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When teacher Amanda Glunz started a robotics team at Audubon Technology and Communication High School four years ago, there were just five members. 

Now, the program has grown to 32 students and two teams, including the newly formed all-girls team Av414nche. The newest team was designed to give girls an opportunity to break into science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM. 

“We went with Av414nche at first, because you know how avalanches fall down? It’s like breaking down the barriers,” Audubon junior Lily Sanders said. 

The team consists of builders, programmers and a marketing team.

The teams give students an outlet to build confidence and skills in STEM, receive mentorship and improve social skills, Glunz said.

Building the robot

Several steps go into turning a concept from paper into a moving and functioning robot, said Jorja, an eighth grader at Audubon and member of Av414nche. 

It all starts with a sketch. 

“Then we started to actively use Legos,” she said. “Eventually we switched from Legos to Onshape (a computer-aided design (CAD) software program), and then once we had the Onshape model down, we just decided to go from there.” 

After building the robot, the team uses trial and error to get it to function as best as possible. 

For the team’s upcoming qualifier competitions, robots need to shoot balls into a goal. Audubon students compete against other schools across the state in several robotics competitions.

Sanders is part of the team that helps to build the robot. For their most recent competition, she tested out different wheels for their robot to see which ones launched the balls best. 

“Really just figuring out what will work and what will not work,” Sanders said. “It’s really just a lot of trial and error.”

The robot is named Ava, which is short for Av414nche.

Jorja, a programmer on the team, works to make the robots move. 

“The robot does not know anything until we tell it,” she said. “It wouldn’t just do it by itself.” 

She said programmers first worked on the code that operates the wheels to make the robot move, then they code the wheel that makes the ball shoot.

Mentorship and higher education

When they aren’t working on the team’s social media, the marketing team looks for mentors who can introduce students to the fields of technology and engineering.

Most mentors are students from local universities including Milwaukee School of Engineering and Marquette University. The marketing team also has its own mentor who works in graphic design. 

Some students like Davin Dacio, an Audubon junior who takes a dual enrollment course at Milwaukee Area Technical College, get college-level programming experience that is used on Audubon’s co-ed robotics team, DreaMKEepers. 

Starting at a young age

Jaida Campbell, a junior on the marketing team, said they are trying to recruit younger students to the team. 

Middle and high school students at Audubon share a campus. Middle schoolers begin robotics at the school by participating in the FIRST LEGO League. League members work with coaches and teammates to build Lego-based robots for engineering competitions. 

Though Jorja is only in eighth grade, this is her first year on the high school robotics team. 

She started as a fifth grader in the FIRST LEGO League, and by the seventh grade, she and Glunz worked on a coding project in the Fiserv Future Techies program, where they made it to nationals. 

“It really inspired me, the fifth grade LEGO League,” Jorja said. “I love Legos and I was good with technology so I was like, OK, why not join my favorite things?”

Alex Klaus is the education solutions reporter for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America plays no role in editorial decisions in the NNS newsroom.

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Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

Milwaukee high school’s robotics teams help students break down barriers and build skills — and confidence is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

One of Microsoft's top executives said he would support a new state law to regulate and set standards for data center developments across Wisconsin. 

The post Microsoft president says he would support a Wisconsin law to regulate data centers appeared first on WPR.

Madison officials want to stop large data centers from being built in the city — at least temporarily. A proposed ordinance would halt data center construction for up to year.

The post Should Madison hit pause on data centers? Residents to weigh in. appeared first on WPR.

It’s a new calendar year but school transportation leaders face the same challenges. As Albert Einstein famously said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”
This month’s articles highlight key areas where leaders can make impactful changes to improve safety, efficiency and equity for all students, especially those riders with
disabilities.

While all important, Linda Bluth’s column on addressing sexual assault on school transportation vehicles especially strikes a chord. The topic must be the most horrifying for student transporters to discuss, aside from a fatality. We know from research that students with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of being targeted for sexual assault than their non-disabled peers. Bluth shares that one constant over her storied career has been the number of sexual assault cases she has been asked to serve as an expert witness on.

She underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect students by calling for an industry task force to address this sensitive yet essential topic, to confront it head-on and ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Ask yourself, what policies does your transportation department and school district have in place regarding sexual assaults occurring on or around school buses or other school transportation vehicles. Bluth writes it is vital to create clear, school board-approved policies that define and address sexual assault as well as bullying and harassment on school transportation vehicles. Training all transportation personnel and students on these policies is vital.

Supervision must also be enhanced. A growing trend is more attendants on routes to assist school bus drivers with behavior management. High-back seats, Bluth says, create a barrier to seeing what students are doing. I hear that concern often from readers, an unintended consequence of NHTSA’s 2009 update to FMVSS 222 that increased the minimum seatback height to 24 inches.

Providing adequate adult supervision on all vehicles used for school transportation is paramount to the safety of all students.

Technology is supplementing these efforts with state-of-the art video camera systems. Increasingly, AI-enhanced software is showing the promise of even predicting or identifying the risk of potential assaults, but these solutions are in their infancy. Never mind the expense. First and foremost, student transporters must have policies for regularly reviewing footage. Most camera systems come with alerts to notify supervisors
of incidents. But there remains no consistent solution better than, if you “see something, say something.”

Train your school bus drivers, monitors and other staff to trust their intuitions. If something feels “off” during a route, it probably is. Foster a culture where transportation personnel and students feel safe reporting inappropriate behavior without fear of retaliation.

There is plenty to think about when reading this month’s issue, which also looks at the importance of modern routing software, AI-powered tools and data-driven solutions to address driver shortages and training, route optimization, and Medicaid reimbursement challenges. Alternative vehicles also continue to gain ground in transporting students to and from school.

With them comes the need to train their drivers on proper child safety restraint and wheelchair securement. At the half-way point of the school year, consider how your operations are poised to tackle all these issues. As school transportation leaders, the responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of students is paramount. By addressing critical safety issues, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration, we can drive meaningful change in the industry.

Let’s turn these insights into action, ensuring that every student’s journey is safe, efficient and supportive of their educational success.

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

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Related: (Recorded Webinar) Building Resiliency: Hot Trends in Student Transportation For 2026
Related: Ohio School Bus Driver on Administrative Leave After ‘Reckless Driving’
Related: Eagle Eye on Student Transportation Safety
Related: Transportation (Success) Leads the Way to Sustainability

The post Driving Change in 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Wisconsin utilities are investing to meet demands of the AI data center boom. But utility customers and local communities could be left paying the bills if the AI industry goes bust, utility watchdog warns.

The post How would an AI ‘bubble’ impact Wisconsin communities hosting data centers? appeared first on WPR.

Anticipated spikes in demand for energy to supply Wisconsin's data center building boom come on the heels of decades of declining power and water use, according to a new report.

The post Data center boom follows decades of declining electricity and water use in Wisconsin appeared first on WPR.

Months after a $1.6 billion data center proposal in Menomonie was halted by its mayor, the city council has passed an ordinance restricting where and how any potential future data centers can be built.

The post Wisconsin cities regulating data centers as lawmakers consider statewide rules appeared first on WPR.

School Transportation News has opened registration for its fifth-annual Innovator of the Year award, which features a private school bus contractor employee who exemplifies the adoption of cutting-edge technology and programs.

The magazine partners with the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) to present the award. Readers may submit an online nomination through May 1 to recognize an individual who works for a school bus contractor company and meets the criteria.

Qualifications include making “significant, tangible contributions” to the school transportation industry within the past 12 months. Innovations could include technology implementation, operations, safety initiatives and green energy adoption.

“I believe that change begins with the ability to recognize an innovator when you meet one. It is vitally important to share the achievements of our leaders to help elevate our industry. School Transportation News is honored to share this story of innovation with the entire school transportation industry,” said Tony Corpin, publisher of STN magazine and president of STN Media Group.

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Read about & hear podcasts with previous years’ winners:

July 2022: The Great Innovator
(STN Podcast E120) Onsite at STN EXPO Reno: Electric Innovator Pulls Back the Curtain

July 2023: There Is No ‘I’ in Team
(STN Podcast E170) Meet the Innovator of the Year: Maintaining a Fast-Growing Bus Fleet

July 2024: Driven by Students, Driven by Technology, Driven by Partnerships
(STN Podcast E217) From Submariner to Innovator of the Year: Fleet Electrification for Student Success

July 2025: ‘Here to Serve’ People With Technology
(STN Podcast E256) Empathy is a Core Principle: Bringing Funding, Tech & People Together for Student Service

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This year’s winner will be announced on the front cover of the July edition of STN magazine. The award will be presented in-person at both STN EXPO West held July 9-15 in Reno, Nevada, and at the NSTA Summer Meeting held July 19-22 in Denver, Colorado.

“NSTA is proud and pleased to partner with School Transportation News in the promotion of the 2026 Innovator Award. With so many talented individuals in student transportation, we encourage school bus operators to nominate a worthy candidate, so we can honor them with this prestigious award this summer,” stated NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn.

“Receiving the Innovator of the Year recognition was a humbling moment that reinforced how much meaningful progress in student transportation comes from people willing to challenge the status quo,” said Gaurav Sharda, CTO of Beacon Mobility and the 2025 Innovator of the Year award winner. “The award represents more than innovation for its own sake. It honors work that improves safety, dignity, and daily experiences for students, families, and the professionals who serve them. I encourage peers across the industry to nominate individuals whose ideas and leadership are quietly making a lasting difference, because their impact deserves to be recognized and shared.”

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Related: Start Your Green Fleet Innovation Strategy
Related: School Bus Contractors Compete in Driver Applicant Pool
Related: School District, Bus Contractor Partnerships Vital When Transporting Special Needs Students

The post Innovator Award Seeks Nominations of Trailblazing School Bus Contractors appeared first on School Transportation News.

When the Gloversville Enlarged School District (NY) entered the 2024–25 school year, transportation was the last thing they expected to become a crisis. For years, the district had outsourced its student transportation operations, relying on a third-party provider to handle routing, driver management, and day-to-day logistics.

The district’s footprint covers 82 square miles and serves 2,800 students.

But just before the school year began, the district’s transportation provider abruptly announced it was done providing services. The district, which owned the buses, the garage, and now the responsibility to route and manage transportation.

“We were thrown into the [deep end of the] pool,” recalled Bill Cooper, Gloversville’s director of IT during a Q&A session at a New York Association for Pupil Transportation event. Fortunately, most of the drivers continued to drive for the district. The district hired a transportation director and began looking at various routing software vendors.

Initially, Gloversville chose the least expensive option—a decision driven by budget constraints rather than operational fit.

But within three weeks, the cracks began to show. Students were being dropped off at the wrong locations. Communication between drivers and schools was chaotic. Everything was managed on paper and spreadsheets, and updates rarely made it back to the right people.

Safety—the superintendent’s top priority—was at risk.

“It was a mess,” Cooper said bluntly during the Q&A session. “We had kids getting dropped off at the wrong location. We even had one kid just jump off the bus and leave. There was no accountability.”

At one point, Cooper said, “the transportation director considered quitting. We didn’t want that.”

Faced with mounting problems and growing frustration, Superintendent David Halloran made a decisive call, Cooper said: “We’re dumping this other company no matter what—even if we’re stuck paying for the year-long commitment. We’ve got to make a change.”

The Turning Point: A Call for Help

That’s when Gloversville reached out to Transfinder.

“We went back and swallowed our pride and then I called Transfinder,” Cooper said. Within 15 minutes Cooper had a response from Transfinder that help was on the way. Within three days, Transfinder was onsite, meeting with district leaders and mapping out a plan.

From the first conversation, one message stood out during calls with Transfinder’s experts: “The number one thing is children’s safety, student safety.” For Cooper, that was the moment he knew they had found the right partner.

“Right then I knew I would have the support of the superintendent to help them make the decision,” he said.

Transfinder didn’t just promise a solution—they provided true partnership and delivered with speed and expertise. The district was fast-tracked through implementation, and within two months, they were fully operational. Training was designed for every role—drivers, mechanics, administrators—and designed for staff with limited IT experience.

Cooper said Transfinder’s involvement was in marked contrast with the previous vendor. “The first company I never even heard from. I thought that was strange because I knew what they needed from our Student Information System and so forth.”

“The (Transfinder) training was unbelievable. It seems like it was tailored to each individual.” Cooper noted. “They took right to it and it was amazing that people with such limited IT skills picked it up as quickly as they did.”

Results That Matter

The impact was immediate and profound. No more missed stops. No more wrong drop-offs. Communication improved dramatically, and accountability returned to the system. For Cooper, the silence was golden: “The only time I get called now is when there’s a problem. And I don’t get called—which is good.”

Beyond solving the immediate crisis, Transfinder positioned Gloversville for long-term success. Features like student tracking and advanced analytics can be added gradually, ensuring the district scales at its own pace.

In fact, Cooper mentioned some in the district wanted to purchase additional Transfinder solution and were told: “Listen, we’ll work you into that. Right now, we’re going to concentrate on getting you guys up and getting your runs and making sure your kids are getting back and forth safely.”

From that position of strength, the district can add solutions like the award-winning parent app Stopfinder.

“This has been one of the easiest implementations of a software platform that I’ve ever been involved with,” Cooper said. “I do a bunch of them.”

Lessons Learned

Looking back, Cooper offers advice for other districts: “Follow (Transfinder’s) lead. Do your homework. Find out what your priorities are and make sure they match the company’s priorities. I knew when I heard that children are your main concern and the safety of our children, we were definitely on the right page.”

For Gloversville, the move to Transfinder wasn’t just a technology upgrade—it was a lifeline. In the face of a transportation crisis, the district found a partner that delivered speed, reliability, and peace of mind. Today, Gloversville’s transportation system is safer, smarter, and ready for the future.

“You guys really bailed us out of a pretty serious situation,” Cooper says. “So, thank you. I couldn’t be happier.”

To learn more, visit www.transfinder.com/solutions, call 800-373-3609 or email solutions@tranfinder.com.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post From Crisis to Confidence: Gloversville’s Journey to Transfinder appeared first on School Transportation News.

Our first issue of 2026 brings the focus back to transportation of students with special needs and disabilities. Learn more about leveraging camera technology for student safety and driver training, Medicaid reimbursement management, the considerations of using non-yellow school bus vehicles for student transportation and the details on new securement technology for students with disabilities and how to train staff to use it correctly. Also read articles on targeting sexual assault onboard school buses and the multi-faceted approach needed to build and retain student transportation teams that are prepared for the wide variety of student needs.

Find more information about our upcoming 2026 conferences in the magazine as well as a recap of the 2025 TSD Conference!

Read the full January 2026 issue.

Features

Navigating the Complexities
The arduous task of tracking students and routes for Medicaid reimbursement can be off-putting. However, software companies are highlighting the benefits of how technology can help with documenting and reporting.

Smaller Options
Switching to alternative transportation vehicles like vans and SUVs for students with disabilities is beneficial in some circumstances, but at what cost?

Secure & Ensure
As securement devices for students with disabilities become more specialized, ensuring transportation staff are trained in securing them properly inside the school bus is a top safety element.

Special Reports

Eagle Eye on Student Transportation Safety
Leveraging camera technology can offer a host of safety solutions, from identifying student behavior issues to detailing driver performance behind the wheel.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Driving Change in 2026

Thought Leader by Linda Bluth
Sexual Assault on School Transportation Vehicles: A Call for Action

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Innovative Staffing & Retention

The post January 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

ATECH students like hands-on classes, enroll in paid apprenticeships and collect free college credit before continuing on to trade school. But the school has struggled to attract students, combat a persistent stigma around technical education and afford equipment and tools.

The post ‘Can’t do this alone’: An Appleton school prepares students for skilled trades. It’s not easy. appeared first on WPR.

Using fruit flies, researchers at UW-Madison are uncovering a new way to think about treating an aggressive and deadly form of childhood brain cancer.

The post Can fruit flies lead to new treatments for incurable childhood brain cancer? appeared first on WPR.

The agri-food sector isn’t one of the top targets for cybercriminals — but as farms and production facilities become more reliant on technology, they also become more vulnerable.

The post Hackers are targeting US farms and food companies. Lawmakers say it’s time to act appeared first on WPR.

DENVER, Colo. — EverDriven, the nation’s leader in alternative student transportation, today shared new insights on the three forces expected to shape modern student transportation in 2026. Drawing from national district trends, operational data, and daily conversations with transportation teams, EverDriven outlines how greater flexibility, deeper equity considerations, and technology as essential infrastructure are reshaping transportation planning in the year ahead.

To support district leaders in understanding these emerging pressures, EverDriven is providing a structured, Q&A-style overview of the factors influencing modernization across districts nationwide.

What key pressures are driving districts to modernize student transportation in 2026?
Student transportation is entering a new era, shaped by key pressures including the changing demographics, evolving mobility patterns, tighter funding conditions, and heightened expectations from families.

According to EverDriven’s Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report, 98% of districts report active modernization efforts, signaling a nationwide shift toward transportation systems that are more flexible, more equitable, and more technology-enabled.

EverDriven’s work with transportation teams across the country offers real-time visibility into these pressures and how they are reshaping planning for the year ahead.

How will funding volatility elevate the need for flexibility in student transportation?
Many districts are heading into 2026 with uncertainty surrounding key federal programs—including EHCY, IDEA, and Title I—that support transportation for vulnerable student groups. At the same time, student needs are becoming more individualized, and mobility patterns are shifting more frequently.

These realities are prompting districts to explore flexible operating models, including:
Blended fleets that mix small-capacity vehicles with traditional buses
Partnerships with vetted, compliant transportation providers
Dynamic routing and communication tools that allow rapid adjustments

Flexibility is becoming non-negotiable—a foundational strategy for maintaining service reliability when financial or demographic conditions change quickly.

How are shifting student needs elevating equity as a core priority in student transportation?
Districts are seeing rapid changes in the populations they serve. Since 2020:
McKinney-Vento transportation requests increased 167%
62% of districts report growth in special education populations
Family homelessness increased nearly 39%

These shifts are reshaping what equitable transportation must provide, including shorter ride times, reliable access regardless of housing status, and seamless continuity when students move or experience instability.

With 88% of district leaders identifying access disparities, equity is moving from an aspirational goal to a central planning lens for 2026. Districts are prioritizing modern transportation models that offer stability and predictability for students who need it most.

Why is technology becoming core operational infrastructure for transportation teams?
Transportation operations have become more complex due to individualized routing, expanded compliance requirements, and demands for real-time communication with families. According to EverDriven’s report, 68% of district leaders say technology will play a significant or critical role in their 2026 strategies.

As a result, districts are turning to systems that:

• Integrate routing, planning, and driver credential management
• Automate verification and reporting
• Consolidate parent communication and visibility tools
• Reduce manual workload across transportation teams

In 2026, technology becomes core infrastructure—the backbone that enables districts to respond to student needs quickly, operate transparently, and maintain high levels of safety and compliance.

What does this mean for the year ahead?
Flexibility, equity, and modern infrastructure will define how districts adapt in 2026. These forces are reshaping the foundation of modern student transportation planning, helping districts build systems that are more resilient, more adaptable, and more student-centered.

Whether managing shifting funding, meeting the needs of highly mobile students, or navigating complex operational requirements, districts are using modernization to create transportation experiences that help every student arrive at school safely, consistently, and ready to learn.

To learn more about how EverDriven supports districts in modernizing student transportation through flexible, equitable, and technology-enabled programs, visit www.EverDriven.com.

About EverDriven

EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Identifies 3 Forces Quietly Reshaping Modern Student Transportation in 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

The most read School Transportation News magazine articles in 2025 explored AI and other emerging technology, leadership, workforce development and evolving student transportation models.

Specific topics included illegal school bus passing prevention, routing optimization, artificial intelligence and future-focused fleet technology, to reflect a transportation industry actively adapting to new challenges and opportunities. At the same time, human-centered stories, highlighting leadership, recognition and professional growth continued to resonate strongly with readers.

Together, these articles underscore the industry’s dual focus on innovation and culture as transportation departments prepare for the future.

STN reports below on the top-viewed article from each monthly magazine issue in 2025, organized by publication month.

January – Atypical Student Transportation

This article examined nontraditional student transportation scenarios that fall outside standard home-to-school routes on school buses. It explored how districts are adapting to serve students with disabilities and special needs who need alternative schedules and specialized programs. The piece emphasized flexibility, collaboration and policy considerations required to safely and effectively manage atypical transportation models.

February – Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Focusing on one of the most persistent safety threats in pupil transportation, this article addresses strategies to reduce illegal passing of stopped school buses. It highlighted the role of public awareness campaigns, stop-arm cameras, and enforcement partnerships, reinforcing the importance of both education and technology in protecting students at bus stops.

March – On the Block

Procurement and decision-making challenges faced by transportation departments, particularly as districts evaluate new vehicles, services and technologies, underscore the importance of planning, transparency and stakeholder input when making large-scale transportation investments.

 

April – Seeing Into the Future

One of the most-read magazine articles of the year looked at emerging AI trends shaping student transportation. Topics include predictive maintenance technologies, data-driven operations and forward-thinking approaches to safety and efficiency. The article encouraged readers to view innovation as a proactive tool rather than a reactive solution.

May – Q&A: Wyskiel Steers Blue Bird Toward Its Second Century

This Q&A featured leadership insights from Blue Bird President and CEO John Wyskiel, focusing on the company’s vision as it moves into its second century. The discussion touched on innovation, electrification, manufacturing priorities and the evolving needs of school districts.

June – Peeling Back the Routing Layers

Routing remains one of the most complex aspects of school transportation, and this article took a deep dive into the many variables that influence route design. From staffing shortages to bell times to special needs transportation, the piece highlighted how layered decision-making and technology tools can help districts improve efficiency and service reliability.

July – Leadership Perspectives on the Future of AI

This article examines how AI may shape the future of student transportation. Industry leaders share perspectives on potential applications, from routing and predictive maintenance to training and operations, while also addressing concerns around implementation, data, and workforce readiness.

August – 10 Years: Garage Stars

Celebrating a decade of recognizing excellence, this article highlights the critical role maintenance professionals play in student transportation. It honored the dedication, expertise and behind-the-scenes work of garage staff who keep fleets safe, reliable and road-ready every day.

 

September – Future-Focused Technology

This article explores technology solutions designed to support long-term transportation goals rather than short-term fixes. Topics included vehicle systems, software integration and tools that improve safety, accountability, and operational visibility for transportation departments.

 

October – Transportation Director Salaries by U.S. Region

Providing data-driven insight into compensation trends, this top-viewed article breaks down transportation director salaries by region across the contiguous U.S. It offers valuable benchmarking information amid ongoing workforce recruitment and retention challenges.

 

November – Rising Superstars

The most-viewed magazine article of 2025 spotlighted emerging leaders in the student transportation industry. By recognizing rising professionals making meaningful contributions, the article reflects the industry’s focus on mentorship, succession planning and cultivating the next generation of transportation leadership.

 

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Related: (STN Podcast E240) 2024 in Review: Top STN Magazine Articles
Related: (STN Podcast E241) 2024 in Review: Top STN Online News Articles
Related: Top 10 Most Popular STN Web Articles of 2024
Related: 2024 STN Magazine Top Articles

The post 2025 STN Magazine Top Articles appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex transportation challenges with safety, access, and care, has announced strong momentum with its enhanced Caregiver Great Start Program. This initiative introduces a dedicated support team that provides proactive and personalized outreach to new parents and guardians of HopSkipDrive riders. The goal is to ensure every family feels supported, confident, and well-equipped to fully utilize the HopSkipDrive platform once their school district books a ride.

While HopSkipDrive is built on a foundation of rigorous CareDriver vetting including caregiving experience and a 15-point certification process with fingerprint-based background checks—the Caregiver Great Start Program recognizes that even the best technology requires a trust-building human connection to ensure full confidence in every ride. The program is specifically designed to bridge this gap, guiding new caregivers through key processes and ensuring a positive, secure start to their experience.

“Having someone from the Caregiver Support team talk directly with a parent and student who are new users of HopSkipDrive builds trust and success from the start… I noticed far fewer calls and emails this year, especially at the start of the year, and I think it’s because their support team took that task off my plate. This support has made a huge difference,” said Brianne Nakayama at Southern California Regional Occupational Center.

The Caregiver Great Start Program’s core strategic focus is on ensuring a seamless and confident start for new caregivers. This involves personally welcoming them with a proactive call placed at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of the first ride. During this touch-point, the support team provides immediate, personalized guidance on ride logistics, safety measures (such as HopSkipDrive’s ride verification mechanism which pairs a code word and birthdate to ensure each CareDriver meets the right rider), and how to utilize the HopSkipDrive app for maximum peace of mind.

The Caregiver Great Start Program has already demonstrated significant impact since the start of the Back-to-School season, delivering high-touch support that reinforces family confidence and platform adoption. The program actively engages all eligible caregivers for new riders from our client partners, ensuring 100% of contacted caregivers receive full guidance on the safety protocols and app features necessary for a smooth first ride.

By guiding caregivers to use the app to confidently track rides and access details, the program directly reinforces HopSkipDrive’s commitment to transparency and peace of mind. The personalized outreach ensures families fully grasp the power of the platform’s safety tools, including:

● Real-Time Tracking: Providing step-by-step instructions on how to track their child’s ride live on a map, from CareDriver arrival to safe drop-off.

● Ride Verification Reinforcement: Reiterating the two-factor verification process, which involves a two-way code word and birthdate communication, to ensure the right child is picked up by the right, vetted CareDriver.

● Self-Service Convenience: Empowering caregivers to manage their trips, including quick edits, cancellations, and updating specific location or rider notes directly in the app without relying solely on phone support.

● Safe Ride Support and Proactive Detection: Providing access to our dedicated team that monitors every ride, including the ability to measure driving behavior before a ride starts to ensure road safety and prevent dangerous driving.

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

The post HopSkipDrive Elevates Family Trust with Personal Calls to Families of New Riders appeared first on School Transportation News.

Residents who have been opposing a $15 billion data center in Port Washington for months are now trying to recall the city's mayor.

The post Data center opponents launch recall of Port Washington mayor appeared first on WPR.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read School Transportation News magazine articles from 2025, which focused on student safety, operational efficiency and technological advancement. STN also recognized outstanding individuals and teams in the industry through programs like Innovator of the Year, Garage Stars, Rising Stars and Transportation Director of the Year.

Read all our digital editions.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

 

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

The post (STN Podcast E287) 2025 in Review: Top STN Magazine Articles appeared first on School Transportation News.

The landscape of student transportation is constantly evolving, but are your district’s strategies adapting with it? Get powerful takeaways to keep pace with the industry’s changes and stay resilient by attending this webinar.

Across four trends, you’ll learn:

• How to get a 360-degree view of operations by integrating on-bus technology.
• Tech-driven methods to overcome the driver shortage, empower your team and cut turnover.
• Budget-friendly strategies to navigate differing electric school bus priorities.
• Practical ways to implement AI for safer, more efficient student transportation.

Save your spot now. 

Brought to you by Geotab

REGISTER BELOW:

 

Presenters:

Alfred Karam
Former Director of Transportation (Retired)
Shenendehowa Central School District

Alfred is a Master Gunnery Sergeant of Marines (retired), an award-winning Director of Transportation and a published author. Following 25 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he led transportation operations for two of New York’s largest school districts for 24 years. His leadership has been recognized with multiple top honors, including the School Bus Fleet Magazine Administrator of the Year (2013) and the National Association for Pupil Transportation Larson Quality Award (2017).

Keba Baldwin
Director of Transportation and Central Garage
Prince George’s County Public Schools

Keba Baldwin serves as the Director of Transportation & Central Garage for Prince George’s County Public Schools, one of the nation’s largest school districts. He leads operations for more than 1,200 school buses and 700 fleet vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable service for over 85,000 students each day.

Mr. Baldwin brings a unique perspective that bridges the classroom and operations. His scientific background has shaped his analytical approach, while his educator’s mindset informs his commitment to equity, safety and service. He has led initiatives in routing optimization, safety training for transporting students with disabilities and the adoption of clean-energy fleets.

Craig Berndt
Business Segment Manager, People Transportation
Geotab

With 15 years in telematics, Craig brings to the table extensive experience in passenger transportation, public works and vehicle sharing. In his current role at Geotab as the Business Segment Manager for People Transportation, Craig is responsible for leading a cross-functional team to ensure success in this rapidly growing area of the business. He earned an MBA in 2020 and his community engagement includes volunteering with Scouting America (formerly BSA) and his non-profit animal rescue.

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These days there are a lot of questions and institutions, state regulations, and in federal funding. The constructive focus will always be on the “half-full” glass because that is what we can control. However, in my opinion, too much airtime is spent focusing on the “what we don’t have” and “what we don’t know.” This seems to be a preoccupation that serves no purpose and has me continually asking “to what end?”

As leaders within our organizations, we are tasked with vision casting, strategic planning and daily implementation, irrespective of the questions and the challenges that (we know) will arise. People look to us for support and reassurance that corrective measures are available and will be deployed when necessary. Therefore, it is our responsibility to acknowledge and promote the success stories within our organizations or external examples that can help our journey.

Record Setting Examples
Within the last six years, I have helped two different school districts go from breaking ground to charging electric school buses in less than a year. Prior to these projects, electric charging infrastructure was thought to be at least a two- to three-year process because of COVID-19 shutdowns, supply chain issues, the procurement process, the complexity of utility coordination, and normal construction schedules.

Both districts are in California’s Central Valley. The first was Stockton Unified School District, and the most recent was Modesto City Schools. I realize that everyone is busy and rarely do we have time to add one more project, especially something as complex as EV charging. But I can tell you firsthand that every district that helps to reduce harmful emissions makes their city better for their students, their staff and everyone in their community.

Every successful accomplishment is a building block that generates momentum, creates more opportunities and inspires others. It is important for district leadership to attend workshops and conferences like STN’s to hear positive lessons from other districts. Collaboration with our peers is always valuable. Finding examples with similar fleet size, terrain, weather conditions and funding strategies are most useful.

Transportation Leading the Way
Transportation can (and should) be the leader for innovative efforts at your school district. We get up earlier than most and many times a bus driver is the first district staff that students see and interact with. In January 2022, the board of trustees for Modesto City Schools voted to convert half of its school bus fleet to battery electric with the purchase of 30 Blue Bird buses. The success of our electric school bus conversion was the fulcrum that allowed us to develop and expand sustainability initiatives.

Since then, Modesto City Schools has:

• Started a new Sustainability & Adaptation Department (2022).
• Created sustainability webpages.
• Contracted $61 million in solar carports and sustainability initiatives.
• Secured almost $24 million in state and federal grant funding.
• Received $5.3 million in elective pay for 2024 Investment Tax Credit.
• Paid stipend to teachers for environmental club support at all 34 schools.
• Installed Purple Air Monitors at every school site.
• Contracted with Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) for paid student internships promoting Green Career Path education.
• Achieved the Green Ribbon Schools District Award in 2024, Gold Level, from the California Department of Education.

Everyone’s path is unique but learning how successful districts chose their team and decreasing timelines helps. Understanding the strengths and roles of specific project partners can save you time (and a lot of headaches).

Strategies that Make a Difference
Zig Ziglar said that “success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” In my last six years, my greatest results have come from innovative “out-of-the-box ideas.” I think we must dream big and strive for the ideas that make the most impact.

We should trust our project partners and be willing to try good ideas regardless of where they come from. Many people say, “We are doing projects for the kids,” but the end goal should be doing sustainability projects with our students.

An example would be having student reporters attending press events, interviewing administrators, and working alongside the local news stations. (That happened at Modesto.)

I would encourage you to include student voices in transportation messaging, professional development videos and instructional notifications. As a sustainability director, I would love nothing more than to break my job into eight semester modules and create a sustainability certificate program for students. Visit the Modesto City Transportation page at stnonline.com/go/nw.

Focusing Forward
I was an interim transportation director at Stockton Unified for two months in 2021. That means that I have a special appreciation for all that you do for students and the districts you serve. The complexity of this responsibility requires the ability to spin 13 plates at once, be able to put out any situational fires, and make sure all students get to (and from) school safely (and on time!!) All of you are talented, seasoned professionals. You are good at what you do (that’s why you are in charge).

It doesn’t matter what tomorrow brings, we will always show up and we will always do our best. In this month of November, I am thankful that transportation continues to lead the way and I wish you all the best.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the November 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Gilbert Blue Feather Rosas is the director II of sustainability and adaptation at Modesto City Schools in California. He is a 2022 STN Rising SuperStar and serves
on several boards such as the World Resource Institute, Generation180 (Solar), School Energy Coalition and the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI). Gilbert can be reached at gr122mmlt@gmail.com.

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