Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayMain stream

Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West

19 May 2025 at 16:33

Practice makes perfect, and you can never get enough work in when it comes to the safety of students on board the school bus.

Paul Hasenmeier, fire chief and public safety director for Hernando County Fire Rescue in Florida, prepares to sign a copy of his book "School Bus Extrication" at STN EXPO West on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Paul Hasenmeier, fire chief and public safety director for Hernando County Fire Rescue in Florida, prepares to sign a copy of his book “School Bus Extrication” at STN EXPO West on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

In a smoke-filled finale to conclude STN EXPO West this summer, fire safety expert Paul Hasenmeier Paul Hasenmeier will lead an emergency evacuation training July 16 that will begin with a presentation on what every student transportation professional needs to know about how fire departments respond to school bus fire.

The training will then move outdoors at the Peppermill Resort, where local Washoe County school buses will be filled with non-toxic theater smoke to mimic the conditions of a school bus fire. Attendees will participate in real-life evacuation simulations, using practice scenarios to safely evacuate themselves and any students that could be onboard the bus.

The session will look to provide participants with not only the skills needed to react quickly in an emergency but also instruction on how to coordinate with their local fire departments to plan future training exercises.

Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by June 6. STN EXPO West will be held July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Resort. Find registration and hotel details, conference agenda, exhibitor lists & more information on this and other training opportunities at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West to Feature Routing 101 Seminar
Related: STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity

The post Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO West to Feature ‘Routing 101’ Seminar

9 May 2025 at 16:04

The ever-shifting routing puzzle is a reality many student transporters face. A new seminar at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, this summer will share recommendations for making it a smoother process.

The four-hour “School Bus Routing 101: Setting One Up for Success” is being offered for all STN EXPO attendees Friday, July 11, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by Kerry Somerville, CEO of Transportation Planning Solutions, attendees will attain a holistic view of routing, starting with the request for proposal process and crafting requirements that align with the technology needs of the district. This will extend to discussing how to ensure district support and awareness of the technology benefits.

The seminar will cover how to correctly set up the software, whatever that might be, and effectively utilize it to meet the school district’s unique needs, including factors such as data input, routing optimization and student ridership verification. Somerville looks to draw attention to common pitfalls of using new routing technology and how to avoid them.

Attendees will learn more about how to ensure long-term success by making sure routing technology integrates with other transportation technology systems and overall district staff needs. All these components together will help attendees form a game plan for their routing technology systems that will not only be efficient but save money for their school district.

Registration for STN EXPO West provides access to this and dozens of other educational sessions from July 11-16 that cover a wide range of student transportation challenges.

Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by June 6. Find registration and hotel details and stay tuned for updates on the conference agenda, exhibitor lists & unique experiences at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity
Related: Grandolfo Award Seeks Nominations, Winner to be Announced at STN EXPO West

The post STN EXPO West to Feature ‘Routing 101’ Seminar appeared first on School Transportation News.

Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West

2 May 2025 at 21:56

School buses remain the safest way for students to get to school, but student transportation professionals must be prepared for the worst-case scenario when a school bus related accident occurs.

At STN EXPO West, safety will be the focus of many of the educational sessions and trainings. The conference kicks off Friday, July 12 with an in-depth “School Bus Accident Investigation: Be Prepared for a Lawsuit” presentation by industry veterans Richard “Dick” Fischer and Pete Baxter. The four-hour session will dive into the intricacies of accident investigation that often branch off beyond the incident itself to a broader view of transportation operations, including safety onboard the bus, at bus stops and in the school bus garage.

Fischer, a renowned national school bus safety expert and trainer, and Baxter, an NAPT Hall of Famer and retired director of pupil transportation for the Indiana Department of Education, will also discuss the legal process that follows a school bus accident and review real-life examples to demonstrate the importance of preparing transportation teams to handle the legal proceedings. Both Fischer and Baxter have served as expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions and look to shed light on the process, starting with the first phone call about an accident to appearing in court. Even though every transportation department or company hopes it will never happen to them, this session will reveal the need to prepare for different types of incidents.

Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by June 6. STN EXPO West will be held July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Resort. Find registration and hotel details and stay tuned for updates on the conference agenda, exhibitor lists & unique experiences at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity
Related: (STN Podcast E218) Onsite at STN EXPO Reno 2024: Coming Together for Safety, Technology & Clean Energy

The post Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: ACT Expo 2025

30 April 2025 at 21:50

Over 12,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors gathered in Anaheim, California, from April 28 to May 1, for the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo.

The largest clean fleet conference, focused on trends such as artificial intelligence, software integration, clean fuels, and more. STN is a media sponsor of ACT Expo.

1 of 40
Panel on the emerging technology of the software defined vehicle and its implications on commercial transportation through the use of advanced AI and autonomy.
Todd Mouw, executive vice president, sales & marketing for Roush CleanTech, speaks during the Blue Bird announcement of a new commercial propane-autogas step van. Photo courtesy of TRC.
Patti Poppe, CEO of PG&E, presents the closing ACT EXPO keynote on April 30, 2025.
Alex Cook, chief engineer for First Student, discusses the First Charge trenchless electric charging solution on April 30, 2025.
Mark Childers, manager of powertrain technology for Thomas Built Buses.
A school bus navigates the Ride and Drive event.
Photo Courtesy of TRC.
Cummins CEO Jennifer Rumsey. Photo courtesy of TRC.
The school bus sector breakout session on April 29, 2025.

 

The post Gallery: ACT Expo 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Grandolfo Award Seeks Nominations, Winner to be Announced at STN EXPO West

21 April 2025 at 18:42

A prestigious award that recognizes the exemplary work and service of an outstanding transportation professional who emphasizes safety for students with disabilities will be presented at the STN EXPO West Conference this July.

Peter Grandolfo in an undated file photo.
Peter Grandolfo in an undated file photo.

This will be the 19th year the award is presented, in honor of Peter J. Grandolfo, who passed away Jan. 22, 2006. Grandolfo was recognized during his lifetime for his dedicated work as a director of transportation for Chicago Public Schools, a school board member for 35 years, a National Association for Pupil Transportation board member, and local and national school bus trainer, bus supervisor, and router. The Grandolfo Award was established the year after Grandolfo’s death by Bill and Colette Paul, the founders of School Transportation News.

Linda Grandolfo, Peter’s widow, has continued to be a recognized part of STN conferences as the on-site registration manager.

“I am honored for the 19th year to present the Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award,” said Linda. “This award annually honors a school transportation professional, who goes above and beyond in their job duties on behalf of the nation’s schoolchildren, with a special emphasis on students with special needs. Peter’s passion was the safe transportation of our children in a yellow school bus. He worked and traveled tirelessly to educate and support this passion. Twenty years after his sudden passing in 2006, his legacy remains in the student transportation industry. Presenting this award annually in Reno is truly a highlight for me.”

The 2025 Grandolfo Award is sponsored by Q’Straint/Sure-Lok. Linda Grandolfo will announce the winner July 14 before the STN EXPO West keynote address by Jon Petz. Submit a nomination by May 9.

Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by June 6. STN EXPO West will be held July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Resort. Find registration and hotel details and stay tuned for updates on the conference agenda, exhibitor lists & unique experiences at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West
Related: Mulder Presented with Annual Grandolfo Award at STN EXPO
Related: STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity

The post Grandolfo Award Seeks Nominations, Winner to be Announced at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West

15 April 2025 at 22:17

A continuing education scholarship named after industry veteran Dick Fischer is being offered this year for STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada.

Richard “Dick” Fischer is known for his many contributions to the school bus industry, having spent over six decades serving as a school district transportation director, school-bus safety trainer, and consultant. He is an NAPT Hall of Fame member and recognized as the “father” of School Bus Safety Week for successfully petitioning President Richard Nixon in 1969 for the first federal recognition.

Even after his official retirement in 2013, Fischer has continued to be a present advocate for school bus safety, which includes being a speaker at the STN EXPO conferences and publishing a daily email digest of news about school bus and student transportation from around the world.

After being presented with the STN Lifetime Achievement Award last summer at the 2024 STN EXPO West conference, a scholarship was created for attendees this year, to be given to one student transportation professional from a school district or school bus contractor who champions safety efforts at their operations, in their state, or nationwide. The nominations must be made by a peer or supervisor who can provide specific examples of why the individual should attend STN EXPO West, held July 11-16.

The scholarship winner will receive funds to cover travel, hotel room accommodations and conference registration costs. The deadline to submit a nomination is May 23, the nomination form can be found at stnexpo.com/west/stn-expo/scholarship.

Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by June 6. STN EXPO West will be held July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Resort. Find registration and hotel details and stay tuned for updates on the conference agenda, exhibitor lists & unique experiences at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity
Related: Dick Fischer Wins STN’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Related: STN EXPO Reno Kicks Off with Deep Dive into Accident Investigations

The post Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity

7 April 2025 at 22:02

Transforming simple moments into opportunities, author and speaker Jon Petz said is what will help STN EXPO attendees achieve true significance and impact in their circles.

At the STN EXPO West conference in Reno, Nevada, Petz’s unique branding as an “amazement artist” combines real-life strategies, inspiration and motivation into an exciting keynote presentation to inspire attendees in building teams that are engaged and driven. This helps them be passionate in their work.

Petz will first address transportation directors during the Transportation Director Summit, an exclusive leadership event on Saturday, July 12, hosted off-site at The Chateau at Incline Village in Lake Tahoe. Attendees at this event will receive specialized leadership-oriented training from Petz.

During his keynote session “Significance…In Simple Moments” on Monday to the full EXPO audience, Petz looks to give attendees a foundational understanding of significance in building relationships, something he says is not something we can simply gain through meeting expectations but rather through the simple moments that impact the people we serve. During his four-part workshop, he will discuss personal branding, impact, focus versus perspective and how not to dismiss the simple solutions that are the building blocks of significance.

Petz’s background in sales blended with his skills as a magician have helped him reach audiences across the globe with his signature “WOW” experience. He has also written two books, founded the Bore No More Ideas Lab, and has spoken at 1,600 events reaching over 200 industries worldwide.

Save $200 on conference registration with Super Early Bird registration by April 11. STN EXPO West will be held July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Resort. Find registration and hotel details and stay tuned for updates on the conference agenda, exhibitor lists & unique experiences at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: WATCH: STN EXPO Reno 2024
Related: (STN Podcast E218) Onsite at STN EXPO Reno 2024: Coming Together for Safety, Technology & Clean Energy
Related: STN EXPO Reno Keynote Speaker Uncovers How to Flip the Script and Stay Inspired

The post STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Ride and Drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway

27 March 2025 at 17:23

CONCORD, N.C. — Taking place at the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit Technology Demonstration and Ride & Drive Experience showcased the latest advancements in green school buses and transportation solutions on March 23, 2025 during STN EXPO East.

Attendees were treated to a hands-on experience with various transportation technology demonstrations and green buses, including electric, propane and other alternative fuel vehicles. School transportation professionals were able to ride the latest models and learn about their features while driving around the Charlotte Motor Speedway track.

1 of 35
Attendees at the 2025 STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina were invited to attend a unique ride and drive experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)
Attendees at the 2025 STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina were invited to attend a unique ride and drive experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)
Attendees at the 2025 STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina were invited to attend a unique ride and drive experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)

(Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.)

 

The post Gallery: Ride and Drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: STN EXPO East Trade Show/Networking Madness Reception

27 March 2025 at 16:14

CONCORD, N.C. — STN EXPO East in North Carolina wrapped up with a Trade Show featuring vendors from technology companies to OEMs to alternative transportation providers and more.

The night ended with a reception featuring food and drinks with a theme fitting for the postseason college basketball tournaments. Vendors and attendees were encouraged to show team pride by wearing their favorite basketball jerseys, team colors, or sporty chic attire.

1 of 63
A 2025 STN EXPO East attendeee hits her shot at the Trade Show on March 24, 2025. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)
A 2025 STN EXPO East attendeee hits her shot at the Trade Show on March 24, 2025. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)
A 2025 STN EXPO East attendeee hits her shot at the Trade Show on March 24, 2025. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)

(Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.) 

The post Gallery: STN EXPO East Trade Show/Networking Madness Reception appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Second Day of STN EXPO East Green Bus, Technology Sessions

25 March 2025 at 02:53

CONCORD, N.C. — Monday opened with a general session on school bus Cellular-V2X technology and possibilities, and a keynote address by Scott Welle, author of ‘Outperform the Norm.’

Multiple Bus Technology Labs featuring live demos and hand-on exercises were held throughout the day, as well as informative Green Bus Summit panels hosted by school bus OEMs. The day was capped off by the Trade Show and Networking Madness Reception featuring a March Madness basketball theme.

1 of 82
Joel Stutheit, senior manager of Autogas for the Propane Education & Research Council, speaks during an STN EXPO East panel on propane school buses.
Screenshot
Screenshot

Photos by Vince Rios Creative & STN staff. 

The post Gallery: Second Day of STN EXPO East Green Bus, Technology Sessions appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Ride & Drive Caps Day of Technology Demos, Green Energy Panels

24 March 2025 at 03:31

CONCORD, N.C. — Both Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit sessions and demonstrations were held throughout Sunday, beginning with addresses from Nicole Portee, associate superintendent of operations at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, and Charles Kriete, president and CEO of Zonar.

Supplier representatives and student transporters led live demos and informative panels on various topics of green energy and modern technology.

Conference sessions were also held on transporting students with disabilities, shop management, the “Danger Zone” at school bus stops, routing for school startup, and the leadership challenge.

Dinner and drinks were served during that evening’s Bus Technology Summit/Green Bus Summit Technology Demonstration and Green Bus Ride & Drive Experience at the world renowned Charlotte Motor Speedway.

1 of 91
Nicole Portee, associate superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, welcomes the audience to begin Sunday's learning
STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin addresses the audience.
Zonar President and CEO Charles Kriete discusses technology's role in student transportation.
Joe Annotti, the VP of incentives for TRC Clean Transportation Solutions, speaks on the future of green school bus funding at STN EXPO East on March 23, 2025.
Joe Annotti, the VP of incentives for TRC Clean Transportation Solutions, speaks on the future of green school bus funding at STN EXPO East on March 23, 2025.
Joe Annotti, the VP of incentives for TRC Clean Transportation Solutions, speaks on the future of green school bus funding at STN EXPO East on March 23, 2025.
Jim Ellis, director of transportation for Henrico County Schools in Virginia, discusses transition to a paperless operations.
Alexandra Robinson, left, and Sue Shutrump share the Top 10 things to know when transporting students with disabilities.
Consultant Derek Graham facilitates a session on understanding and training for the "Danger Zone" at school bus stops.
Danger Zone panelists, from left, Shay Coates of Newport News Public Schools in VIrginia, Laura Hill of Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida, and school bus safety trainer Dick Fischer.
Electrical engineer and consultant Ewan Pritchard, Ph.D., discusses the intricacies of the RFP process of working with electrification-as-a-service providers.
Alexandra Robinson, left, and Nicole Portee offer a leadership challenge to attendees.
Greg Jackson of School Bus Logistics leads a panel on the role routing plays on school startup.
Andrew Grasty, center, of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Tennessee talks during the "Effective School Start Planning Strategies panel. He is flanked by Jim Ellis of Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, left, and Dana Rosen of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas.

Photos by Vince Rios Creative & STN staff. 

The post Gallery: Ride & Drive Caps Day of Technology Demos, Green Energy Panels appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Intensive Training at STN EXPO East

23 March 2025 at 02:46

CONCORD, N.C. — The second full day of training at STN EXPO East saw qualified participants bussed to Topgolf Charlotte-Southwest for the exclusive Transportation Director Summit led by sports author and trainer Scott Welle. Other participants traveled to Cabarrus County Schools for the National School Bus Inspection Training.

Back at the conference center, industry veterans and experts led sessions on student school bus captains, illegal passing, pre-k safety restraints, student homelessness, children left on school buses, and more. Violent incident applications such as driver response training, fire department collaboration, and mock casualty events were also discussed.

Attendees and vendors networked amid several food and drink stations that evening at a party hosted by HSM.

Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.

The post Gallery: Intensive Training at STN EXPO East appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: National School Bus Inspection Training at N.C. District ‘Garage Mahal’

22 March 2025 at 20:20

The National School Bus Inspection Training commenced Friday with classroom instruction and finished Saturday with hands-on inspections and manufacturer training.

Instructors came from the South Carolina Department of Education, Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indiana, Paulding County School District in Georgia, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and Clean Cities Long Beach in California.

Two-dozen class participants were bused Saturday morning to nearby Cabarrus County Schools, where they participated in the hands-on training, including recognizing defects on school buses that were situated throughout modernized, technologically advanced facility, dubbed locally as the “Garage Mahal.”

OEM training overview was provided by ROUSH CleanTech and Blue Bird on propane autogas systems, IC Bus on diesel emission systems, and Thomas Built Buses on high-voltage electric school buses.

Photos by Mike Bullman and Sandy Dillman.

The post Gallery: National School Bus Inspection Training at N.C. District ‘Garage Mahal’ appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: STN EXPO East – Friday

22 March 2025 at 02:49

CONCORD, N.C. — STN Publisher Tony Corpin was joined for the morning welcome session by Arthur Whittaker, director of transportation for Cabarrus County Schools. The National School Bus Inspection Training heads there on Saturday, while participants today completed classroom training.

Attendees who participated in the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training focused on the use of child safety restraint systems. Meanwhile, transportation leaders and vendor partners kicked off the exclusive two-day Transportation Director Summit with roundtable discussions.

Sessions were also held on societal violence’s impact on school transportation, hurricane recovery, vans vs. school buses, utilizing social media, student ridership, and safety equipment.

1 of 20
Derek Graham (far right) leads a panel discussion on “Hurricane Recovery” with Jeremy Stowe (far left) and Laura Hill.
Derek Graham (far right) leads a panel discussion on “Hurricane Recovery” with Jeremy Stowe (far left) and Laura Hill.
Derek Graham (far right) leads a panel discussion on “Hurricane Recovery” with Jeremy Stowe (far left) and Laura Hill.
Attendees at STN EXPO East in Charlotte 2025.

(Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.)

The post Gallery: STN EXPO East – Friday appeared first on School Transportation News.

Download App for Upcoming STN EXPO East Conference

17 March 2025 at 12:07

The official app sponsored by Transfinder gives attendees of STN EXPO East in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina, all the event information they need, as well as a place to make connections.

1. Download the EventScribe App

Search for “Eventscribe” on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Alternatively, scan the QR code below with your phone and it will automatically direct you. 

Install and open the app. Find your event icon in the Upcoming Events (bottom row) or search for STN EXPO East.

2. Log in to the App

Once the event is selected, you will be prompted to login. Enter your email address and password (the same credentials you used to register for the event – password is your Registrant ID).

3. Access the Event Features

After logging in, you can access event schedules, session details, speaker information, exhibitor lists, and more.

Browse the event information and create a personal schedule by tapping on the star next to presentation titles. If you pre-registered for a session, it will show up as a “Favorite” session.

Tips!

Download the app before you go! Wi-Fi connection onsite can affect the functionality of the app.

The four icons at the top of the home screen allow quick access to information on Schedules, Speakers, Exhibitors, and the Activity Feed. Also on the home screen are shortcuts to the Scavenger Hunt, Trade Show Floor Plan, list of Attendees, and Event Information.

Use the Schedule tab to see all the available sessions and select the star button next to your chosen ones to create personalized schedules for the week.

From the app homepage, access lists of Attendees and Trade Show Exhibitors. Send connection requests to other attendees and mark the star next to vendors who you meet and chat with to keep the conversations flowing even after the conference.

Share your thoughts! After each session, complete a quick three-question survey to provide feedback. Near the end of the conference, an overall evaluation will be available for your general impressions. Your input is greatly appreciated!

The Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday, March 24, the day of the Trade Show. Visit vendor booths to scan QR codes and unlock questions to answer. The more Trade Show booths you visit and correct answers you give, the faster you climb the leaderboard toward some slam-dunk prizes!

As always, stay tuned at stnonline.com and social media channels for extensive conference and trade show coverage, including articles, photo galleries, videos and more.


Related: STN EXPO East Presents Tour of Thomas Built Buses Plant
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina
Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders

The post Download App for Upcoming STN EXPO East Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO East Presents Tour of Thomas Built Buses Plant

11 March 2025 at 17:29

The final day of the STN EXPO East conference will feature a behind-the-scenes tour of the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Plant in High Point, North Carolina.

The March 25 tour will host two groups of 50 attendees each, transported by bus to the plant. Upon arrival, attendees will be escorted in groups of 10 through the plant by Thomas Built Buses regional sales managers, who will answer questions and provide detailed insight into the plant’s workings. Tour attendees will see firsthand the production of Thomas’ Type C and Type D buses as well as new automation on the assembly line, welding, painting and body mounting processes.

Thomas’ Type D bus production, including the Saf-T-Liner HDX2, has been fully transitioned to the North Carolina Saf-T-Liner Plant. A recent press release announced the arrival of the new Saf-T-Liner EFX2 Type D bus, which will also be manufactured at the Saf-T-Liner Plant.

Following the tour, tour attendees will be provided lunch while hearing from company leadership about Thomas’ latest news updates. Attendees will also receive Thomas Built Buses goodie bags and be transported back to Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa.

Space is limited, so secure your spot today at stnexpo.com/east. Main conference registration will also provide access to dozens of educational sessions, the interactive Bus Technology Summit experience, networking events including the Charlotte Motor Speedway Reception, the Green Bus Summit and the STN EXPO Trade Show.


Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training
Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders

The post STN EXPO East Presents Tour of Thomas Built Buses Plant appeared first on School Transportation News.

Get $100 Off STN EXPO West Registration This Earth Day

12 April 2025 at 07:00

In honor of Earth Day, April 22, School Transportation News is offering $100 off full conference registration to STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. The event takes place July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada.

The promotion runs from April 12 through 25 and is intended to defray the cost for industry professionals to access professional development opportunities. Interested parties may register online and enter the code GREENBUS to secure the discount.

Scholarship winners will receive free Main Conference Attendee registration, which includes access to dozens of informational sessions and training classes, networking events, the Bus Technology Summit, the Green Bus Summit, and the Trade Show. Plus, qualified applicants will also receive access to the highly anticipated and exclusive two-day Transportation Director Summit, which will take place at The Chateau at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe. Additional special training sessions may be available and reservations should be requested by emailing events@stnmedia.com; additional costs may apply. Discounted hotel rates are available.


Related: (STN Podcast E219) Recap STN EXPO Reno: Awards, Training, Hands-on Experiences & More
Related: (STN Podcast E252) Onsite at STN EXPO East in Charlotte: School Bus Technology Interviews
Related: STN EXPO West Keynote Speaker to Uncover Significance in Simplicity
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO Reno 2024


“It’s an honor to give back to the industry and the dedicated readers who have supported us for over three decades,” said STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. “At STN, we’re passionate about advancing professional development and creating meaningful connections within the school transportation community. The STN EXPO, Green Bus Summit, and Bus Technology Summit 2025 offer unmatched opportunities for training, innovation, and collaboration. We invite everyone to be part of this extraordinary experience to grow, connect, and lead the future of transportation.”

Meanwhile, the  Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship is new this year, in honor of the industry consultant, school bus driver trainer, and “Father of School Bus Safety Week” who was honored last summer with an STN Lifetime Achievement Award. That scholarship covers the travel, hotel room and conference registration costs for industry professionals to access professional development opportunities.

The post Get $100 Off STN EXPO West Registration This Earth Day appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders

25 February 2025 at 17:37

Furthering school bus safety through comprehensive emergency training is a joint effort between transportation and first responders, a topic that STN EXPO East panelists will discuss in North Carolina.

Paul Hasenmeier, public safety director and fire chief at Hernando County Fire Rescue in Florida, will share his firsthand experience responding to school bus incidents, including fires and crashes. He will provide insight into how student transportation can partner with fire departments during his session “Fire Department Response to School Bus Incidents” on Saturday, March 22.

Hasenmeier is also the author of “School Bus Extrication,” which details the technical training and school bus construction knowledge necessary for firefighters to quickly and adequately respond to school bus emergencies requiring student or driver extraction.

During his STN EXPO presentation, Hasenmeier will discuss how fire departments approach crashes and fires involving school buses, including internal combustion and electric models. The presentation will include photos and analysis of the various situations and environments firefighters can encounter and lessons learned that student transporters can take away to better prepare their drivers and students being transporter.

Following that session, Hasenmeier will facilitate a panel discussion on “Developing Mock Casualty Exercises with Local First Responders.” He will be joined by Peggy Stone, director of transportation for Lincoln County Schools in West Virginia, and Katrina Morris, executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation and transportation director for West Shore Educational Service District.

Morris and Stone will discuss with Hasenmeier how to build relationships with local fire departments and learn how to provide necessary provisions for emergency training exercises. They will lead an interactive discussion with attendees on the planning needed to create training scenarios that will equip student transporters for potential emergency situations.

The STN EXPO East conference will be held March 20-25 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in North Carolina. Register at stnexpo.com/east.


Related: STN EXPO East Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina
Related: National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training
Related: Security Sessions at STN EXPO East Address Violence, Safety Programs

The post STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO East Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina

13 February 2025 at 18:37

Eight-hour, hands-on training on child passenger safety on school buses comes to North Carolina on day one of the STN EXPO East Conference.

Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be held Friday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord. Class instructors will teach proper techniques of selecting and installing child safety restraint systems on school buses as well as how to properly secure infants, preschoolers and students with disabilities.

The class will include instructional videos, and hands-on training It will cover federal safety standards, different types of child safety restraint systems, crash dynamics, emergency evacuation, and specific training necessary for securing students with disabilities.

Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will also earn 3.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for course completion.

The NHTSA training costs $199 through Feb. 14 and is available as an add-on to main conference registration or separately. There is a maximum of 50 participants for this class, so secure your spot today.

Save $100 on main conference registration when you register before the Early Bird Deadline on Feb. 14. Main conference registration includes access to over two dozen educational sessions, the Green Bus Summit, the Bus Technology Summit, Trade Show, the Product Demonstration/Ride and Drive event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and other networking events. Register at stnexpo.com/east.


Related: National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training
Related: Security Sessions at STN EXPO East Address Violence, Safety Programs
Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East

The post STN EXPO East Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina appeared first on School Transportation News.

National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training

By: Ryan Gray
8 February 2025 at 01:42

In addition to school bus maintenance professionals identifying the most defects in the least amount of time during an inspection, new training opportunities have been added to the hands-on National School Bus Inspection Training Program held on March 23 in North Carolina during STN EXPO East.

The National School Bus Inspection Training Program begins March 22 with classroom training using a manual that lists every component a technician should be familiar with and be inspecting regularly to keep school buses in the best operating condition. The course exceeds the requirements of federal and state departments of transportation. The instructors will then administer an exam that tests the class participants’ retention of the information covered.

Day two on March 23 will be hosted by Cabarrus County Schools. The class will be split into two groups for guided inspections led by program instructors or advanced inspections, where the participants will perform solo, timed inspections for defects. All the inspections cover the engine compartment, underneath a lifted school bus, and the internal cab.

The event also includes manufacturer training. ROUSH CleanTechwill provide an overview of its propane autogas system in the Blue Bird Vision. Thomas Built Buses will provide an overview of high voltage maintenance and safety on its Jouley electric school bus. Representatives from Clean Cities will first gauge participants’ familiarity with electric school buses and quiz them on components. A fourth training module is pending.

Prior to school buses leaving for Cabarrus County Schools on March 23, Transfinder will present an overview of maintenance software and its relation to vehicle inspections. Lunch will be provided to class participants at Cabarrus County Schools and buses will return to the hotel when training concludes.

The inspection and training program cost $199 per person for March 21 and 22 through Feb. 14. Secure $100 off main conference registration — which includes over two dozen additional educational sessions, the Green Bus Summit and related Ride and Drive/Technology Demonstration at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Bus Technology Summit, the Trade Show, and all related lunch and evening events — also through Feb. 14.


Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East
Related: Security Sessions at STN EXPO East Address Violence, Safety Programs
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina

The post National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

❌
❌