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

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

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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

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Building a top-performing team in school transportation requires a strategic mix of
leadership, collaboration and strong organizational culture. Legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work. This philosophy is especially relevant in school transportation. Each member plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of students.

At the core of every successful school transportation team is a well-defined mission. The leader must articulate a vision that inspires and aligns every member. Without a shared purpose, efforts become fragmented. Leading by example, fostering open communication, and encouraging a culture of collaboration are crucial for success. I recommend emphasizing the importance of setting clear expectations and continuously motivating teams to excel. Leaders must not only define them vision but also embody it through their actions.

“Trust is a two-way street,” said executive coach, former STN keynote speaker, and author Stacey Hanke. Her book “Influence Elevated” explains that a leader with elevated influence is someone their team feels it can trust. The inverse also applies to leaders who aren’t trusted. Hanke’s research and surveys show trust is what employees crave.

Hiring and retaining the right talent is key for any organization. An effective transportation team starts with individuals who align with the organization’s values. Staffing shortages are a common challenge, but prioritizing teamwork and cultural fit during recruitment helps in building a resilient team.

Workforce development opportunities, such as attending STN EXPO, the Transportation Director Summit, or other professional development, enhance team cohesion and performance. Investing in training and networking shows employees their leaders are committed to team growth.

The foundation of a strong team is vitally important, especially with the evolving nature of teams in a rapidly changing world. While diversity, digitalization and agility shape modern teams, the fundamental principles of teamwork remain unchanged.

Last year at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, we hosted the Top Transportation Teams awards presented by Transfinder. During the general session facilitated by Transfinder CEO Antonio Civitella, the panelists agreed that winning the award validated their teams’ efforts throughout the year to adhere to district and department values, encourage each other, and provide stellar service to their communities and students.

Our very own Claudia Newton captured how the awards made each leader feel and what it meant to their teams to be recognized.

I want them to feel that pride,” said Todd Livesay, director of transportation for Franklin Township Community School Corporation in Indiana. “It’s such a huge validation.”

D’Allah Laffoon, transportation supervisor for Waterloo Central School District in New York, said the implementation of a new field trip process took a little adjusting but became a success with staff input.

School bus contractor Palmer Bus Service moved from a yearly to a monthly bonus structure to better appreciate the significant jobs school bus drivers do, shared Trace Johnson, the company’s director of school bus technologies.

Both public and private recognition helps boost morale at Franklin Township. “Your people will feel it,” Livesay said, adding that being a leaders means more than simply raising wages. It’s about making the workplace desirable and getting to know each driver.

“Some days are not going to be great, but when you have those great days, celebrate them,” noted Civitella. Recognition plays a pivotal role in maintaining morale and motivation. Acknowledging achievements, whether through formal awards like the Top Transportation Teams Awards program or simple gestures, strengthens team loyalty.

Civitella encouraged school transportation leaders to identify small but meaningful ways to improve workplace culture.

Nominate your school district or bus contractor as a Top Transportation Team by completing the forms at toptransportationteams.com no later than by May 16.

Creating a top-tier school transportation team is an ongoing process that requires intentional leadership, trust and a commitment to excellence. By fostering a culture of collaboration, investing in team development, and recognizing contributions, transportation leaders can build an environment where employees feel valued, motivated and empowered to perform at their best.

The key to student transportation success is not just managing logistics. It’s in building a team that works toward a common goal. Just like Coach Lombardi said.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the April 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (STN Podcast E233) Fraud in New York & Cohesive Indiana ‘Top Transportation Team’
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO Reno 2024 Live Stream – Top Transportation Teams
Related: What’s It Take to Become a Top Transportation Team?
Related: Top Transportation Teams Share Advice at STN EXPO Reno

The post Building an Elite School Transportation Team appeared first on School Transportation News.

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

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The seatbelt debate is reignited after a fatal South Carolina school bus crash. Learn more about safety equipment and procedures being considered by the National Congress on School Transportation and stay tuned for onsite coverage from its 17th meeting as well as the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo.

Amazement Artist, Hall of Fame speaker and professional magician Jon Petz discusses creating significance in simple moments for a more engaged workforce, which he will expand upon in his upcoming keynote at STN EXPO West and the Transportation Director Summit in Reno this July.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School Radio. 

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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I’m sure you have started to consider attending a school transportation conference or two this year. Many state, regional and national conferences offer school transportation professionals an opportunity to get together to share ideas, network and reconnect with industry partners and friends. I highly recommend you attend conferences for professional development opportunities, too. The information that you can absorb from industry experts and panelists, and share with others, will help you achieve better outcomes for your students and school transportation operations.

“The chance to gain inspiration and motivation from other successful professionals is a big factor in why I attend conferences,” said Jacob Iverson, senior vice president at Landmark Student Transportation. The educational sessions and expertise of the presenters at conferences can help improve your skills and knowledge on school transportation subject matters. What better investment is there to make than in yourself and your team? Conferences often feature keynote speakers, workshops and panel discussions led by experts in various fields of expertise. By attending, individuals can learn about the latest trends and best practices to gain valuable insights that can help them grow both personally and professionally.

In 2025, award winning keynote speakers like Scott Welle and Jon Petz will share their personal stories and experiences, which can be sources of inspiration for STN EXPO attendees. This can help individuals develop a growth mindset and increase their confidence in pursuing their goals. Attending conferences and leadership training programs can offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations.

Conferences like STN EXPO—with the focused content events Bus Technology Summit, Green Bus Summit and Transportation Director Summit—provide an opportunity to gain knowledge, learn new skills and network with like-minded individuals. Participating in trade shows and networking events can also expose individuals to new technology and enable them to meet new potential business partners.

“I experienced a lot of value connecting with leaders at the STN EXPO [West] in Reno last year, especially at the Transportation Director Summit,” said Teresa Fleming, COO at the School District of Philadelphia and 2023 STN Transportation Director of the Year. “The conversations and connections I made during the sessions, networking events and trade show were invaluable. I plan to attend STN EXPO again this year and send our transportation team, too.”

The ability to network with fellow attendees and crowdsource potential solutions to today’s most pressing challenges is what you should expect to get out of attending a conference. Engaging with trade show exhibitors to connect the dots between operational strategy and the role technology can play is key. Also, you can have fun doing it while catching up with old friends and making new ones.

Conferences provide an opportunity to network with other professionals in our industry. This can be especially valuable for those who are looking to expand their professional circle and make new connections.

Networking can lead to new opportunities, problem-solving ideas, collaboration and partnerships that can benefit both the attendee and the organization or school district they represent.

Last year, we asked STN EXPO attendees, “Why do you attend our conferences?” The top two responses were networking and professional development/educational classes. Networking events and trade shows are also important for people that are looking to expand their professional network and stay updated on the latest trends and technology.

The opportunity to meet with peers, suppliers, school bus dealers and OEMs has a big value for conference attendees. The trade show can also act as a place to conduct market research to find the best products and partners for your school district or organization needs to address key challenges in student behavior, fuel of choice, safety, security, staffing recruitment, driver training and special needs.

I want to personally invite you to register for STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, suburb of Concord, March 20-25, or STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, July 11-16. Learn more at stnexpo.com.

Attending conferences and leadership training programs can offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations. The opportunity is there to gain new
knowledge and skills, network with other professionals, and attain inspiration and motivation from successful speakers. If you are an individual looking to grow professionally, attending conferences and trade shows can be a valuable investment in your future success and time well spent.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the March 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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 Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina

The post Time Well Spent appeared first on School Transportation News.

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.

Constance “Connie” Sue (Newton) Murray, a dedicated advocate for child safety and former owner of E-Z-ON Products, Inc., passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 26, 2024. She was 80.

She was buried at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Palm City, Florida, on Jan. 29, her daughter Wendi Hancock told School Transportation News.

Murray’s life was defined by compassion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to improving transportation safety for children and individuals with special needs.

She was born on April 23, 1944, Zanesville, Ohio, and graduated from Philo High School in 1962. She worked as a registered nurse for more than two decades, bringing care and comfort to those in need. Her passion for helping others ultimately led her to transition into the safety industry, where she made an indelible mark.

Murray founded E-Z-ON Products, Inc. of Florida, a company dedicated to designing and manufacturing safety restraints for children and adults with disabilities and special needs, in 1985 and served as president. Under her leadership, E-Z-ON Products developed multiple innovations that continue to be widely used in school transportation today. Her dedication earned her recognition as a pioneer in the industry, with many considering her an icon for her contributions to student safety.

Hancock, recalled the passion that drove her mother’s work.

“Honestly, my mom loved to help people,” Wendi Hancock wrote to STN in an email. “When she first acquired E-Z-ON, the company was manufacturing racing seatbelts for cars. She saw a greater need and used her nursing background to create the safety vest for transporting special needs students and patients.”

She went on to describe her mother’s impact.

“During the time she owned E-Z-ON, she developed multiple other products that became widely used in the school industry,” Hancock added. “She even created specialized equipment for Johns Hopkins Hospital to help transport immobile patients or those needing more support than a standard seat belt could offer.”

“My mom prided herself on making the best product for everyone,” she said. “She had a kind soul and was always there when you needed her most.”

Murray’s influence extended well beyond her business. She was a devoted advocate for the student transportation industry and a beloved figure within the community. A testament to her commitment was her sponsorship of the slots tournament at the STN EXPO West conference in Reno, Nevada. This annual event became a favorite among attendees and vendors, serving as a platform for building camaraderie and celebrating the industry’s shared mission. Colleagues and friends recall her generosity and warmth, which left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Murray sold E-Z-On Products in 2017.

Beyond her professional achievements, Murray’s personal life reflected her values of care and dedication. She was a skilled seamstress and quilter, sharing her creations with friends, family and local organizations. Her community involvement earned her accolades, including being named Senior Citizen of the Year, highlighting her tireless efforts to give back and make a difference.

Murray is survived by her daughter, Wendi (Fitz) Hancock (Patrick), and her beloved granddaughter, Alexandra. She was a cherished sister to Ronald (the late Sue) and Donald (Shirley) and held close ties with many other family members and friends.

Related: Industry Mourns the Loss of School Transportation Leader, Contractor Van der Aa
Related: NAPT Hall of Famer Donn Remembered for ‘Crucial Role’ Played in Industry
Related: Thomas’ Stotler Remembered for Creating School Bus Training, Providing Customer Support

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