Schools

Jim Ellis is a respected leader in pupil transportation with more than three decades of experience in public education operations. A NAPT-certified Director of Pupil Transportation since 2008, Ellis has served in key leadership roles across Virginia and North Carolina, including President of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association. Since 2020, Ellis has served as Director of Pupil Transportation for Henrico County Public Schools, where he has led operational improvements, safety enhancements, and innovative practices to better serve students and families.

The post (Free Webinar) 3 Student-Centric Transportation Strategies to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism appeared first on School Transportation News.

Investigators say surveillance video shows a school bus aide repeatedly physically abusing a 10-year-old student with disabilities while the bus driver watched and, at times, laughed.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests on Jan. 30, following a child abuse investigation that began in mid-November, after a witness reported seeing a school bus aide strike the boy while parked at Caminiti Exceptional School.

According to investigators, video capture Juanita Wright, 79, a school bus monitor for Hillsborough County Public Schools, striking the minimally verbal student diagnosed with autism and ADHD on 14 separate days between Oct. 2 and Nov. 14, Authorities say the footage shows Wright hitting the boy in the head and on his back, pulling him by the hair, and wresting his backpack away as he remained seated.

Wright was charged with 14 counts of child abuse. The bus driver, Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, is charged with failure to report child abuse. Prosecutors allege she saw the abuse, did not intervene, and at least once appeared to smile or laugh while watching the incidents in her rear-view mirror.

Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the conduct as “a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing,” calling it “an inexcusable betrayal of trust” when adults entrusted with a child’s welfare cause harm and fail to act. Deputies reviewed internal school bus video and identified multiple incidents before the report was made.

The investigation remains active to determine if additional victims exist.

“A defenseless child was physically abused by someone entrusted with their care, while another adult failed to intervene and instead laughed,” Chronister said. “It is an inexcusable betrayal of trust and a profound lack of humanity.”

In a statement shared by local media, the district said Wright was hired in 2012, removed from duty in November after the allegations surfaced, and later fired. Rice-Constant retired from the district in November, when the investigation into the alleged child abuse began. Both cases will proceed through the court system as authorities continue to investigate.

Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
Related: Former Colorado School Bus Aide Pleads Guilty to Abusing At-Risk Students
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related:Teacher’s Aide Arrested After Firearm Recovered from Student on W.V. School Bus

The post Florida School Bus Aide Accused of Child Abuse in Ongoing Beating appeared first on School Transportation News.

The debate on lap/shoulder seatbelts in school buses has divided the student transportation industry. Advocates champion their life-saving potential, while skeptics raise concerns about evacuation challenges and the added cost of equipping
buses with this technology. However, as we reflect on 20 years of data from California, the first state to mandate lap/shoulder belts on new school buses, it appears the benefits of these safety measures outweigh the concerns.

The Golden State’s experience with lap/shoulder belts offers a compelling case for its adoption. Rather than focusing on student fatalities, which we all know are extremely rare each school year, the report released last month investigates student injuries that are infrequently discussed.

Since the state began requiring lap/shoulder belts on new school buses in 2004, pupil passenger injuries have decreased by three-quarters in absolute numbers and by nearly 50 percent in per million miles traveled. These statistics courtesy of Ron Kinney, a former California state director of student transportation and director of government relations for Laidlaw, are not simply numbers. The data taken from California Highway Patrol crash reports represent thousands of children who avoided injury, trauma and life-altering consequences.

Critics argue that lap/shoulder belts could hinder evacuation during emergencies. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has repeatedly emphasized that properly worn lap/shoulder belts reduce the severity of injuries in crashes, particularly in side impacts and rollovers—scenarios where traditional compartmentalization falls short. And as such, these students are better able to self-evacuate, largely because they remain conscious.

The 2014 Anaheim, California school bus crash, cited in Kinney’s research, serves as a reminder of this. NTSB simulations showed that lap/shoulder belts significantly
reduced upper body flailing during the crash and prevented passengers from being thrown into the area of maximum intrusion. This minimized injuries.

California also mandates annual safety training for students, including proper use of passenger restraint systems and emergency evacuation drills. These drills ensure that students are familiar with how to unbuckle their belts quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Moreover, the data shows that no pupil passengers have been killed in California school bus crashes since the lap/shoulder belt mandate took effect—a testament to their effectiveness in preventing fatalities.

Another common argument against lap/shoulder belts is the cost. Equipping a new school bus with lap/shoulder belts adds a few thousand dollars to the purchase price. However, when spread over a 20-year lifespan of a bus, Kinney’s report claims, this cost amounts to approximately $500 per year or pennies per day per student. Who keeps a school bus that long anymore, you ask? Ahead of the approaching funding cliff for school districts next school year, skipping on replacement cycles is a likely coping strategy. And today’s school buses are at least 90 percent cleaner than 20 years ago, which was a leading reason for hastening replacement cycles, to begin with.

Compare $500 or even $1,000 per year (Blue Bird now makes lap/shoulder belts standard equipment) to the financial and emotional toll of a single injury or fatality, which can result in millions of dollars in litigation costs and immeasurable pain for families. The California data demonstrates that the reduction in pupil passenger injuries alone justifies the investment.

It’s also worth noting that student transporters routinely invest in technologies to improve operational efficiency and safety, such as GPS tracking, routing software and telematics systems, many of which have recurring costs. Lap/shoulder belts are a one-time purchase.

Lap/shoulder belts advantages extend beyond injury prevention. Districts implementing these systems report significant improvements in student behavior and a reduction in driver distractions. When students are properly secured, they are less likely to move around, fight or engage in other disruptive behaviors. This creates a calmer, safer environment for both students and bus drivers, reducing stress and improving job satisfaction.

Fewer behavioral issues mean fewer disciplinary write-ups and less time spent on administrative tasks, freeing up resources for other priorities. Drivers are also
less likely to have to pull over to address misconduct, improving route efficiency, and reducing delays.

The data from California is clear: Lap/shoulder belts not only save lives but reduce injuries and improve the overall safety and efficiency of school transportation. A reconsideration of the three-point seatbelts in school buses is happening. NAPT is expected to release a new paper later this year.

Is it time to finally move beyond the debate?

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the February 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: California School Bus Report Shows Lap/Shoulder Seatbelts Reduce Injuries
Related: Illinois Bill Advances to Require Lap/Shoulder Seatbelts on New School Buses
Related: (STN Podcast E251) Making Safety Safer: Seatbelts, Technology, Training & Electric School Buses
Related: School Bus Safety Act Renews Call for Seatbelts, Other Safety Improvements

The post Strongest Case Yet for 3-point Belts? appeared first on School Transportation News.

Horrific video shows the moments before a school bus struck 11-year-old Amira Aminova as she ran across a Brooklyn street after buying chocolate at a bodega.

Police reportedly arrested Wawa Aurelus, 62, the school bus driver who hit Aminova but did not stop at the scene. He was arrested Friday, according to multiple news reports, following the incident that occurred shortly after school let out at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Bath Beach neighborhood.

Aurelus was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors, according to the New York Times.

The video shows Aminova standing on the corner of Bath Ave. at 23rd Ave. and proceeding to cross the street, apparently with seconds remaining on the red-flashing countdown pedestrian signal. As Aminova starts to run across the street, the school bus is seen coming into view heading south on 23rd Ave. and instigating a right-hand turn onto Bath Ave. The bus never stops, and the video cuts out right before it hits the sixth grader.

Aminova was at least the fifth student pedestrian killed this school year nationwide by a school bus, according to School Transportation News research.

State Sen. Steve Chan, a former NYPD officer, represents the 17th district that comprises part of South Brooklyn. He told STN he does not understand how Aurelus did not realize he struck Aminova and continued his route.

“Spending 27 years as a police officer, I’ve seen many accidents involving school buses, tractor trailers and small trucks. Often, a driver will not know when they hit someone in the leg or brushed up against their body. However, in this particular case, I’ve reviewed video tape of the incident from start to finish. This bus driver should have known that he rolled over a person or something,” Chan wrote in an email Saturday. “If he had looked into the rear or side view mirror, he would have seen her on the ground. The intersection was clear and visibility was good. The roadway was dry and flat. The snow built up in the corners was not a factor. There were no other drivers or pedestrians in this intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the crosswalk and a green light. She did break into a sprint. However, the bus driver had a clear line of sight at the intersection.

“As far as I can tell, this tragedy is the result of complete driver inattention,” he continued. “Of course, I know most school bus drivers are dedicated individuals who help our community every day. But I must ask everyone to use extra caution, especially when making a turn.”

Police later located Aurelus, an employee of Consolidated Bus Service, and took him to the 62nd Precinct for questioning, reported CBS New York. Chan posted on Facebook the driver was detained “a short distance away” from the scene of the collision.

Consolidated Bus Service had not responded to an email seeking comment at this report.

An investigation by the NYPD fatal collision unit continues. A GoFundMe page was set up for Aminova’s mother to help cover funeral and burial costs in Uzbekistan. She immigrated with her daughter to the U.S. several years ago.

Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York
Related: New York School Bus Crash Leaves One Dead, Others Injured
Related: Fatality Data Analysis Indicates School Bus Safety in Comparison to Other Modes

The post School Bus Driver Charged with Hit-and-Run Death of Brooklyn Girl appeared first on School Transportation News.

Training school district employees to recognize early signs of violent behavior is crucial to safe student transportation, especially when school bus drivers are the first school employees to interact with the children each day. And they are often the first to encounter perpetrated acts of violence.

Bret Brooks will discuss this challenging topic at the STN EXPO East conference in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina on March 27. Brooks will equip attendees with a practical framework, built not just from his experience as a student transportation safety and security consultant but also his background as a U.S. Army major and retired member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

This general session will discuss behavioral indicators, environmental cues and communication patterns that could signal potential violent behavior from a student. Using case-analysis, real-world scenarios and behavioral research, Brooks will explain how acts of violence can often be identified on school buses before they happen by recognizing verbal and non-verbal indicators.

Understanding Violent Behavior

The session will highlight the importance of discerning behavior patterns from isolated behaviors, such as changes in speech, mood, posture, speech and eye contact, and identify what are escalating behaviors that require review. Brooks also plans to discuss different types of violence onboard the school bus and how exposure to violence is impacting student behavior.

Attendees will not only learn to recognize the signs and increase their situational awareness but take the appropriate steps to address the risk and respond appropriately. This session is beneficial for school bus transportation professionals and school administrators looking to equip their staff to increase situational awareness, be trained in de-escalation, prevention and make informed decisions that enhance safety in educational environments.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. Registration will give access to this and dozens of other educational sessions, hands-on trainings and networking events including the Ride and Drive/Technology Demo, Trade Show and Thomas Built Buses tour, all held over the six-day conference. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

The post Security Expert to Share Indicators Violent Behavior at STN EXPO East appeared first on School Transportation News.

What should a school transportation department expect in the wake of a serious or fatal school bus crash? In Tennessee, a painstakingly thorough post-crash investigation process begins by reviewing the bus driver’s training and the bus maintenance records, three of the state’s highway patrol troopers said.

In the immediate aftermath of a school bus crash, school staff should expect authorities to follow specific protocol, beginning with ensuring that everyone who’s injured receives the care they need. Next, they will take steps to preserve the crash scene, properly document physical evidence, take photos, and collect witness statements.

“That includes making sure that nothing’s being taken out before it’s documented and that everything that can be done at the scene is done before anyone starts moving stuff or letting people go,” said Sgt. Jena Eubanks of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “We may put down paint where a vehicle comes to rest just so we can come out later and measure the scene if need be.”

Lt. Raymond Gaskill said the first steps when investigating a serious or fatal school bus crash include securing the bus driver’s information to determine the commercial driver’s license and training record.

“We’re going to verify that the bus has been inspected and that it was supposed to be operational,” Gaskill said. “Even if the crash is not investigated by the highway patrol, transportation directors know that our team of inspectors have to look at that bus before they put kids back on it.”

If an incident occurred while students were loading or unloading, authorities “want to make sure the eight-way lighting was on and the stop sign was out at the time of the crash so it can be documented,” Gaskill said. “Ninety percent of Tennessee buses have cameras nowadays, so we’ll make sure to get with those transportation directors and look at that video.”

Eubanks said post-crash inspections follow two paths.

“There’s what we do on the people side, and we’ll inspect the bus to see what damage, if there is any damage, occurred as a result of the crash,” she said. “The post-crash inspection is conducted by certified personnel … and it’s a very thorough investigation where we’re breaking down that vehicle mere seconds before the crash and building it back up to see, ‘Was there something wrong with the vehicle at the time that was a causing a factor in the crash?’ Those can take a week or a couple days or weeks more, depending on what we’re dealing with.”

Gaskill said the “people side” probe includes a look back at least 24 hours into the driver’s activities.

“Were they sick? Did they stay up all night? Did they get enough rest? What were they doing? You know, those types of things would all play a factor into the crashes,” he explained.

Authorities will also review on-board technology during a crash event reconstruction with the recognition that systems may not be calibrated or accurate.

“We may use the GPS, but we’d have to look at other factors. My calculations as a reconstructionist tell me their minimum speed was this. The GPS says they were going that fast. That would help your case, but we don’t just take GPS at its word,” Gaskill said.

Distraction the Most Prevalent Cause of Crashes

The most common factors in minor and serious school bus crashes involve hitting mirrors on other vehicles due to being too close to the center line and tail swing when the rear of a bus crosses the center line, according to Gaskill. But, he added, “You would be amazed at how many people rear end a school bus, and you can’t train for that.”

Eubanks said most crashes she sees are caused by “some type of distraction.”

“Whether it’s on the driver of the bus or the driver of the other vehicle because most crashes can be prevented, but I would say most of them are distractions,” Eubanks said.

Capt. Allen England said Gaskill’s and Eubanks’ observations can be covered under one umbrella: Human error.

“Whether it’s distraction or tail swing or something else, that’s human error in the operation of the vehicle. Whether it be loading or unloading children or a child getting caught in a door and dragged, it’s the people factor, human error,” he said. “Rarely do we ever see, maybe two out of 100 times, a mechanical defect that may have contributed to a crash. But that’s human error, too.”

The best crashes, though, are the ones that never happen, thanks to foresight and preparation. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s focus on preventing crashes begins by inspecting 147 school districts’ roughly 9,800 buses.

“We inspect every school bus in the state at least once per year, some twice or more per year. We train every driver at least one time per year, maybe more. We notify transportation directors of downgrades or anything that alters that driver’s license that they need to know about or they may need to take a driver out of a school bus,” England said. “We have a very robust program, and we have committed individuals to the program to help kids safe.”

The four hours of mandated driver training address common safety issues, Gaskill said. “We look at the crashes that come in across the state throughout the year, and that’s what we train next year,” he added. “If we have a lot of tail swing incidents, we make sure to put in training about tail swing. … Student management is always a big one.”

Related: This is Bad
Related: NTSB Investigating Fatal School Bus Dragging in Maine
Related: Waymo Driverless Vehicles Continue to Illegally Pass School Buses

As long as transportation departments are performing proper bus maintenance and conducting effective training, England said, his best advice for fleet managers to prevent accidents is “first and foremost, know your driver.

“The driver is typically the largest factor in the crash. So, they need to understand the driver and what’s going on with them. If the driver is going through something horrendous in his personal life, is that going to affect his ability to safely operate that bus?” he continued. “Know your driver and engage with those drivers as frequently as you can.”

Eubanks agreed. In addition to extending England’s advice to the shop foreperson and mechanics, she encouraged fleet managers to conduct video reviews of bus drivers and follow up on complaints about erratic or unsafe driving.

“Also make sure your drivers are doing what they’re supposed to do regarding pre-trips and post-trips. Pre-trip and post-trip (inspections) are required by federal mandate and by our state regulations,” Eubanks said. “Make sure that driver is taking that time in the morning and in the afternoon to walk around their bus make sure everything’s good to go on it, and notating anything that’s wrong and ensuring that that bus is getting fixed properly.”

The post Investigation, Documentation Crucial to School Bus Crash Investigations appeared first on School Transportation News.