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Today — 27 August 2025Main stream

Hands-on Training Opportunities for Student Transporters at TSD Conference

26 August 2025 at 20:46

Attendees at the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference this fall will have access to a variety of hands-on training, geared toward working with students with special needs.

Alongside dozens of educational sessions and four inspiring keynotes, attendees have several opportunities to practice their skills and learn from expert instructors on how to safely transport students with disabilities and preschoolers as well as effectively manage the equipment used on routes.

Kicking off the conference on Friday, Nov. 7 is the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training, an all-day class on the proper use of child safety restraint systems on school buses, with a concentration on preschool-aged children and children with disabilities.

Also on Friday, the three-hour Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Training Certification Class feature instructors from AMF-Bruns of America. This class will teach the proper safety techniques on using occupant securements, understanding the WC-18 and WC-19 standards, wheelchair anchorage and how to correctly secure and deboard students, all with real equipment they can practice on.

On Sunday, Nov. 11, the Hands-on School Bus Evacuation for Students with Special Needs & Preschoolers will take place at Prosper Independent School District. Attendees will first review best safety practices and emergency evacuation protocol in an instructional classroom setting. They will then go outside to practice rescue skills on a school bus filled with theatre smoke. Class participants will have a time limit to rescue the “students” represented by training dolls.

There will also be a roadeo competition sponsored.by Q’Straint/Sure-Lok on Sat. Nov. 8 at Prosper ISD and an interactive sign American Sign Language training with instructors from the Texas School of the Deaf to close the conference on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Stay tuned for more updates at tsdconference.com.

The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 6-11 at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Register by Oct. 3 to save $100 on main conference registration with the Early Bird Discount.


Related: TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students
Related: TSD Keynote Speaker Looks to Reveal Power of Praise in Student Transportation
Related: Ride and Drive, Technology Product Demos Return to Texas in November

The post Hands-on Training Opportunities for Student Transporters at TSD Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

Before yesterdayMain stream

TSD Keynote Speaker Looks to Reveal Power of Praise in Student Transportation

20 August 2025 at 06:06

It’s no secret that student transportation staff play critical roles in the daily lives of the students on their routes. At the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference this fall, a new keynote speaker will share with attendees how they can create a positive environment onboard the bus to benefit student behavior outcomes.

Lisa Navarra’s keynote, “The Power of Praise: Shaping Student Behavior and Building Success on the Bus” is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 at the TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas. She will present research-based strategies for behavior specific praise as an interventional practice that assists students with their transportation routines, based on real-world interactions of school bus drivers with their students. She will discuss the types of praise that encourages student cooperation, how to phrase positive reinforcement phrases, and how all these practices help to shape the emotional and behavioral students and foster resilience.

Navarra has spent nearly three decades working with students with disabilities, not only in a classroom setting, but also transportation with her development of the Launch! School Bus Safety Program, intervention-based training that works with students to maintain behavioral expectations across educational settings and further safety. The New York-based behavior expert has been recognized with national awards for her work to ensure student safety and school-ready behavior and equip school district staff with tools to further student success and inclusion. Navarra was the recipient of the Teacher’s Federal Credit Union grant in 2024, after being voted the first place winner out of 1,500 nominees for the the institution’s national Teacher Appreciation Week contest.

Navarra was a special education teacher for 20 years and has a master’s degree in special education and certificate in school district administration. She is also an author of multiple behavioral and self-regulation books, including “Henry & Friends: A Bus Voice Adventure,” a children’s book that helps prepare students for their first school bus ride.

For more details on the 2025 TSD speakers, visit tsdconference.com. The TSD Conference will be held November 6-11 at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Register by October 3 to save $100 on main conference registration with the Early Bird Discount.


Related: TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students
Related: Ride and Drive, Technology Product Demos Return to Texas in November
Related: TSD Conference Opens with Message of Empathy for Challenging Behaviors on School Buses

The post TSD Keynote Speaker Looks to Reveal Power of Praise in Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

Ride and Drive, Technology Product Demos Return to Texas in November

12 August 2025 at 21:45

The Safety & Technology Product Demonstration/Special Needs Ride & Drive returns to the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference in Frisco, Texas.

This interactive event on Friday, Nov. 7, allows for TSD attendees to not only see live demonstrations of the safety technology designed for school buses and vehicles that transport students with disabilities and who are preschoolers but will have the opportunity to ride the buses themselves. There will be a networking reception as part of the event.

The Ride and Drive and Technology Demonstration allows attendees to ride different fuel types of school buses as well as see special needs route specific technology such as wheelchair lifts in action.

“Exploring new technology and special needs transportation options at the TSD Conference is time well spent,” said Tony Corpin, STN president and publisher. “Through the Technology Demonstration and Ride & Drive, attendees gain hands-on experience with innovative solutions from top school bus OEMs and technology suppliers, empowering them to address challenges and enhance the ridership experience.”

The TSD Trade Show begins the evening of Sunday, Nov. 9 with the Trade Show and Tailgate Reception and continues Monday morning. This will be another opportunity for attendees to connect with vendors and find technology and service solutions to further safety and benefit students with unique needs.

Find the full conference agenda at tsdconference.com. Register by Oct. 10 to save $100 with the Early Bird Discount.


Related: TSD Conference Registration is Open for Event in November
Related: TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students
Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People

The post Ride and Drive, Technology Product Demos Return to Texas in November appeared first on School Transportation News.

TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students

5 August 2025 at 22:06

The Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference in Frisco, Texas this fall looks to address the unique challenges and considerations of transporting this at-risk population.

Providing the best care for the students, empowering the transportation staff, and building an operational culture of communication and clear policies will be discussed by industry veterans, transportation consultants, and school district and bus company staff members.

In the driver training category, session topics include how to model behavior interventions in transportation settings, training for empathy of children’s needs, providing training for the service of medically fragile riders, and other proactive training educational discussions.

For upholding legal requirements and federal standards, speakers will plan to address topics such as impact of the updated National School Bus Specifications and Procedures on operations, alternative transportation, Medicaid reimbursement funding, and developing policies for proper and safe usage of student restraint and seclusion practices.

To address collaborating with contractors or other resources to aid student transportation, examples of topics include how to avoid one-size-fits-all solutions, how to create successful partnerships between school districts and contractors, and the OT/PT Transporter Forum on multidisciplinary policy development.

In addition to the hands-on training classes that cover wheelchair securement, school bus evacuations and use of child safety restraint systems on school buses, instructors from the Texas School for the Deaf will provide training for student transporters on using American Sign Language to communicate.

For a full list of 2025 TSD conference topics, visit tsdconference.com.

Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by Oct. 3. The TSD Conference will be held November 6-11 in Frisco, Texas at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Find more information on daily agenda, unique experiences, hotel and registration at tsdconference.com


Related: TSD Conference Registration is Open for Event in November
Related: TSD Evacuation Class Emphasizes Importance of Training
Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People

The post TSD Conference Topics Plan to Cover Unique Aspects of Transporting Students appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Emergency Evacuation Class at STN EXPO West 2025

5 August 2025 at 17:44

STN EXPO hosted a visceral experience to train student transporters in emergency school bus evacuations. A bus loaned by Washoe County Schools was set up in the parking lot of the Peppermill Hotel Resort and filled with fog machines for attendees to traverse as they attempted to “rescue” a predetermined number of dolls standing in for students.

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Image by Nashawn Craig / 0312 Photography.
A school bus parked in the Peppermill Resort Casino, home of STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 5, 2025.
A school bus parked in the Peppermill Resort Casino, home of STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 5, 2025.
A school bus parked in the Peppermill Resort Casino, home of STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 5, 2025.

Images by Nashawn Craig / 0312 Photography.

The post Gallery: Emergency Evacuation Class at STN EXPO West 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Trade Show at STN EXPO West

16 July 2025 at 06:10

RENO, Nev. — The STN EXPO West Trade Show gathered dozens of vendors and hundreds of attendees to connect on the latest in school transportation products and services.

Photos by Vince Rios Creative. 

The post Gallery: Trade Show at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Awards and Magic on Day 4 of STN EXPO West

14 July 2025 at 18:09

Following the presentation of the 18th annual Peter J. Grandofo Memorial Award of Excellence to Katrina Morris of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, Jon Petz delivered a touching, magic-filled keynote address.

Green Bus Summit sessions and Bus Technology Summit labs and demonstrations continued for a second day. Breakout sessions covered topics such as KPIs, electrification, special needs, AI, the recent 17th National Conress on School Transportation, and fuel and energy. A lunchtime panel gathered the six winners of Transfinder’s 2025 Top Transportation Teams award to share their advice.

In the evening, attendees and vendors enjoyed dinner, drinks and networking on the Trade Show floor, with entertainment from roving magic acts.

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Katrina Morris, the executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, is the 18th recipient of the Peter J. Gandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence. She was presented with the award Monday, July 14 during STN EXPO Reno 2025. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)
Katrina Morris, the executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, is the 18th recipient of the Peter J. Gandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence. She was presented with the award Monday, July 14 during STN EXPO Reno 2025. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)
Katrina Morris, the executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, is the 18th recipient of the Peter J. Gandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence. She was presented with the award Monday, July 14 during STN EXPO Reno 2025. (Photo by Vincent Rios Creative.)

Photos by Vince Rios Creative & STN staff. 

The post Gallery: Awards and Magic on Day 4 of STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Green Buses, Bus Technology Highlighted on STN EXPO West Day 3

14 July 2025 at 05:50

RENO, Nev. – The morning began with a presentation of the Innovator of the Year award to Gaurav Sharda of Beacon Mobility and a CEO “Tech Talk” by Zonar CEO Charles Kriete.

Attendees gathered in-depth information and hands-on experience during sponsored Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit sessions throughout the day. More sessions took place on school bus Wi-Fi, passenger safety, clean bus implementation, funding sources and mock casualty exercises.

An all-day electric circuitry training was led by David Roper, a veteran automotive instructor who works with Clean Cities in Southern California.

The evening’s Ride & Drive + Live Technology Demonstrations took place outdoors and provided not only opportunities for vendor connection but also the chance to get up close and personal with the latest in clean bus technology.

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School buses stage for the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive + Live Technology Showcase July 13, 2025.
School buses stage for the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive + Live Technology Showcase July 13, 2025.
School buses stage for the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive + Live Technology Showcase July 13, 2025.

The post Gallery: Green Buses, Bus Technology Highlighted on STN EXPO West Day 3 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Attendees Get Hands-On with School Bus Inspections at STN EXPO West

13 July 2025 at 06:12

RENO, Nev. — The National School Bus Inspection Training Program developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey, formerly the director of maintenance for the South Carolina Department of Education, trains technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance.

Friday’s agenda included six hours of classroom instruction, including preparation for a written exam. On Saturday, attendees traveled to Washoe County School District’s south transportation facility, practiced identifying defects on real school buses and got an overview of electric school bus high-voltage identification.

The class was taught by school district fleet maintenance professionals and representatives from Long Beach (California) Clean Cities, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

The post Gallery: Attendees Get Hands-On with School Bus Inspections at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gallery: Intensive, Interactive Training on Day 2 of STN EXPO West

13 July 2025 at 06:10

RENO, Nev. — Jon Petz, a former sales executive turned professional magician, led dozens of transportation supervisors and vendor partners in discussions about creating genuine team connections.

Another group was bused Saturday to nearby Washoe County School District for the hands-on portion of the National School Bus Inspection Training, which included hands-on identification of defects on real school buses and an overview of electric school bus high-voltage components.

Back at the Peppermill Resort Casino, Darren Reaume of sponsor Q’Straint/Sure-Lok led an advanced course designed for experienced transportation directors, supervisors and trainers on wheelchair securement, troubleshooting techniques and best practice recommendations.

Additionally, the “So, You Wanna Be Transportation Supervisor?” seminar returned with an all-star panel of student transportation experts that provided best practices for attendees who wish to transition into a supervisory role, or who are looking to brush up on their managerial skillsets.

The day closed out with a “Fire & Ice” themed welcome party sponsored by Transfinder and School Bus Logistics.

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Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, chief support services officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma; Alexandra Robinson, a former executive director of transportation and current industry consultant; Tim Purvis of Pupil Transportation Information; and Pam McDonald former transportation director for Orange County, California, with over 34 four-years of experience, present on the “So, You Want to Be a Transportation Supervisor,” on July 12 at STN EXPO 2025.
Amanda Vincent who started at Sweetwater County

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Gallery: Special Training Sessions Launch STN EXPO West

12 July 2025 at 07:13

RENO, Nev. – STN EXPO West kicked off with a welcome reception on Thursday evening and proceeded into intensive training classes on Friday.

Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter, who together have over 100 years of service in pupil transportation and are both are expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions, led a class on school bus accident investigation.

The specially developed National School Bus Inspection Training Program and the official NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training also took place, as well as a new 4-hour seminar on school bus routing.

AMF-Bruns also presented its Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement Training Certification Class.

The education continues Saturday.

The post Gallery: Special Training Sessions Launch STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Download App for 2025 STN EXPO West Conference

The official app sponsored by Transfinder gives attendees of STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, 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 West.

2. Log in to the App

Once the event is selected, you will be prompted to log in. 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 Illusion Challenge Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday, July 14, 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 2025 STN EXPO West Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

Ride and Drive Experience Meets Bus Technology Summit at STN EXPO West

27 June 2025 at 17:10

The STN EXPO West Ride and Drive event will be expanding to include an immersive technology experience in Reno, Nevada.

The event held Sunday, July 13 kicks off the Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to ride low- and zero-emission school buses from leading school bus manufacturers, including Blue Bird, IC Bus, MicroBird, RIDE, and from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

In addition to the Ride and Drive, attendees will experience the Bus Technology Showcase. Representatives from student transportation companies Zonar, Tyler Technologies, Transfinder, and Zum will provide live demos of their technology offerings, allowing attendees a unique chance for hands-on interaction, and an opportunity to ask questions and explore solutions that will benefit their operations.

Held at the Peppermill Resort parking lot, this summer evening event will provide a vibrant atmosphere for attendees and vendors to network while enjoying local food trucks, drinks and a live DJ.

Check out the photo gallery from last year’s Ride and Drive event here. 

The Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit continue Monday, July 14 with educational sessions, interactive technology labs and demos, and discussions with leaders in the green bus market.

Don’t miss the STN EXPO West experience, July 11-16, in Reno, Nevada. Register now.


Related: Why You Should Come to the TD Summit at STN EXPO West
Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’

The post Ride and Drive Experience Meets Bus Technology Summit at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Guidance Needed for School Bus Emissions Pathway Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

By: Ryan Gray
19 June 2025 at 22:24

Representatives from top school bus and powertrain manufacturers will provide insights into the complex landscape of school bus emissions and regulatory challenges facing the industry over the next couple of years during STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada.

Scheduled for July 13, the panel session will feature representatives from Blue Bird, Cummins, IC Bus, RIDE and Thomas Built Buses.

The panel will explore several pressing topics, including impacts of the Congressional Review Act signed by President Trump early this month, EPA Clean School Bus funding developments, the impact of an ongoing federal review of the EPA Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas regulations, supply chain considerations, workforce development for electric school buses, and more.

With ongoing legal challenges and shifting regulatory environments amid rising tariffs, school districts and transportation professionals need clarity to navigate the uncertain emissions landscape. OEMs face similar challenges. The panelists will offer as many strategic insights as they can, keeping in mind that more changes could still occur, focusing on broader industry trends and challenges.

The discussion promises to be a must-attend event for anyone involved in school transportation, offering an opportunity to hear directly from industry experts about the future of clean transportation.

Don’t miss this session and the entire STN EXPO West experience! Register now for the conference, which starts July 11 and runs through July 16 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada.


Related: STN EXPO West Attendees Can Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team
Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West

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Why You Should Come to the TD Summit at STN EXPO West

16 June 2025 at 23:57

The exclusive two-day Transportation Director Summit at STN EXPO West will take place from July 11-12 and feature numerous opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration.

This event held in nearby Lake Tahoe is included for qualified decision makers at no cost with purchase of their main conference registration. Day one takes place at the Peppermill Resort alongside a networking mixer with appetizers and drinks. It features a discussion on top challenges with STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin and a veteran of student transportation who is typically announced day-of.

For day two, attendees are bused off-site to The Chateau at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe for a full day of focused higher learning and networking sessions with a series of vendor partners. A customized matching system ensures that transportation leaders meet with manufacturers and suppliers of products and services that they have expressed interest in buying to assist with their unique day-to-day operations.

Providing the training for this year’s experience is Jon Petz, a best-selling author, professional magician, and world’s only “Amazement Artist.” He pulls back the curtain on the art and psychology of true amazement – when wonder is discovered and engagement intensifies to create powerful and impactful moments. Attendees will witness a real-time engagement on stage and learn how to apply three essential rules for amazement in their daily lives and workplace culture to create more value than ever before.

Roundtable discussions will follow on how to implement the lessons learned into everyday life as a transportation director.


Related: STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’
Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West to Feature ‘Routing 101’ Seminar
Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West
Related: New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West


Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are provided throughout the day. A golf range sits just outside the meeting room and walking trails are easily accessible.

Recent trainers for this signature event include author and trainer Scott Welle, who related aspects of sports psychology to leadership enhancement in the workplace; speaker and trainer Christine Cashen, who shared effective communication “magic words” and techniques; peak performance expert Wayne Lee, who used hypnotism exercises to demonstrate the power of the mind in achieving goals; body language expert Traci Brown, who delved into how lie detection, body language and noticing verbal cues heightens awareness about students and coworkers; and international leadership expert Sylvie di Giusto, who highlighted 15 different selling points that makes one unique and gives them an advantage in the workplace.

The post Why You Should Come to the TD Summit at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’

By: Ryan Gray
16 June 2025 at 21:42

The upcoming STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, will feature an innovative two-hour interactive session following the Trade Show, designed to empower school transportation leaders.

Scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, the “Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team” panel will provide a unique opportunity for professionals to explore leadership development through dynamic roundtable discussions. The facilitators are three of the industry’s foremost leaders: Nicole Portee, associate superintendent for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina; Teresa Fleming, chief operating officer and executive director of transportation for Philadelphia School District in Pennsylvania; and Quanika Dukes-Spruill, executive director of transportation for Newark Board of Education in New Jersey.

Portee and Fleming are also former STN Transportation Director of the Year award winners.

The session will be divided into two distinct segments. The first hour focuses on personal leadership growth, challenging participants to examine their individual leadership styles, career trajectories and professional networking strategies. The second hour shifts to team development, exploring succession planning, team building, and creating effective organizational structures.

Portee, Fleming and Dukes-Spruill will facilitate interactive activities, including metaphor-based discussions and fill-in-the-blank leadership tools. Attendees can expect a highly engaging experience that goes beyond traditional conference presentations, with opportunities for real-time dialogue and collaborative learning.

Participants will have the additional bonus of professional headshot photography, allowing them to capture their leadership moment while gaining valuable insights into personal and professional growth strategies.

The session represents a departure from standard conference breakouts following the Trade Show, promising a more interactive and meaningful professional development experience for school transportation professionals.

Register today for STN EXPO West, which runs July 11-16 at the Peppermill Resort.


Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West to Feature ‘Routing 101’ Seminar

The post STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’ appeared first on School Transportation News.

TSD Conference Registration is Open for Event in November

10 June 2025 at 15:43

Registration for the 2025 Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference is now open.

Each year, student transportation professionals gather in Frisco, Texas, for a transformative event designed to inspire and equip attendees with practical solutions that enhance safety for students with disabilities and for preschoolers. This year’s conference will feature inspiring keynotes, engaging educational sessions, opportunities for hands-on training, and networking events.

The conference will open with a Welcome Party at Topgolf the Colony on Nov. 6. Over the course of the next five days, attendees will hear from industry experts on various aspects of safely transporting students with disabilities as well as preschoolers and how to empower transportation staff to care for their most vulnerable student riders.

Three keynote sessions are currently planned. “Developmentally Appropriate Safety Education” presented by Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools and the mother of Sandy Hook shooting victim Josephine Grace Gay, opens the education on Friday, Nov. 7. Special education attorney Betsey Helfrich will share recent and pertinent legal information and summaries of case law Saturday, Nov. 8. Sunday, Nov. 9, will feature the presentation “Fostering Inclusive Practices & Support Accessibility in Education” by Glenna Wright-Gallo, who was the assistant secretary of education for special education and rehabilitative services at the U.S. Department of Education in 2023 and 2024 and is now a vice president of policy for education technology company Everway.

Training classes include the eight-hour, NHTSA-sponsored Child Passenger Safety on School Bus seminar, the Wheelchair Securement Boot Camp Training & Certification by AMF-Bruns, the Hands-on School Bus Evacuations for Students with Special Needs & Preschoolers Training, and the roadeo competition sponsored by Q’Straint/Sure-Lok, which also provides wheelchair securement training to roadeo contestants as well as conference attendees before the competition on Saturday.

The Safety & Technology Product Demonstration/Special Needs Ride & Drive also returns this year as does the Trade Show and Tailgate Reception, featuring vendors showcasing their technology offerings to benefit transportation operations.

The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 6-11, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Dallas Frisco.

Register by Aug. 8 to save $200 on main conference registration with Super Early Bird Savings. Find conference dates, hotel information and exhibitor list at tsdconference.com.


Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People
Related: WATCH: TSD 2024 Recap
Related: TSD Conference Opens with Message of Empathy for Challenging Behaviors on School Buses

The post TSD Conference Registration is Open for Event in November appeared first on School Transportation News.

Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West

7 June 2025 at 01:05

With an ever-growing array of new technology, making the right purchasing choices for a student transportation fleet is a monumental process.

A panel discussion at STN EXPO West looks to provide attendees with a big picture view of student transportation technology purchases and how to make sure it’s being utilized, to provide all the benefits possible.

The “Technology Adoption: The Promise of AI” session will be held on July 14, a day that will also include multiple product demonstration labs as part of the Bus Technology Summit. Panelists look to provide insights on various phases of technology implementation, including initial research, diagnosis of transportation needs and crafting a request for proposal.

They will also discuss how to approach the big questions such as, “Why did we choose this technology?” “What are our expectations?” and “How can we ensure this purchase is being used most effectively to improve student transportation operations?” Attendees will not only hear diverse perspectives from public school districts and suppliers on technology implementation and the role artificial intelligence can play but learn how to avoid potential pitfalls that often negatively impact the process.

Join us for this in-depth discussion, moderated by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. The panelists will represent the School District of Philadelphia, Denver Public Schools, student transportation contractor Beacon Mobility, and transportation technology vendor, CI Solutions.

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, and more information on this and other training opportunities at stnexpo.com/west.


Related: New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West to Feature Routing 101 Seminar
Related: WATCH: Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West

The post Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West

2 June 2025 at 15:12

In a world of digitization, circuit diagnosis using wiring schematics and digital multimeter data enables technicians to quickly and accurately solve electrical issues in their buses.  Vehicle electrical systems are an inescapable facet of daily life for school bus technicians, especially with the addition of electric school buses. New training at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada next month will equip student transportation professionals to be prepared for a wide variety of scenarios involving electrical systems and diagnostics.

The “Electric Circuitry Training” course led by David Roper, a veteran automotive instructor who works with Clean Cities, will be held on Sunday, July 13. This one-day course follows the National School Bus Inspection Training, which begins on Friday, July 11 with classroom instruction and a written exam at the Peppermill Resort, and continues Saturday, July 12 with hands-on training at Washoe County School District.

This vehicle electrical systems diagnosis training prepares participants for working on high voltage buses through a deeper understanding of electrical systems in vehicles, with the added benefit that this training equips technicians to diagnose electrical issues on vehicles no matter the fuel. Hands-on training with electric circuitry boards will allow for instruction on basic electrical principles, common electrical components, circuit construction and testing, wiring schematics, circuit tracing and troubleshooting of common circuit malfunctions.

The diagnostics section of the training will help attendees learn how to recognize if an issue is being caused by a faulty part or a wiring connection problem, a distinction that could save significant amounts of money in parts for transportation operations.

This training is available to technicians who sign up for National School Bus Inspection Training only and space is limited, so secure your spot today.

June 6 is the Early Bird Registration deadline to save $100 on regular conference registration for STN EXPO West, held July 11-16 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Resort. Find registration and hotel details, conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and more information on this and other training opportunities at stnexpo.com/west.


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The post New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

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