CONCORD, N.C. — Jim Knight started his keynote address at STN EXPO East like a concert, highlighting that culture isn’t something you talk about. It’s something people feel. And attendees felt that energy as they walked into the room and heard the music playing over the speakers.

His message Monday was clear: If you want a culture that rocks, you have to create experiences people won’t forget. A feeling of culture starts with moments.

Knight, the former head of global training and development for Hard Rock International’s hotels, casinos, dining and entertainment, quickly moved past traditional definitions of culture. Instead, he grounded the concept in something far more tangible: human behavior.

“Fantastic, awesome, world-beating cultures—they only exist because of human behaviors,” he said.

To illustrate, he shared a story about witnessing a fast-food employee near Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, interact with a young girl dressed as a princess. Rather than simply take her order, the employee bowed and declared, “All hail the princess,” prompting the entire staff to follow suit.

The moment lasted seconds but its impact, Knight said, is probably something the girl’s family still talks about. “That’s culture,” he said, adding that culture is not heritage, legacy or the past. “Culture is what’s happening right now.”

The ride to and from school may be routine. The interaction is not. “The student experience has to rock,” he continued. “And that starts with the relationship. How the driver made me feel, that’s what matters.”

At its core, he defined culture simply as “a collection of people,” each bringing their own behaviors into the organization. That definition carries weight in an industry facing persistent driver shortages and turnover.

Side Bar: Jim Knights’ 10 Takeaways

 

1. Fantastic cultures only exist because of human behaviors

2. Celebrate heritage (past), but focus on the present (people)

3. Be Like U2 – Everyone signing off the same sheet of music

4. To avoid four-letter words, don’t provide/endorse mediocrity

5. People crave differentiation – deliver personalized experiences

6. In a world of darkness, be a bright light in each student’s day

7. Treat each person special – Like it’s your first day of work

8. Authentic student obsession creates lifelong raving fans

a. Create generational fans (you have the parents & the kids on your bus)

9. The true path to cultural Nirvana’s through 3C rock stars – YOU ARE THE AMPLIFIER
10. Change your mindset from transportation to creating experiences

BONUS: Position the Job to be Tattoo-Worthy

“Every time somebody joins or leaves [an organization], culture changes,” Knight said, adding that the student transportation industry faces a retention challenge. “If you could hold on to the right people, you’d have exactly what you want.”

Knight used a simple exercise. He asked attendees to close their eyes and point in the direction of true north, to demonstrate how easily organizations drift without alignment. “If everybody’s guessing, you get confusion,” he said. “If everybody’s aligned, you get productivity.”

He compared it to a band, using U2 as an example. While Bono and The Edge may draw the spotlight as lead singer and lead guitarist, respectively, the rhythm section of drummer Adam Clayton and bassist Larry Mullins, Jr., keep the band on the same page.

“Everybody has a role to play,” Knight said. “But you’ve got to be singing off the same sheet of music.”

In transportation, that means consistent communication from leaders to the school bus drivers. Everyone needs to be in tune about expectations, priorities and purpose.

“If you don’t share it, people will make it up,” he added.

One of Knight’s most pointed observations centered on what he called “acceptable mediocrity,” and four-letter words that he hates. Words like “fine,” “good” and “okay” may sound harmless, but he argued they signal something deeper.

“They scream mediocrity,” he said, adding that over time, organizations begin to accept these outcomes as success.

Differentiation Happens One Interaction at a Time

Knight emphasized that creating a standout culture doesn’t require sweeping changes. It starts with small, intentional actions.

“Read the person. Seize the moment. Personalize the experience,” he said, recalling his time at Hard Rock, where he made it a point to engage each guest in a unique way—whether through humor, conversation or simple recognition.

“You do that, you create loyalty,” he said. “You create stories.”

The same principle applies to student transportation. “People crave differentiation,” Knight said. “Deliver personalized experiences, and you build comfort, safety and trust.”

He played a video each Chick-Fil-A location shows to all new employees. The video highlights different people eating at the chain fast-fodd restaurant, with captions about what’s each person has going on in their lives. Everyone is dealing or navigating something. Every life has a story if we bother to read it, he said.

As a result, Chick-Fil-A immediately communicates the culture of caring they want from their employees.

“In a world of darkness, be a bright light in each student’s day,” Knight continued.

For many students, the bus ride is more than transportation. It’s a transition point, and sometimes the first interaction students have of the day. It puts drivers in a uniquely influential position.

Related: Security Expert Shares Key Indicators of Violence for School Transportation Safety
Related: Transportation Directors Receive Rock Star Training on Driver Retention
Related: Multi-Modal Transportation Gains Momentum as Districts Seek Flexible, Cost-Effective Solutions
Related: Gallery: STN EXPO East Tech Demos and Ride & Drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Jim Ellis, director of transportation at Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, noted that culture and the driver shortage tie hand and hand. “If you don’t want to be here, then I really don’t want you,” he said, underscoring the importance of cultural fit in a role that involves transporting children. He pointed to the driver shortage as a complicating factor, making it harder to be selective, but stressed that long-term success depends on building a team committed to more than just driving.

“You’ve got to be the one that fits that culture… making sure that you are that first thing they see.”

Britton Overton, director of transportation for Pender County School District in North Carolina, added that staffing challenges also impact morale, which in turn shapes culture. “It definitely affects culture, but also morale—and morale helps to build that culture or tear it down,” he said, noting that supporting drivers and maintaining positivity are critical to sustaining both.

Knight also challenged attendees to reflect on their own mindset. Think back to the first day on the job, he said, a time when employees arrived early, paid attention and took pride in every detail.

“Somewhere along the way, we lose that,” he said, adding that employees start cutting corners by focusing on their own gain the longer they stay in an organization.

Reclaiming that “day one attitude” is essential to sustaining culture over time, he commented.

Tisha Hergert, transportation director for Onsted Community Schools in Michigan, said Knight was very enthusiastic. “Everything that he mentioned to us, it was so easy to break down and will be very easy to implement. When I go back to my district, I feel like I can fire my crew up.”

Ultimately, Knight reinforced that culture is amplified, or diminished, by the people delivering the experience. He outlined what he called the “three C’s” of high-performing teams: Competence, Character and Culture fit.

“The true path to cultural nirvana is through 3C rock stars,” he said, adding that in student transportation, those rock stars are the drivers.

Knight closed with a mindset shift that tied the session together. “Stop thinking about transportation,” he said. “Start thinking about creating experiences.”

Because while routes, schedules and safety protocols are essential, they are only part of the equation. What students and families remember and what defines culture, is the human interaction.

“Don’t just think about this stuff,” Knight said in his final remarks. “Act on it.”

Overton told School Transportation News that Knight’s keynote was “very inspirational.” He noted that culture has become “a big word in discussion nowadays,” adding that Knight offered practical takeaways that he plans to implement back home. “

“[Knight] gave me some good insight and broadened my thinking of how I can make our transportation better in our district,” Overton added, emphasizing that sessions like the Monday keynote are about learning what works and adapting it locally.

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CONCORD, N.C. – An STN EXPO East panel of student transporters shared how utilizing Transfinder’s technology suite has made their school bus operations safer and more efficient.

Improving Efficiency

Edgar Franco, assistant transportation director for Modesto City Schools in California, stated that technology has assisted with internal digitization, timeliness and streamlining communication between schools and the transportation department.

Christopher Faust, transportation director for Sangamon Valley Community Unit School District #9 in Illinois, noted that a district does not need to use Transfinder’s entire product suite since the Routefinder Plus routing software alone is powerful and convenient to also rapidly send parents relevant messages, as an example.

Kathleen Guarini, transportation coordinator for Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia, and Elizabeth Cannata, supervisor of transportation for Haverhill Public Schools in Massachusetts, both agreed that a tech portal also eases the difficulties of driver shortages and substitutions. Guarini advised rolling out a tech stack slowly, so staff does not get overwhelmed and become averse to future integrations.

Enhancing Safety, Accountability

“In an emergency situation, you need fast access to the data at your fingertips, and that’s what having an all-in-one platform is going to allow you to do,” stated panel facilitator and Transfinder Sales Engineer Shea Marstaller.

Cannata utilizes student RFID cards, which she said have been able to prevent lost-child debacles involving police and helicopters.

To help parents adopt the Stopfinder parent app, Franco advised “building a community, getting it out there and showing them [its] value.”

Guarini said Stopfinder has “been hugely impactful” especially during the first few weeks of school startup. She noted her eight dispatchers were spared having to field calls from parents of the 60,000-strong student population.

She also shared how the driver app Wayfinder provides directions via tablets which is much safer than drivers “searching for a piece of paper or dropping it, tucking it under [their] thigh while [they’re] trying to make the turns, so [they] can use two hands on the wheel.”

Leveraging Data, Statistics

Cannata noted a key performance indicator of the software is that it can show gaps in driver schedules, so one who is free can pick up a student who missed the bus and get them to school.

Guarini said that Transfinder’s team was able to find additional efficiencies when her district went from a three-tiered bell system to a five-tiered bell system. Additionally, she said she uses Formfinder for a special needs application that has saved her staff the workload of transferring 400 columns of data nightly for 3,000 students.

Franco stressed the importance of bringing in clean data to avoid messy problems down the road.

Cannata added that the technology assists with special needs routes.

“We have to separate who requires specialized transportation and what that specialized transportation is — be it a wheelchair, a 1-to-1 monitor, and anything like that,” she explained. “We have to have that inside of our end of year report and I’m able to simply filter, edit and I can get it within minutes. Pull my end of year report. It’s saved me from hours of going through each route individually to check.”

Rick Walterscheid, who spent 25 years as a transportation director and is now a sales executive with Transfinder, said using ServiceFinder in his district operations gave him actionable data for bus repairs and replacement cycles.

“What this enabled me to do was to put evidence into what I already knew because I kept the records,” he stated.

Related: Technology Webinar Takes Detailed Dive into School Bus Efficiency
Related: (STN Podcast E296) Technology Has Blossomed: School Bus Mirrors & Student Safety
Related: School Bus Adaptive Technology: Safer Rides, Stronger Teams, Better Access
Related: (STN Podcast E286) End of Year Review: Safety & Technology Trends of 2025
Related: Ohio Announces School Bus Safety Grant Recipients for Technology Enhancements

Implementing Technology

Since school bus drivers on the roads everyday may have suggestions on route improvements, Franco said he layers planned routes and bus GPS data to compare them and determine if there is a way to optimize that route. Digitization has helped simplify things when drivers bring in notes on how their routes could be better, Guarini concurred.

With older drivers who may be hesitant to adopt new tech, Cannata advised providing copious training and having tech-savvy drivers assist if possible.

Franco agreed that identifying and empowering tech-forward leaders among drivers and technicians is crucial. He also confirmed that Transfinder’s tablet system is easy and intuitive for those less tech-friendly drivers.

While Transfinder offers multiple products, Faust advised student transporters to “take what works for you.”

“I love all of the features that Transfinder offers, but I feel like you need to identify which are the most important, which are the immediate needs for your division and start chipping away as you can manage,” agreed Guarini.

Looking Forward to the Future

Faust said he looks forward to AI integrations which can save time by answering conversationally spoken questions rather than requiring staff to manually seek out information.

Franco praised Servicefinder’s assistance in keeping track of white fleet vehicles that need repairs and getting that information to technicians in a timely manner.

“We’re all being asked to do more with less, right?” Marstaller commented.

“Being in a small district, we have to be as efficient as possible,” Faust agreed.

“Everybody’s afraid to change from what you know,” Guarini said. “The benefit of doing that, though, gives you a fresh mindset.”

Appreciating Customer Service

Cannata and Franco praised the clear and streamlined customer service Transfinder provides.

“Instantly, like within like an hour – not even, sometimes – it’s instantly quick, but we have an answer. We got it fixed,” Cannata declared.

“We all feel supported by Transfinder with anything we need help with,” Guarini confirmed.

Faust noted that having one vendor for the whole tech stack makes troubleshooting much easier.

All four panelists said they used the Transfinder Community feature through which their peers and fellow users help them better utilize the technology.

The post How Technology Powers Daily Student Transportation Operations appeared first on School Transportation News.

CONCORD, N.C. – Student transporters took part in a Trade Show + Networking Pit Stop Reception on Monday evening, where the thrill of NASCAR met the excitement of connection. They engaged with eighty vendor companies, informative exhibits and dynamic networking opportunities on the Trade Show floor while enjoying Southern comfort food and drinks.

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A high school student shot by a classmate was after getting off a school bus in northwest Houston at the time of the incident, reported Click 2 Houston.

The student, who attends Scarborough High School, was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg on March 20, according to the news report. The shooting occurred after the bus stopped near Langwood Park and Benbrook Elementary School, the article noted.

Investigators believe an altercation began on the school bus and continued after the students exited.

“What we believe happened is there was a fight on a school bus here,” said Lt. Larry Crowson of the Houston Police Department. “The fight continued off the school bus into the intersection where you had one student shoot another student.”

A nearby resident who witnessed the shooting said she heard three gunshots and called 911 while rushing to help the injured student.

“I was trying to put a tourniquet on his foot since there was a lot of blood,” the woman told local news reporters. “One person put a sweater on top, and another man put a belt around his leg so he wouldn’t lose too much blood.”

The witness also said the shooting happened near areas where children frequently gather, including a park and nearby school, raising concerns among residents.

Authorities added that a nearby elementary school where an after-school program was being held was placed on lockdown during the investigation. The suspected shooter, also a student, was later located at a nearby home and taken into custody, police said. Authorities have not released additional details about potential charges. The condition of the student shot has not been publicly released.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Minnesota Man Accused of Pointing Gun at School Bus
Related: Two Students Killed in Georgia School Shooting
Related: 15-year-old Shot, Killed at Virginia School Bus Stop
Related: North Carolina Student Arrested for Shooting Gun on School Bus

The post Student Shot Near School Bus Stop in Houston, Suspect in Custody appeared first on School Transportation News.

As we navigate through 2026, school transportation professionals face an evolving landscape marked by staffing shortages, the accelerated shift toward zero-emission fleets, heightened student safety challenges, and increasingly complex demands from parents, local government and school executives.

Attending industry conferences has never been more essential. These state, regional and national events bring together dedicated peers to exchange innovative ideas, forge lasting networks, reconnect with trusted partners and colleagues, and commit to meaningful professional growth. The practical, actionable insights shared by expert presenters, panelists and fellow attendees translate directly into safer routes, more efficient operations and improved experiences for the students we serve every day.

“The chance to gain inspiration, motivation and network with other successful school transportation operators is a big factor in why I attend conferences like STN EXPO,” said Brooke Millar, president at 4 Seasons Transportation. Her words resonate deeply in an industry where burnout and rapid change can challenge even the most committed leaders.

“Professional development at conferences provides a nice break from daily routines to focus on my personal growth, fostering innovation and identifying knowledge gaps,” she added.

Attending industry conferences can deliver profound, multifaceted benefits. Participants draw fresh inspiration and renewed motivation from accomplished leaders who have overcome similar obstacles. They sharpen critical skills through in-depth educational sessions exploring emerging trends, regulatory updates and proven best practices. Powerful keynote presentations and interactive workshops help cultivate a resilient growth mindset, boosting confidence in tackling ambitious goals.

Beyond the classroom sessions, networking opportunities enable professionals to crowdsource real-time solutions to pressing challenges, spark collaborations across districts and states and open doors to new career advancements or operational efficiencies. The expansive trade shows connect attendees directly with cutting-edge technology, vehicles and products designed to address core priorities such as fleet optimization, advanced safety systems, driver retention strategies, procurement, and specialized transportation for students with disabilities and special needs.

Events like STN EXPO stand out for their comprehensive educational programming, including specialized deep dives into niche topics. The Transportation Director Summit offers exclusive leadership training, while creating opportunities to connect with peers, key business partners and OEMs. The Bus Technology Summit offers the opportunity to experience live technology demonstrations and to compare solutions from business partners. The Green Bus Summit delivers compelling success stories and conversations from fleet decision makers that have invested in a sustainable future. These targeted tracks provide focused education, hands-on skill development and invaluable connections with like-minded professionals.

Meanwhile, the trade show floor and evening networking receptions create an energetic environment for exploring innovative solutions, testing new equipment and building potential vendor partnerships that can transform district operations.

Our most recent attendee surveys continue to highlight professional development and networking as the primary reasons professionals invest their time in these gatherings.

Engaging peers, industry experts, suppliers, school bus dealers, and OEMs provides a unique forum for market research, product comparisons and honest discussions about what truly works in the field. Whether you’re seeking solutions for sustainable fleets, enhanced security measures, comprehensive driver training programs, or inclusive special needs transportation, the trade show serves as a one-stop resource for discovering partners that align with your district’s specific needs and budget.

In an era of tight budgets and high stakes, investing time in these events yields measurable, lasting returns: Enhanced knowledge that informs better decisions, stronger professional networks that provide ongoing support, renewed motivation to lead through challenges, and direct access to innovations that elevate safety and efficiency. Look for hands-on workshops, certifications and powerful keynotes from leaders with a focus on leadership, technology and green fleets.

Conferences are a catalyst for excellence and truly time well spent. I personally invite you to experience STN EXPO East March 26–31 and STN EXPO West July 9–15 firsthand and see the impact for yourself. Registration is open now at stnexpo.com.

It’s time to invest in leadership for you and your team. I look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about the ideas you’ll bring back to drive success.

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

Related: Transportation Director Summit Provides Exclusive Leadership, Networking
Related: Giving Birth to Proper Leadership
Related: Leadership Starts From the Top Down
Related: (STN Podcast E289) 2026 Kicks Off: Winter Weather, the World Stage & Rock ‘n Roll Leadership

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CONCORD, N.C.— School bus drivers play a critical role in preventing violence and ensuring student safety, and a seasoned law enforcement veteran is on a mission to equip them with the skills to recognize and respond to warning signs of aggression.

Speaking at the STN EXPO East conferece Friday, security expert Bret Brooks of Gray Ram Tactical emphasized the importance of training drivers to identify behavioral and verbal cues that signal potential violence, empowering them to take proactive steps to de-escalate situations and protect lives.

He shared actionable insights to help bus drivers and school staff recognize warning signs of aggression and prevent violent incidents.

“Every single human being has the potential for violence,” said Brooks, a retired Missouri law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience. “Violence is simply a way of handling a situation. If we can understand the biology behind violence, then we can start to recognize it before it happens and take steps to de-escalate.”

Brooks emphasized that violence is a biological process triggered by seven universal factors: Family, order, restraint, resources, mate, insult, and life or limb. He explained that these triggers, which have evolved over thousands of years, are deeply ingrained in human behavior and can be activated in high-stress situations.

He likened violence prevention training to CPR certification, stressing the need for regular refreshers and hands-on practice. Just as CPR training requires participants to practice chest compressions on a mannequin, he explained, violence prevention training should involve real-world scenarios to prepare bus drivers for high-stress situations. Without such practice, he warned, drivers may not be equipped to respond effectively when faced with a crisis.

The importance of training bus drivers to recognize concealed weapons was another key point in Brooks’ presentation. He noted a troubling trend in which active shooters are increasingly arriving at schools via school buses.

“That means kids with guns, knives, or other weapons are boarding buses, and our bus drivers are unknowingly delivering the murderer to the victims,” he said.

Brooks shared a chilling anecdote about a school bus driver who recentlly and successfully identified a student carrying a gun and planning to harm his girlfriend.

“We just saved somebody’s life because the bus driver could see what was going on, took action and prevented the active shooter,” he said. “That’s what gives me the motivation to keep moving forward.”
Throughout his presentation, Brooks outlined key nonverbal and verbal cues that can signal potential violence. He stressed the importance of observing clusters of behaviors rather than relying on a single indicator.

For example, excessive staring or avoiding eye contact, dropping the chin to protect the airway, rapid or deep breathing, flared nostrils, wringing hands, shedding clothing, standing with feet shoulder-width apart, and shifting weight can all signal aggression. Similarly, verbal cues such as strained speech, increased pitch, parroting or echoing words, repetitive word usage, nervous laughter, forced air exhalation, mass statements, indifference in conversation, and escalating profanity can indicate a loss of self-control and a potential for violence.

Proactive De-escalation

Brooks emphasized the critical role of de-escalation in preventing violence. He explained that when someone’s triggers are activated, it is essential to act immediately to prevent the situation from escalating further. He shared a real-life example of a school bus driver who failed to de-escalate a situation with a student for over 15 minutes, leading to a physical altercation.

“The driver never asked the student why she wanted off the bus. What if she had said, ‘Because I’m being molested in the back.’ That would have changed everything,” Brooks said.

An attendee commented that her school district uitlizes crises prevention training and encouraged her peers to do the same.

Meanwhile, Brooks suggested that bus drivers play the “what-if” game to prepare for potential scenarios.

“Don’t wait for the bad thing to happen. Have a plan ahead of time,” the security expert said. “If you see the train wreck coming, you need to act.”

Related: ‘Care Less Without Being Careless’ Urges Security Expert to Student Transporters
Related: School Violence Grant Provides Opportunity for Threat Assessment Training
Related: Times Are Changing … What Is Your Response to School Bus Violence?
Related: Q&A: Cybersecurity in Student Transportation: Why It Matters, Where It’s Headed

Brooks also acknowledged that the indicators of violence and de-escalation techniques for special needs students differ from those for the general population

“It’s imperative that we do special needs training,” he said. “Special needs drivers should be consistently trained to understand the unique triggers and indicators for these students.”

In closing, Brooks urged school transportation professionals to take violence prevention seriously and to recognize the importance of their role in ensuring safety. “This happens in every other school district, not just yours,” he said. “We have to be open enough to see things for what they are and act to prevent violence.”

By understanding the biological triggers of violence, recognizing key indicators and employing effective de-escalation techniques, school bus drivers and transportation staff can play a vital role in keeping students, staff and themselves safe.

Article written with the assistance of AI.

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CONCORD, N.C. – After a day of Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit sessions, Sunday was capped off with a high-energy, racing-inspired Technology Demonstrations and Ride & Drive + Reception held in the NASCAR Cup Series Garage and the Quarter-Mile Oval Track at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Attendees enjoyed a lively networking reception featuring dinner, drinks and entertainment.

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Photos by STN staff. 

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CONCORD, N.C. – Sunday featured themed sessions as part of the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO East. Vendor and supplier companies presented live or hands-on demonstrations of their technology suites, products and service offerings, as well as panel discussions on cleaner school bus options.

Afternoon sessions covered first-responder coordination, school bus attendants, streamlining team communication, and NHTSA’s latest research on illegal passing.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative. 

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CONCORD, N.C. – A Green Bus Summit panel during STN EXPO East discussed real-world examples and implementation tips for propane autogas in a school bus operation.

Blue Bird’s Steven Whaley, alternative fuels manager for the school bus manufacturer, first reviewed the company’s diesel, gasoline, propane and electric school bus options as well as deployment numbers, pricing comparison and clean energy statistics.

Propane, he said during Sunday’s Lunch and Learn session, has a low carbon intensity footprint, is safe enough to use for cooking and is domestically produced. Blue Bird’s propane bus, he specified, was certified to an ultra-low NOx emissions level. He added that propane buses are suited for both rural and urban settings, plus their quiet operation means students arrive at school calmer.

“The [propane] fuel system itself is very simple, integrates seamlessly just like your diesel technology does,” explained Tom Hopkins, a former Detroit-area fleet manager and current business development manager for Blue Bird’s propane school bus powertrain partner ROUSH CleanTech.

He reviewed the technical specifications of the Ford 7.3L engine powering Blue Bird’s Type C Vision bus and the complimentary training offered to operators.

Bibb County School District in Georgia started using propane school buses in 2014. Transportation Director Anthony Jackson said he was initially skeptical. Seventy percent of his 213 buses are now powered by propane, and he reported savings both at the fuel pump and maintenance costs. Propane saves him a combined 50 cents per mile over diesel, he added.

That equals a savings of $1 million dollars per year, Whaley pointed out. “These are numbers that folks just can’t ignore anymore,” he said.

Declared Jackson, “I can’t see myself venturing back to the diesel side of this because of what I’ve been able to see and what we’ve been able to realize with the propane application.”

He said once his drivers were trained on fueling, they readily accepted propane, which performs better during colder weather than diesel. Additionally, he verified that his mechanics are “ecstatic” that the propane buses are cleaner and easier to work with.

“We will do everything as a propane industry that we can … to set up your fueling for you,” confirmed Monte McLeod, account manager for Sharp Energy and representative for session sponsor Southeast Propane Alliance.

Temporary propane fueling options include a delivery driver who individually fuels the buses, or mobile trailer units parked on site. McLeod reviewed permanent fuel infrastructure where setup, permits and training are generally free to the district.

McLeod said personal protective equipment is not needed when drivers fuel propane school buses since it is “a clean, simple operation that anyone can do.” Whaley noted that the EPA does not even regulate propane seepage since it is not carcinogenic and simply evaporates into the air, in contrast to soil contamination that occurs with diesel leaks.

“There’s a number of redundant systems in place to make sure that this is the safest fuel that you can possibly put in your bus,” McLeod stated.

When school buses are on the road, Whaley noted, they can use an alternative fuel station locator via an app provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Jackson shared that his diesel prices doubled due to the Iran war, but his propane price recently fell. “The more you use, the less it is,” McLeod agreed.

“Get behind the wheel and drive it,” Jackson advised in response to an attendee question on staff buy-in before implementation.

Hopkins pointed out that there were several transportation leaders in attendance from school districts currently running propane buses. He suggested districts considering propane should “get their raw unfiltered feedback.”

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CONCORD, N.C. — Keynote speaker and best-selling author Jim Knight led the second day of the Transportation Director Summit at Topgolf Charlotte – Southwest, using the visceral backdrop of Rock ‘n Roll and several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Global Training & Development to discuss key strategies to transform any organization’s culture, regardless of the company’s cultural history or status.

Also offsite at Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools, the National School Bus Inspection Training Program continued with hands-on identification of defects in the engine compartment, throughout the chassis, and inside the driver and passenger compartments, with participants able to compete for time and accuracy.

Transfinder led a special training on improving technician workflow and shop organization while Denise Donaldson taught on child safety restraint system use in school buses versus alternative transportation vehicles and Dave McDonald’s training covered proper mirror adjustment and distracted driving.

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CONCORD, N.C. — As school districts nationwide confront tightening budgets, driver shortages and changing student needs, multi-modal transportation options are emerging as viable strategies to expand service while controlling costs.

During the first day of STN EXPO East Friday, transportation directors and an industry expert discussed how blending traditional yellow bus service with alternative modes — including public transit, walking programs and contracted services — can help districts adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.

The concept is increasingly being implemented in practice. “Multimodal is really about expanding that definition of who ‘we’ are,” said Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group, and the session moderator. “We might not be able to do everything ourselves anymore, so we need to think about how to integrate different providers into the system.”

Ammon, who also spoke earlier Friday on school transportation funding, said the growing interest in multi-modal transportation is closely tied to mounting fiscal pressures facing school districts, as flat federal funding, uncertain state and local revenues and rising operational costs force leaders to rethink how services are delivered. He noted that with costs outpacing available funding, districts must find ways to reduce expenses without significantly cutting service, making alternative transportation models an increasingly practical solution to maintain access for students while improving efficiency.

Related: Funding Uncertainty, Rising Costs Intensify Pressure on School Transportation Operations

Expanding Beyond the Yellow Bus

For decades, the yellow school bus has been the backbone of student transportation. While it remains the safest form of student transportation for its vehicle construction and driver training, transportation directors are now rethinking that model as financial pressures mount and operational complexity increases.

Ammon noted that rising costs and constrained funding are forcing transportation departments to evaluate alternatives that can complement, not replace, traditional service.

“If it costs us $1,000 a kid to transport and we can find somebody who can do it for $800, that’s a 20 percent reduction in cost,” he said. “We’ve got to start thinking about that as an equation if we want to continue serving the maximum number of students.”

Multi-modal systems can include partnerships with transit agencies, use of smaller vehicles for specialized routes, and coordination with private transportation providers. It can include working closely with Safe Routes to School programs that focus on walking and biking. The goal is to match the right mode to the right student’s needs.

Keba Baldwin, director of transportation for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, said the decision to explore alternative modes often begins when demand outpaces available resources.

“The demand for services is greater than my supply,” said Baldwin, the 2026 STN Transportation Director of the Year.

He continued that PGCPS faced a shortage of more than 200 drivers while managing over 1,000 routes.

Baldwin said factors such as increasing McKinney-Vento transportation needs for students experiencing homelessness, specialized programs and longer-distance routes require districts to expand beyond traditional service models.

“When you start thinking about when to discuss the multimodal mix, that’s when,” Baldwin said. “We want to be able to provide options … and not close ourselves in to just one path.”

Bernando Brown, director of transportation for DeKalb County School District in Georgia, echoed similar challenges. He emphasized the importance of acting before systems begin to fail.

“You don’t want to wait till the system breaks,” he said. “You basically act when you see the pressure building.”

Brown noted that his district has struggled to maintain driver staffing levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing leaders to rethink how services are delivered. “We’re constantly hiring, but through attrition … we’re losing as well,” he said.

Communication and Stakeholder Buy-In Critical

Panelists emphasized that implementing multi-modal transportation requires more than operational changes and instead requires clear communication and stakeholder alignment.

Brown said districts must proactively address concerns from parents, staff and community members, particularly around safety and job security.

“Silence creates confusion. Communication builds trust,” he said, stressing the importance of transparency throughout the process.

He added that explaining the “why” behind changes is essential to gaining support.

“Most people may not always agree … but when people know the why, it’s easy for them to understand,” Brown said.

Baldwin noted that engaging stakeholders early, including unions, school boards and parent groups, helps control the narrative and prevent misinformation.

“We wanted to lead the narrative,” he said. “Anything related to our services … we’ve got to get ahead of that.”

As districts integrate multiple transportation modes, Brown and Baldwin said establishing clear systems for oversight and accountability is critical.

Related: ‘Care Less Without Being Careless’ Urges Security Expert to Student Transporters
Related: Gallery: Special Training, Focused Sessions at STN EXPO East

Brown noted that his district assigned a dedicated manager to oversee contracted services, ensuring consistency and clear communication. He also stressed the importance of detailed contracts and defined expectations when working with third-party providers.

“If it’s not written, it will not happen,” Brown said, emphasizing the need for clear safety and performance standards.

Baldwin added that districts must continuously evaluate and refine their approach, particularly when working with diverse providers and student populations.

Integrating Services, Not Replacing Them

Both panelists emphasized that multi-modal transportation is not intended to replace the yellow school bus but to supplement it.

“We don’t try to compete against one,” Baldwin said. “We just figure out what’s going to be the best usage for that student in terms of service delivery.”

Brown agreed, noting that districts must view alternative providers as part of the broader transportation team.

As districts continue to navigate staffing shortages, funding constraints and evolving student needs, transportation leaders said flexibility and strategic planning will be essential. Ultimately, the panelists agreed that multi-modal transportation represents a shift in mindset.

Written with assistance of AI.

The post Multi-Modal Transportation Gains Momentum as Districts Seek Flexible, Cost-Effective Solutions appeared first on School Transportation News.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – “For district nirvana, crush both student and driver experiences,” advised Jim Knight, who spent over two decades as head of global training and development for Hard Rock International’s hotels, casinos, dining and entertainment. “From a leadership standpoint, you can always ramp it up.”

“What I want to be for you is a catalyst,” the best-selling Culture That Rocks author told the transportation directors and supplier partners gathered at Topgolf Charlotte Southwest Saturday morning for leadership advice. “I know a lot about getting the right people around you and then loving on them, so they won’t want to leave.”

Leaders in attendance for the Transportation Director Summit at STN EXPO East said their priorities included driver retention, on-time performance, low absenteeism and reduced accidents. They also identified integrity, empathy, vision and communication as the most important leadership qualities. This lines up with top qualities acknowledged by popular motivational trainers, Knight confirmed, with the overall goal of building trust.

Drawing from the idea of a curated concert setlist, Knight led attendees through an exercise to pare down their most time-consuming work activities and prioritize the essentials with the greatest immediate impact.

Recruitment, Retainment Strategies in a Changing World

Organizational environments are either virtuous or vicious depending on who leaders hire, Knight explained during his fast-paced “edu-tainment” training.

He expounded that the vicious cycle sees morale and work culture tainted by negative school bus drivers, which in turn disturbs student experiences and may lower ridership. Targets missed and staff leaving mean mounting pressure and poor decisions, such as supervisors having to drive routes or lowering standards to put any warm body behind the wheel. In contrast, a positive driver and student experience leads to rave reviews and organizational growth at what will become known as an attractive place to work. This virtuous environment births more rock star leaders, Knight established.

“Stop recruiting like you’re filling seats – you have to build a band.”

– Jim Knight

While today’s average age of a U.S. school bus driver is 56, Knight underscored that the next generation of Millennial and Generation Z workers values individuality, flexibility and work-life balance. They are tech-savvy and socially conscious. For better or worse, he said, he’s noticed they don’t tolerate bad bosses, readily job hop, are prone to litigiousness and desire enrichment. They are generally visual learners with shorter attention spans, so he prioritizes pictures in training manuals.

He encouraged attendees to embrace generational differences from Baby Boomer to Generation Z workers and to tap into these characteristics when hiring new talent. While colorful hair or facial piercings, for instance, may give managers pause, he noted that student riders appreciate seeing role models who resemble them.

Rather than complaining about a talent drought, Knight advised actively seeking out potential drivers in unconventional places. Attendees suggested searching among fast food restaurants, colleges and trade schools, social media, stay-at-home parents, veterans, retirees, job boards, aides and custodians.

Framing the job through flexibility, purpose, stability, community and student impact helps, as does tailoring the hiring message to the recipient.

“If you want rock stars, you have to think differently,” Knight stated. “Stop recruiting like you’re filling seats. You have to build a band.”

He suggested using eye-catching AI-generated recruitment posters with humorous sayings or rock music puns, with an attendee contributing the promotional slogan, “Yellow air-conditioned office with corner windows!”

Knight stressed the importance of valuing the often-overlooked workers who are the backbone of the school district, sharing the story of how Hard Rock Cafe once utilized premade food to save costs, to the chagrin of its customers. Reversing course, the restaurant chain reintroduced fresh-cooked food accompanied by a marketing campaign featuring a leather-clad, fancy car-riding “rock star” who turned out to be a chef.

“Who are your rock stars?” he queried. Valued and celebrated student transporters are the show, he said, so make them feel appreciated.

Similar to how volunteers show up for the cause and not for money, Knight encouraged attendees to have such strong workplace culture that student transporters enthusiastically choose to stay.

Related: Transportation Leaders Share How to ‘Love the Bus,’ Why It Matters
Related: (STN Podcast E294) Boots to Buses: Military Formed Georgia Student Transportation Leader
Related: Leading with Purpose: Insights from STN EXPO West’s Transportation Supervisor Seminar
Related: (STN Podcast E280) Nuts and Bolts: Transportation Director of the Year Talks Data-Focused Oregon Ops
Related: Communication ‘Magic Words,’ Teamwork Tips Shared at Transportation Director Summit

Being A Good Boss

Team meetings, regular employee check-ins and open communication channels are a must, Knight emphasized. “If you want people to stay with you long term, you need growth and development,” he added.

White it may be tempting for a boss to zip straight to their office first thing in the morning, it’s more important for the team dynamic to take time for small talk and make employees feel loved, he said.

He reviewed a Gallup survey of over two million employees at 700 companies worldwide which found that a supervisor is the single most important influence in an employee’s decision to quit.

Additionally, Knight shared statistics from Heart-Centered Leadership by Susan Steinbrecher and Joel Bennett, Ph.D. showing that almost half of employees leave a company because they feel underappreciated. Almost 90 percent said they don’t receive acknowledgment for their work.

“People join companies. They leave individuals,” he noted.

He encouraged the leaders in the room to intentionally and authentically fill their employees’ “emotional bank accounts” to encourage them to stay. An attendee added that this is also an important concept when at home among families.

Just as every great musical group has a signature sound, every leader has a signature strength to offer their team, which Knight encouraged them to crank “up to 11” ala the music mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. And like superfans don’t just love the music but also desire the connection of a backstage pass to meet the artists personally, Knight stated that leaders should ask intentional questions and get to know their workers on a deeper level.

“I can teach someone with a good heart to drive a bus, but I can’t teach someone to have a good heart.”

– Gerald Henry
Director of Transportation
Lexington 1 School District (S.C.)

He also advised leaving job positions open longer to hire the right person.

“I can teach someone with a good heart to drive a bus, but I can’t teach someone to have a good heart,” agreed Gerald Henry, director of transportation for Lexington 1 School District in South Carolina.

Quoting Bob Dylan’s quote “there is nothing so stable as change,” Knight encouraged attendees to refocus their thoughts and resources to only their “circle of influence” to maximize happiness and effectiveness.

He also advocated for supportive mentorship opportunities, such as the inaugural School Transportation News Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program, which grouped STN EXPO East attendees based on years in the industry, district size, fleet makeup and areas of interest.

Knight provided famous music industry stories to demonstrate that success can be achieved through perseverance and resilience. He cited the examples of Phil Collins taking over the Genesis lead singer duties from Peter Gabriel, a street performer who went on to become Lady Gaga, or a drummer losing an arm and reinventing his playing style like Def Leppard’s Rick Allen.

While every concert has a slow song where the lighters (or the cellphone flashlights) come out, Knight noted that moment is not when the show ends. Instead, the energy always ramps back up with a faster paced song.

“Each of you has the power to light up or extinguish the cultural flame of the district, via your leadership,” he concluded. “Light it up!”

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Jim Knight will present the keynote “Culture That Rocks: Set List on How to Amp Up the Company’s Culture (to Eleven) and Deliver Sustainable Results” on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Photos by Vince Rios Creative.

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CONCORD, N.C. — Stress may be higher than ever for school transportation professionals, but it does not have to dictate performance or personal well-being. That was the central theme during an STN EXPO East conference opening general session, with a keynote that urged attendees to “care less without being careless” in both their professional and personal lives.

Bret E. Brooks, the chief operating officer and senior consultant with Gray Ram Tactical LLC, has worked in pupil transportation security training since 2007, drawing upon a 23-year career in law enforcement as well as 26 years and counting in the U.S. Army National Guard. His forthcoming book, “How to Care Less About Being Careless,” explores the new pressures many people deal with in addition to already demanding jobs.

Technology, 24/7 connectivity, staffing shortages, safety expectations and family responsibilities all collide, he said Friday at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord.

“We are experiencing more stress today than at any point in the past,” he added. “But it is possible to care the right amount.”

Brooks distinguished sharply between being careless and caring less. The latter, he explained, means not giving sufficient attention to critical tasks such as planning for traffic or driving safely, which can result in missed flights, preventable crashes or lax safety practices. Caring less, by contrast, is a deliberate effort to let go of excessive anxiety and over-attachment to minor outcomes so that leaders can think clearly, remain open-minded and solve problems creatively.

He termed this phenomenon the “law of reverse effect,” in which trying too hard produces negative results. He pointed to student-athletes, like his own daughter, who false-started in her first race the day before because she was too obsessively focused on not false-starting. Similarly, motorists who constantly change lanes in heavy traffic find they only continue to fall behind by over-correcting.

A turning point in his own understanding of stress came during a deployment to the U.S. southern border with the National Guard. Brooks was unexpectedly placed in charge of the Joint Visitors Bureau, responsible for planning every VIP visit along 2,000 miles of border, including trips by vice presidents, generals, governors and members of Congress. He described working 20-hour days, seven days a week for six weeks, losing weight, sleeping little and watching his internal “carometer” ping into the red.

Eventually, his commander pulled him aside and told him to care less, but don’t be careless. Brooks said that simple phrase forced him to reconsider whether a mayor waiting 10 minutes for a vehicle or a general missing a helicopter tour was worth sacrificing his health and effectiveness. That mindset later shaped his training work with school districts and conference audiences nationwide.

Throughout Friday morning’s session, Brooks reminded attendees that many of their current stressors did not exist 25 years ago. Streaming subscriptions, smart devices and constant Internet access now occupy mental space that once did not exist, he noted, yet much of that stress is optional and can be reduced. To make the point concrete, he asked attendees to privately write down their top three stressors and, later, their top three life priorities. He then challenged them to compare the two lists.

When stressors and priorities do not match, he said, leaders may be pouring energy into issues that do not support their long-term goals, either at work or at home.

Brooks encouraged participants to look at their lives from a “30,000-foot view,” like the perspective from an airplane window, and to distinguish between “meat” and “gristle” on their plate, citing the famous “Old 96er” scene in the 1988 John Candy movie “The Great Outdoors,” where the late actor John Candy’s character thinks he has finished a 96-ounce steak at a restaurant only to find out he also needs to finish the gristle.

The meat on our collective plates, Brooks said, represents truly essential tasks and responsibilities. The gristle is made up of duties and expectations that can be delegated, rescheduled or removed entirely.

He shared a story about insisting his son clear his plate during a celebratory family dinner to illustrate how easy it is to lose sight of the bigger picture. The point of the outing, he acknowledged in hindsight, was not caloric intake but celebrating his son’s achievement. But focusing on the uneaten food, he left the restaurant with a sick stomach and an unhappy family.

Citing leadership and time-management thinkers Stephen R. Covey and Simon Sinek, Brooks urged transportation professionals to clarify their “why” for being in pupil transportation, to explicitly name their top priorities, and then to schedule those priorities before filling the calendar with routine tasks. He echoed Covey’s guidance that what people do reveals their real priorities more than what they say, stating, “Action expresses priorities.” A leader may claim that spending time with family or focusing on recruitment and retention is a top priority, he observed, but if those items never appear on the daily agenda, they are not true priorities in practice.

Brooks recommended that attendees adopt the “WIN” framework by asking, “What’s important now?” whenever priorities collide. He acknowledged the tension between professional obligations and family events by recounting his own decision to miss his daughter’s regular season track meet to open STN EXPO East. The conference, he said, takes place on a single day and offers a unique opportunity to share information with peers nationwide, while his daughter will have multiple meets later in the season. In other circumstances, such as a state championship or once-in-a-lifetime family event, the equation would change and tip heavily toward making his home life the priority. The WIN question, he said, helps leaders sequence their commitments without abandoning their deeply held values.

The keynote further explored Covey’s urgent-important matrix. Brooks warned against living in the “urgent and important” quadrant, where every day feels like a wrong-way driver bearing down on a school bus. Constant crisis mode, he said, will inevitably push the carometer into dangerous territory.

Instead, he urged participants to move as much of their work as possible into the “important but not urgent” quadrant. In practical terms for school transportation, that means planning back-to-school, in-service training months ahead, forecasting routing, staffing and fleet needs well before school starts, and addressing long-term safety and recruitment strategies before they become emergencies. By contrast, he described much of what appears on television or in sensational news coverage as either “not important and urgent” or “not important and not urgent,” both of which can waste time and attention.

Brooks also addressed conflict management, encouraging a “win-win” mindset with parents, staff, administrators and outside partners. Using simple examples such as a customer buying a Big Mac at McDonald’s, he demonstrated how both sides can walk away with value when solutions are constructed thoughtfully.

He cautioned against turning disagreements into “mutually assured destruction,” where both parties end up worse off, and noted that adversarial approaches in marital or workplace arguments often land in a lose-lose outcome rather than the win-lose or lose-win people imagine.

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Regarding work-life balance, Brooks rejected the idea that people should strive for equal hours on each side of a scale. Instead, he said, the real challenge for school transportation professionals is to weigh events appropriately. A routine workday is roughly equivalent to a routine family day. A major training event or the first day of school, with new routes and new drivers, may outweigh a standard evening at home. On the other hand, a child’s state championship, a wedding, a birth or a funeral should outweigh almost any ordinary work commitment. The goal, he said, is not a perfectly level scale but to ensure it tips in the right direction at the right time and for the right reasons.

Brooks closed by underscoring Covey’s seventh habit of “sharpening the saw.” He shared a story from his family’s farm in Missouri, where he spent a full day cutting trees in an overgrown field without taking breaks. His brother, who arrived later, paused often to hydrate and sharpen his chainsaw, and ultimately felled more trees.

The incident, Brooks said, taught him that grinding nonstop without rest or renewal eventually leads to diminished returns. For transportation leaders, sharpening the saw means attending conferences like STN EXPO East, taking real vacations without working through them, scheduling regular getaways with a spouse or family, and respecting both their own downtime and that of their staff. Calling employees during vacation for non-critical issues, he added, undermines their ability to reset and return ready to perform.

“Life is not an eating contest where you have to finish everything on your plate,” Brooks told the audience. “You can push some things off. You can care less about the right things and still never be careless where it counts, especially when it comes to student safety.”

Article written with the assistance of AI.

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A Clarksville-Montgomery County School System school bus traveling on a field trip crashed, resulting in at least two student fatalities.

STN received initial information about the Tennessee crash Friday, but details were limited at this report. Law enforcement officers are on scene in Carroll County, where the crash took place around noon Eastern Time.

“First and foremost, our hearts are with the families impacted by this devastating loss,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol released in a statement. A photo of the final resting position of the bus shows it at a steep angle, off the roadway.

Twenty-four students and five adults were on board the school bus at the time. Individuals were transported to the hospital, some via life-flight, while others were taken by ambulance. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene.

While the Tennessee Highway Patrol has not officially released the names of the students, online fundraisers and local media outlets identified the students as two eighth-grade girls: Zoe Davis and Arianna Pearson.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol stated via a press conference that in a preliminary crash investigation, the school bus collided with a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and a passenger vehicle. Video of the crash shows the bus crossing the center line, veering into the other lane of traffic.

Lap/shoulder seatbelts are believed not to have been installed on the school bus. Additional information on the nature of the crash remained unknown at this time.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System posted on its website that the community is “grieving the tragic loss of two young lives. Please continue to keep these families in your heart,” the statement reads. “We continue to pray for the students and employees injured and everyone who was affected by today’s accident. The Kenwood Middle community will need our continued support, and we will share opportunities to assist families as details are confirmed.”

Officials noted that counselors will be available to support anyone in our school community and across the district who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County School District, First Baptist Church of Huntingdon, TN, and the numerous other law enforcement, emergency medical, and community organizations and volunteers from across the state who have provided tremendous support during this tragedy,” the statement continued.

The article was updated to indicate the crash did not take place during Spring Break. It will continue to be updated as more information is available. 

Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated
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Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated

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CONCORD, N.C. — School transportation leaders across the country are bracing for continued financial strain as flat federal funding, shifting state policies and rising operational costs converge to create what an industry expert described as a “fiscal cliff.”

During the first day of the STN EXPO East conference, Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group and a longtime industry insider, warned that school districts are entering a period where funding uncertainty and reductions are colliding with increasing expenses, which will impact transportation departments.

“Flatline funding associated with increasing cost is, in effect, a cut,” Ammon said, noting that federal education appropriations remaining steady year-over-year fail to keep pace with inflation and rising service demands.

While federal funding accounts for roughly 10 percent to 15 percent of school district budgets, the remainder comes from state and local sources — both of which are facing growing funding uncertainty. Meanwhile, transportation makes up around 10 percent or less of the overall district budget. Declining income tax revenues at the state level and widespread property tax reform efforts are expected to reduce or constrain funding streams that districts rely on.

COVIDE-era Funding Runs Out

At the same time, pandemic-era relief like federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are expiring, removing a critical financial cushion many districts used for staffing and operations. Ammon emphasized that the combined effect is forcing school systems to reconsider how they deliver services.

“What we will be thinking about … is how do we have to manage services to reflect a set of cost increases that are outstripping the available funding that we’re getting?” he asked.

Transportation departments often operating on tight margins are particularly vulnerable. Rising fuel costs are also adding new volatility, with some districts already reporting budget concerns tied to the War on Iran’s impact on oil prices.

Compounding the issue are demographic trends. Declining student enrollment in many regions is reducing funding tied to the number of students while not necessarily lowering transportation costs. In fact, data Ammon presented showed that in districts with declining enrollment, 83 percent still experienced rising transportation expenses.

“Your job doesn’t get easier because there are fewer kids. It gets harder,” Ammon said, pointing to longer routes, dispersed populations and unchanged service requirements.

Policy changes are also reshaping the funding landscape. The expansion of school choice programs and private school vouchers means funding increasingly follows students out of traditional public school systems. This reduces district revenue while leaving many transportation obligations intact.

Additionally, mandated services such as special education transportation and McKinney-Vento services for homeless students continue to grow, further straining limited budgets.

Ammon described the current environment as a convergence of multiple pressures: Funding reductions, policy shifts and operational changes. Together, these factors are making long-term planning more difficult and increasing the likelihood of significant service adjustments.

Districts may soon face tough decisions, including reducing routes, consolidating stops, adjusting bell times or even eliminating buses. In more severe cases, school closures and major system redesigns could follow.

Related: Action Plan Puts National Spotlight on Hidden Toll of Illegal Passing
Related: Bus Stop Fight Claims Life of 12-year-old Georgia Girl
Related: Industry Veteran to Address Student Transportation Funding Uncertainty at STN EXPO East

“I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it’s coming,” Ammon said. “Somebody [will be] coming down the hall and saying … ‘I need you to cut 10 buses next year because we’re going to get less funding.’”

Explore Alternative Funding

To prepare, transportation leaders are encouraged to better understand their funding sources, track enrollment trends and collaborate more closely with district planners. He also suggested exploring alternative service models and reevaluating traditional routing strategies to improve efficiency.

Ultimately, the message is clear: School transportation is entering a period of structural change. Those who proactively adapt to evolving financial realities may be better positioned to maintain service levels, while others risk being forced into reactive, and potentially disruptive, decisions.

As Ammon noted, the challenges are not isolated to specific regions or district sizes but represent a broader, systemic issue facing public education nationwide.

Article written with the assistance of AI.

The post Funding Uncertainty, Rising Costs Intensify Pressure on School Transportation Operations appeared first on School Transportation News.

Friday at STN EXPO East began with the National School Bus Inspection Training Program, an intensive, full‑day course designed to train technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance.

Security expert Bret Brooks presented two sessions, one on realignment and refocusing of priorities for managing stress and work-life balance, and the other on recognizing early signs of violent behavior. Other session topics Friday included navigating funding cuts and budget issues, and multi-modal transportation.

Transportation directors gathered in the late afternoon for a leadership discussion to kick off the two-day Transportation Director Summit (TD Summit). Led by Tony Corpin, STN president and publisher, the transportation director participants gathered with vendor partners to discuss current challenges and share solutions.

The TD Summit continues Saturday. The event requires prior selection based on completion of a survey and a review of job qualifications and experience.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative and STN staff. 

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A Georgia school bus driver is being hailed as a hero after stopping her route to alert and safely evacuate a family from a house fire, reported FOX 5 Atlanta.

Marlene Davis, a Morgan County school bus driver, was on her morning route March 20 when she noticed smoke and flames coming from a home, according to the news report.

“I saw the big flame coming from inside the house,” Davis told local news reporters. “I just had to stop the bus and go to the door.”

Davis, who had one student on the school bus at the time, pulled over and rang the doorbell until someone answered, the report said.

A man inside, who had been asleep, answered the door and was unaware that the home was surrounded by flames. Davis helped him and others inside to evacuate safely. Everyone inside the house did not suffer any injuries, and the fire was later contained.

Davis said she later realized how serious the situation was after receiving a message from her supervisor indicating the residents had been asleep.

“It was the only thing that I could have done, and it was the right thing to do,” she said. “And I couldn’t just leave them.”

Later that day, the homeowner where the evacuated family lived flagged Davis down by flashing his vehicle headlights to give her a card and express his gratitude for her actions. Family members and loved ones also expressed gratitude for the driver’s quick thinking, which may have prevented serious injury or worse.

Officials have not released additional details about the cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

Article written with the assistance of AI.

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Related: Minnesota School Bus Driver Hailed Hero for Avoiding Head-On Crash With Semi
Related: Colorado School Bus Driver Hailed Hero After Fire
Related: Florida School Bus Driver Hailed Hero for Protecting Hit-and-Run Victim

The post Evacuated Family Grateful Georgia School Bus Driver Sees House Fire appeared first on School Transportation News.

MERIDIAN, Idaho – Durham School Services had the special opportunity to provide two school buses to support the Meridian and Garden City Police Department’s Bus Hostage Rescue training for their Special Tactics Group. The training involved learning about the configuration of school buses and identifying challenges that may occur during vehicle-based and confined-space emergency scenarios. The training also helped the group to fine-tune their training strategies to better ensure the safety of students and staff when emergency situations occur.

For the training, Durham provided two types of buses – a regular, standard sized bus and minibus/van. A Durham trainer was also on-site to offer insight into the operation, structure, and different components of the bus, as well as to answer questions. The training lasted approximately four hours and was a successful, productive session that resulted in valuable knowledge and key takeaways for the tactics group team members.

“It’s collaborations like these with our community partners such as Durham School Services that allow us and our team to provide the highest quality of service possible to the community,” said Sergeant Justin Rogers, Meridian and Garden City Police Department. “By being provided a realistic training environment and knowledgeable school bus professionals to answer questions, we are able to elevate our training and thus are better prepared to respond to these types of critical incidents. We are thankful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing these partnerships in the future.”

Durham began serving the Meridian community in 2024. As part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program, the team has supported Meridian and its community members through various events such as providing transportation for the Special Olympics Athletes’ Winter Regional Games and participating in and becoming a sponsor for the West Ada Education Foundation’s 36th Annual Linking Up FORE Kids Golf Tournament.

“As a Partner Beyond the Bus, when instances arise to lend support to community partners, we are more than happy to participate and help in any way we can,” said Eric Fedorco, Meridian General Manager, Durham School Services. “When the Meridian Police Department reached out for assistance with their training, there was no hesitation in my mind, especially since it was related to safety. My team and I have a strong sense of duty when it comes to the safety of our students and community, so we are glad to have played a vital role in enhancing safety measures that will protect their wellbeing when the least expected happens. It was a meaningful opportunity to safeguard our community, and we would be honored to assist again in the future.”

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

The post Durham School Services Provides Buses to Support Meridian and Garden City Police Department’s Rescue Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools district leaders in Indianapolis prioritize a drive toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

That commitment was recognized earlier this month when the district was named 2026 School Bus Fleet of the Year by Drive Clean Indiana, the state’s clean cities coalition, recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, during the organization’s annual Breakfast of Champions in Indianapolis.

The March 16 recognition occurred alongside Work Truck Week, where industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate advancements in clean transportation. The Breakfast of Champions featured a keynote address by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, underscoring the broader connection between performance, innovation and energy.

The award highlights a year of progress for one of Indiana’s largest school districts. In June 2024, School Transportation News visited Hamilton Southeastern Schools ahead of its STN EXPO East conference in Indianapolis. At the time, Director of Transportation Zach McKinney said the department had one electric school bus purchased in 2022. McKinney was recognized as a 2020 STN Rising Star. He currently serves as president and director-at-large for the School Transportation Association of Indiana.

Related: (STN Podcast E213) Onsite at STN EXPO Indy: Driver Shortage & School Bus Safety Convos
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McKinney previously told STN the electric transition has been a good experience, and now he and his staff have the knowledge needed to provide feedback to others. However, he added it’s hard for the district to subsidize the cost financially without the aid of grants.

“It’s not obtainable by most school districts,” he said last June, adding that he’s not going to sacrifice the purchasing two and half diesel buses for the same money it takes to buy one electric bus.

However, McKinney shared with STN last week that Hamilton Southeastern was awarded funding for nine more electric school buses.

The post Electric School Bus Adoption Leads to Award for Indiana’s Hamilton Southeastern Schools appeared first on School Transportation News.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is moving to crack down on motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses with new legislation aimed at enhancing the state’s current law that a Minnesota appeals court saw a loophole in.

S.F. No. 3623 seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.444, subdivision 1, the state law on the safety of schoolchildren and the duty of motorists in school zones, to enforce stricter rules for approaching school buses. It heads to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz for signature.

The bill would continue to require motorists to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus, but only with its red lights flashing, removing language mentioning federally mandated stop arms. This is due to a motorist’s appeal of an illegal passing conviction that made its way to the Minnesota Court of Appeals last year.

In that case, motorist Allison Waln challenged her conviction by arguing that the school bus video evidence showed the stop arm was not fully extended. The appellate court ruled in her favor in September due to ambiguity of how the law defined the word extended.

“In sum, we hold that the plain meaning of the term extended, as used in Minn. Stat. § 169.444, subd. 1, requires a school bus’ stop-signal arm to be fully stretched out before an approaching driver must stop,” the court found.

Legislating a Fix

This led legislators to try and close the loophole by rewriting the traffic code to reinforce that the flashing amber lights notify motorists that the school bus will begin loading or unloading students. The legislation adds language to the state law that motorists must prepare to come to a complete stop when they see the pre-warning flashing amber lights on school buses, which signals drivers that the bus is preparing to stop and activate its red flashing lights. Under the bill, vehicles must not encroach within 20 feet of a school bus when those amber lights are flashing, reinforcing the need for caution in school zones.

The bill also prohibits vehicles from moving until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights stop flashing by replacing the previous language of “shall stop” with “must stop.”

S.F. No. 3623 advanced quickly through the legislative process. Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart introduced the bill, which was referred to the Transportation Committee on the same day, Feb. 17. The committee recommended the bill for passage Feb. 26, and it underwent a second reading. The bill passed its third reading in the Senate March 9 by a vote of 19-7. The House unanimously passed the bill Monday by a vote of 133-0.

The bill would go into effect as law the day after its final enactment rather than the normal date of Aug. 1 for passed and signed legislation.

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