RENO, Nev. — STN EXPO West 2026 took place July 9-15 in Reno, Nevada, offering a week of professional development, leadership training, technology demonstrations and networking for student transportation professionals.

The conference began with registration, a kick-off reception and a poolside welcome event. Friday and Saturday featured specialized training on school bus inspections, active-threat response, mobility securement, reasonable suspicion and transportation supervision. The Transportation Director Summit kicked off that night with leadership discussions and an interactive session at Lake Tahoe the next day.

Main conference programming began Sunday with the Innovator of the Year Award, Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit. Sessions explore alternative fuels, electric school bus infrastructure, artificial intelligence, routing, cameras, illegal passing and student safety. The day concludes with the Ride & Drive and live technology demonstrations.

Monday opened with the Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence and a keynote presentation by Bruce Turkel. Breakout sessions address fleet management, communication, employee fatigue, artificial intelligence and safety technology. Attendees can later visited the “Wonderland of Ideas” Trade Show and networking reception.

Tuesday included a state-of-the-industry presentation, a leadership-focused general session with military veterans and the second day of the Trade Show. Afternoon sessions covered dispatch, budgeting, fleet operations, personnel productivity and practical uses of artificial intelligence.

The conference concluded Wednesday with an executive training session led by NAPT Hall of Fame members Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter. The session focused on safety leadership, emergency preparedness and recognizing warning signs before incidents occur.

Throughout the event, attendees connected with industry peers, explored new products and gained practical strategies for improving student transportation safety, efficiency and leadership. (Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.)

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Tony, Ryan and Taylor go over the highlights from STN EXPO West last week which focused on not only skills, technology and training but also teambuilding, workplace culture and making emotional connections.

Highlights included focused inspection and special needs trainings, a musical keynote, Great Gatsby and Alice in Wonderland themed networking events, multiple awards given, a Mr. Bus Driver appearance, a military leadership panel, the Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit, an AI track, and the Pete & Dick Show.

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The Wyoming Pupil Transportation Association expanded educational programming and interactive networking opportunities during its 2026 annual conference, drawing hundreds of transportation professionals to Casper for two days of leadership, safety and workforce development.

The 2026 WPTA Conference, themed “Driving Into the Future,” was held June 30-July 1 at the Ford Wyoming Center. According to WPTA Conference Coordinator Athena Bartz, the event welcomed 477 registered attendees representing school bus drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, trainers, supervisors, administrators and industry partners from across Wyoming.

“The conference focused on providing high-quality professional development, promoting student safety, sharing best practices, and creating opportunities for networking and collaboration among transportation professionals from across the state,” Bartz told School Transportation News.

Bartz said the conference’s primary goals were to support professional growth, recognize excellence in pupil transportation and provide valuable learning opportunities tailored to every role within the industry.

Educational sessions covered leadership, student management, special needs transportation, school bus safety, maintenance, technician training, dispatcher responsibilities, driver development and current transportation issues. Bartz said the conference also expanded programming for groups that traditionally have had fewer dedicated learning opportunities.

Wyoming Attendees Learn Dispatch, Leadership and Maintenance Skills

Among the new additions were dedicated educational sessions for dispatchers, as well as roundtable discussions for dispatchers, trainers and mechanics that allowed participants to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and share best practices.

Another first-time initiative was the Vendor Passport activity, which encouraged attendees to visit exhibitor booths, ask questions and learn about products and services while becoming eligible for prize drawings. Bartz said the activity increased engagement between attendees and exhibitors. Raffle drawings and badge number prizes were also held throughout the conference to maintain participation.

Additionally, 21 participants completed the National Association for Pupil Transportation Professional Development Series course, Introduction to Leadership and Management.

The vendor show featured 40 booths showcasing school transportation equipment, technology, maintenance solutions and safety products.

Outside the classroom, the conference hosted a Bus Rodeo, Mountain Driving Competition and Mechanics Challenge. Bartz added that 100 competitors participated in the Bus Rodeo, 68 in the Mountain Driving Competition and 42 in the Mechanics Challenge.

Separate conventional and transit bus courses allowed drivers to compete using the type of vehicle they operate each day, while the Mechanics Challenge tested participants’ technical knowledge, diagnostic skills and problem-solving abilities through hands-on scenarios.

Although post-conference surveys are still being collected, Bartz said early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the expanded educational offerings, new dispatcher programming and increased vendor interaction.

“I’m most proud of how the conference continued to evolve by introducing new educational opportunities while still maintaining the traditions that attendees enjoy,” Bartz said.

In a follow-up email to School Transportation News, WPTA Executive Director Adam Rydel described the conference as a success and said keynote speakers Keith Henry and Chad Hymas were well received. He also confirmed the association plans to return to Casper for its 2027 conference, scheduled June 28 through July 1

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Related:  Gallery: Leadership Training, Networking at STN EXPO West

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RENO, Nev. — A total of just over 1,010 years of student transportation experience sat in the “So, You Want to Become a Transportation Supervisor,” four-and-half-hour session July 11 during STN EXPO West.

Not only transportation experience but education experience as well, consultant Alexandra Robinson said, adding that everyone in the room is an educator. Also, among the presenters were industry veterans Timothy Purvis of Pupil Transportation Information, consultant Pamela McDonald, and Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, executive director of enrollment and student services at Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma.

Vann-Jackson started the first quarter of the seminar by explaining because the school bus serves as an extension of the classroom, employees have opportunities to positively influence students, colleagues and communities. As individuals advance into supervisory roles, however, their responsibilities and challenges often increase, particularly when managing adults, building trust and navigating organizational change, she said.

A central theme of her portion was “level setting,” or creating a shared understanding of expectations, priorities, values and workplace standards. Effective supervisors should establish common language, clearly communicate what employees can expect from leadership and connect operational decisions to the department’s central purpose: safely transporting students.

Healthy Leadership

Vann-Jackson stressed that successful leaders listen before attempting to solve problems. By learning why employees stay, what motivates them and what challenges they face, leaders can develop more effective recruitment, retention and workplace improvement strategies. She shared how employee feedback helped her district target retirees who enjoyed working with children, contributing to significant staffing improvements.

Trust was described as the foundation of a healthy workplace culture. Supervisors build trust gradually by keeping promises, admitting mistakes, listening, giving employees credit, remaining consistent, and working alongside their teams. Trust can be quickly lost through favoritism, poor communication, broken commitments or unexpected demands.

The presenters also encouraged attendees to build relationships beyond their departments, including with unions, district administrators, school leaders and financial officers. Strong internal and external partnerships help transportation leaders advocate for employees, secure resources and create a culture that continues to succeed even when the supervisor is not present.

Building Culture

McDonald continued, discussing the importance of creating relationships. The retired director of transportation for Orange Unified School District in Southern California, noted that leaders should remain visible and available to employees rather than managing exclusively from an office. Regular briefings, informal conversations and opportunities for staff input can improve communication and reduce burnout. Employees should also be included in decisions that directly affect their work, such as selecting new buses, equipment or technology.

She emphasized that transportation departments benefit from the varied backgrounds, languages and experiences of their employees. Recognizing those strengths can improve service across an entire school district.

Successful transportation leaders must also build relationships with students, parents, teachers, principals, special education staff, district administrators, neighboring districts, contractors and community members. These partnerships can provide critical support during staffing shortages, operational changes and emergencies, McDonald said.

Departments should actively promote their accomplishments through awards, employee recognition, team events, professional development and public outreach. Positive visibility can strengthen employee pride, improve morale and demonstrate transportation’s value when district leaders consider budgets. Above all, employees should understand that their work reflects the department and supports the safe transportation of students.

Kristy Flick, operations supervisor for Poway Unified School District in California, said in 1991 her first child was born and she was looking for work that was part-time, allowing her to choose her schedule. She became a sub driver for Poway for two years before becoming a permanent driver and then continued to move up the ranks – from training, to dispatching to routing for students with special needs.

“Then eventually a supervisory job came open, and I thought, oh, why not? I’ll just go for it and try it, and here I am,” she said, adding that the supervisor class gave her suggestions on how to boost morale.

She noted that after COVID-19, bringing camaraderie back to the department has been a challenge. “So that’s something that I want to take back and hopefully go forward with what I learned from here to help with our morale in Poway,” she said, adding it’s all about listening and being a positive person.

Data-Driven Decisions

Purvis continued, addressing data driven decisions. The retired director of transportation for Poway Unified and founder of PTI said transportation supervisors can use data to make stronger operational and budget decisions. Leaders do not need to be experts in spreadsheets or statistics, but they should understand how measurable information can confirm—or challenge—the assumptions made about their departments.

He distinguished between observations and key performance indicators. Statements such as “that bus is always late” or “drivers struggle with backing” may identify a concern, but they do not provide enough information to guide a decision. A key performance indicator uses a measurable number to show whether performance is improving, declining or remaining consistent.

Transportation departments already generate valuable data through routing systems, maintenance records, safety inspections, accident reports, training programs and employee attendance. However, that information is often kept in separate operational silos. Supervisors should connect data across departments to better understand the causes of delays, vehicle problems, accidents, staffing challenges and inefficient routes.

Useful measures may include on-time performance, preventable accidents, driver absenteeism, fleet availability, cost per mile, student ride times, bus capacity and the number of students transported, Purvis explained. These figures become especially important when district administration request budget reductions without reducing service.

He encouraged supervisors to begin with one operational area, select a meaningful measurement and review it consistently. Data should support practical decisions, not be collected simply for the sake of creating reports.

Ian Moter, assistant transportation director for Converse County School District #2 in Wyoming, noted Purvis’ section was of particular interest to him. Moter lost his full-time job and started driving a school bus because he had a CDL. He drove a bus for one full school year, and when he returned several staff members quit for personal reasons, and his superintendent provided him to step in to help in the interim. Since then, he was hired to be the assistant director, a move he described as stressful.

“Mostly just because of learning the business side of things,” he said. “I find that 90 percent of these issues, doesn’t come from bus driving specifically. It’s more so learning people and process, and I’m a big proponent of people over process.”

He added the district has implemented Tyler Technologies and Geotab, which have been instrumental in their program. “Just optimizing, finding the data that we need to find our inefficiencies with just maintenance as well as routing and safe student pickup,” he said, adding that they’ve been able to reduce routes from seven to four. “… All of our office staff is brand new to the office staff side of things. My dispatcher is a retired bus driver. She worked for our district for 24 years on one single dedicated route, and so none of us had any of the office experience. And Tyler Tech has helped us be able to just move straight through seamlessly.”

He said he resonated with the section on KPIs. “I really took a lot from this last session about KPIs, and rather than trying to find a people source of ongoing issues, trying to see if there’s an overarching problem that could be used across the board to help efficiencies.”

Being a Good Leader

Robinson concluded the seminar with information on how to lead in not only good times but bad. She explored how workplace culture, accountability and self-awareness affect transportation departments. Employees should feel motivated, respected and comfortable communicating with supervisors, said the veteran transportation professional who had stints as director of San Diego Unified in California and as executive director for the New York City Department of Education.

In unhealthy organizations, even a request to meet with a manager can create anxiety, physical stress and fear. Leaders must recognize warning signs such as bullying, passive-aggressive behavior, apathy, poor follow-through and persistent negativity before they spread throughout the department.

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Robinson noted that supervisors cannot continually excuse harmful behavior because of staffing shortages, seniority or a lack of documentation. Allowing unsafe or disruptive employees to remain without accountability damages trust and signals that standards are optional. Leaders should ask whether they would confidently allow an employee to transport their own child, said the former National Association for Pupil Transportation president, adding that any hesitation should prompt immediate action. Staffing gaps should not be managed by routinely pulling dispatchers, mechanics, supervisors or directors away from essential responsibilities, as these short-term solutions can create larger safety and liability risks.

Supervisors should also evaluate whether employees are serving in roles that match their skills, Robinson said. Some individuals excel at managing systems, technology or routing but may not be suited in leading people. Cross-training, reassignment and thoughtful organizational planning can help employees contribute successfully without forcing everyone onto the same career path.

Robinson’s section also addressed professional growth. Hard work alone is not enough if results are invisible, and loyalty should not keep employees in unhealthy environments. Leaders should seek meaningful feedback, avoid treating burnout as an accomplishment and focus on progress rather than perfection. Networking and stepping outside one’s comfort zone she described as essential to advancement.

When hiring future leaders, supervisors should look beyond technical experience and consider enthusiasm, curiosity, honesty and willingness to learn, she said. Strong leadership potential often appears in candidates who care deeply about the work, understand their limitations and demonstrate a genuine desire to improve student transportation, Robinson concluded.

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Reno, Nev. – During the Transportation Director Summit in Lake Tahoe, keynote speaker Bruce Turkel led an interactive leadership training that included workshop sessions designed to build stronger trust, improve team alignment and lead more effectively through change.

Additional trainings that took place on Saturday during STN EXPO West include the National School Bus Inspection hosted at Washoe County School District, Advanced Securement Training: Troubleshooting Difficult Mobility Devices and So, You Want to Become a Transportation Supervisor?

The day concluded with a Great Gatsby themed Welcome Party at EDGE Nightclub. Attendees conversed in lavish and sophisticated style resulting in an joyous jubilee.

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RENO, Nev. — As school districts continue investing millions of dollars in cameras, secure entrances, metal detectors and other campus security measures, one group of law enforcement professionals says an equally important piece of the safety puzzle continues to receive far less attention: School transportation.

Instructors with Levine Security Solutions on Friday presented a four-hour overview of the School Transportation Active Response Training (S.T.A.R.T.) program. They urged transportation leaders to prepare their school bus drivers for active threats, arguing that school buses have become one of the most vulnerable environments in K-12 education because drivers are often the first, and only, adults available to respond when a crisis unfolds.

“Our mission has been and will continue to be proactive,” S.T.A.R.T. co-founder Jim Levine told attendees. “We have to get bus drivers to understand what the threat looks like and what the response options could be, because it’s not fair. It’s not fair to them, and it’s not fair to the community that entrusts their kids to be on that bus.”

Levine, a former school resource officer and active-duty law enforcement officer as well as founder and president of Levine Security Solutions, said the program grew out of an experience in 2015, when he inspected security measures at an Ohio school district. After seeing reinforced doors, protective window film and fencing around school buildings, he visited the transportation department and asked what type of active threat training bus drivers had received.

The answer surprised him.

“The troopers are here almost every month. They check the buses, but they’ve never talked to the drivers about what to look for or what to do,” Levine recalled.

That conversation launched what has become an 11-year effort to educate transportation professionals nationwide on recognizing warning signs, preventing violence and responding during life-threatening emergencies.

Levine argued that while schools have dramatically strengthened building security over the past decade, transportation has largely remained an afterthought.

“We target hard in the schools so much that we’ve just transferred the threat to the buses,” he said.

He pointed to recent incidents involving weapons on school buses and evolving threats such as 3D-printed firearms as examples of why transportation departments must prepare for scenarios that extend beyond traditional student management.

“If your bus drivers had an active threat on their bus, would they know how to respond in the first three to five seconds?” Levine asked the audience. “If the answer is no, that’s why we’re here.”

Preparing Drivers Before Violence Occurs

Active-duty police officer John Zippay, S.T.A.R.T. co-founder and vice president of Levine Security Solutions, explained that the organization’s eight-hour training program focuses on five areas: Legal responsibilities, threat recognition, juvenile behavioral intelligence, crisis de-escalation and active threat response. The conference session condensed those lessons into a four-hour overview.

“We truly believe [bus drivers] are our forgotten heroes,” Zippay said. “We forget about them.”

One of the most important lessons, he said, is helping drivers establish a “baseline” for their routes.

Because drivers travel the same neighborhoods and interact with many of the same students each day, they are uniquely positioned to recognize when something appears out of place.

Whether it is an unfamiliar person lingering at a bus stop, a parent behaving unusually, or a student whose demeanor suddenly changes, recognizing those anomalies can give drivers valuable time to react and alert others before a situation escalates.

The training also emphasizes a driver’s legal “duty of care” and responsibility to protect students while they are on the bus.

Zippay said drivers sometimes misunderstand “no hands-on” policies as meaning they can never physically intervene. Instead, instructors teach that while physical force should always be a last resort, drivers have both the authority and responsibility to act when students face immediate danger.

“We want to empower drivers,” he said. “We don’t want that pendulum to swing so far that they think they can’t do anything.”

Building Relationships that Prevent Violence

Former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Greg Truhan shifted the conversation from responding to violence to preventing it altogether.

Drawing upon research conducted by the Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center, Truhan said many school attackers exhibited warning signs long before carrying out acts of violence.

Perhaps most significant, he noted, was one recurring finding among K-12 school shooters.

“School shooters reported having no trusting relationships with a responsible adult, not one,” Truhan said.

For transportation professionals, that research reinforces the importance of building relationships with student riders.

Bus drivers often see students before teachers do each morning and after they leave school each afternoon, giving them opportunities to notice behavioral changes that others may miss.

“They can be that trusted adult,” Truhan said.

He encouraged school bus drivers to ask simple questions when they notice a student appears upset, withdrawn or unusually emotional.

“Are you OK? Is something wrong? How can I help you? What do you need?” he said, adding that even if students choose not to answer immediately, knowing an adult cares may encourage them to seek help later.

Truhan shared examples of bus drivers identifying children in crisis and connecting them with assistance before situations became more serious, underscoring transportation’s role in violence prevention as much as emergency response.

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De-escalation Before Confrontation

Another major component of the S.T.A.R.T. curriculum focuses on crisis de-escalation.

Kevin Spackman, a detective, hostage negotiator and S.T.A.R.T. instructor, said drivers frequently encounter emotionally charged situations involving parents, students, or community members.

“The most important tool on your belt is de-escalation,” Spackman said.

He referenced the case of Las Vegas parent Otis Tanner, who boarded a school bus following a dispute involving his daughter, to illustrate how quickly confrontations can escalate.

Although Tanner was charged after the incident, Spackman said the encounter also demonstrated missed opportunities by the bus driver to create distance and reduce the conflict before it became physical.

Rather than engaging an aggressive individual, Spackman encouraged drivers to keep unauthorized persons off the bus whenever possible, remain calm, establish boundaries and leave the area if necessary.

“Shut the door, smile, wave and drive away,” he said. “That threat is greater on the bus than it is off the bus.”

Spackman also discussed techniques such as controlled breathing, maintaining a calm tone of voice, active listening and acknowledging concerns without making promises beyond a driver’s authority.

Transportation leaders, he added, should ensure drivers know where to direct parents with complaints rather than feeling obligated to resolve every issue themselves.

Training for the Worst-Case Scenario

The session concluded with active threat response strategies specifically designed for school buses.

Unlike school staff inside buildings, drivers have limited resources available during an emergency and often must manage situations alone until law enforcement arrives.

The S.T.A.R.T. instructors demonstrated tactics designed to disrupt an attack by using the movement of the bus to destabilize an armed assailant, create opportunities for students to escape and give drivers time to intervene.

Although the techniques involve physical action, the instructors stressed that the objective is not to turn drivers into police officers but to give them practical options when every second counts.

“The worst thing they can do is freeze,” Zippay said. “Training gives them something to fall back on.”

Levine acknowledged that funding additional training can be difficult, but he urged transportation directors to advocate for it with district leaders, community organizations and grant providers.

He argued that investments in transportation security represent only a fraction of what many districts already spend on building security infrastructure while potentially protecting dozens of students aboard every bus.

“We cannot allow this to continue,” Levine said. “We have to raise the awareness substantially for the safety of our kids and for our bus drivers.”

As school safety discussions continue evolving, the S.T.A.R.T. instructors left transportation professionals with a central message: School buses should no longer be viewed as separate from campus security but as an essential component of every district’s comprehensive safety strategy.

Article written with the assistance of AI from a session transcr

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RENO, Nev. — STN EXPO West attendees participated in informative trainings, starting with the Elements of School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training. Plus, led by Maritza Valentin, participants also completed a Mastering Wheelchair and Occupant Securement Training Certification class from AMF-Bruns as well as a Supervisory Reasonable Suspicion Training instructed by Tonica Lathrop.

Throughout the day, day one of the National School Bus Inspection Training Program took place. Select individuals were also invited to participate in the inaugural Mentorship Program lunch. Several on-site podcasts were also filmed.

The day ended with the Transportation Director Summit lead by STN President and Publisher Tony Corpin. The first of this two-day event, the TD Summit gave participants the opportunity to network and gain high-level insights from experts within the student transportation industry and beyond.

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Sarah Reece, a driver trainer for Barren County Schools, was named the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky (STAK) Driver Trainer of the Year, an honor recognizing her commitment to preparing school bus drivers and promoting safe student transportation.

Reece received the award during STAK’s annual conference. The association recognized her for her dedication to training new drivers and helping maintain high standards for school bus safety.

As Barren County’s driver-trainer, Reece mentors and prepares new school bus drivers as they earn their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and develop the skills needed to safely transport students. District officials said her focus on thorough instruction has strengthened the transportation department while reinforcing a culture centered on safety.

“We’re proud to see Sarah recognized by her peers across the state,” Superintendent Amy Irwin said in a statement. “She approaches her work with professionalism and a genuine commitment to making sure our drivers are well prepared. This award is a reflection of the important role she plays in serving our students.”

Driver-trainers play a critical role in pupil transportation by preparing prospective school bus drivers through classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel coaching and evaluations before they begin transporting students.

Former Transportation Director Scott Chapman, who worked closely with Reece for many years, said her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made her an effective trainer.

“Sarah cares deeply about doing the job the right way,” Chapman said. “She takes the time to make sure new drivers are ready before they ever get behind the wheel with students. She’s a great trainer and very deserving of this recognition.”

STAK is a professional organization that promotes excellence in pupil transportation through professional development, training and advocacy for school transportation professionals throughout the commonwealth. District officials said Reece’s recognition reflects not only her dedication to training future school bus drivers but also the district’s broader commitment to providing safe, reliable transportation for students each day.

Barren County Schools concluded its announcement by congratulating Reece on the statewide honor and thanking her for the care, professionalism and dedication she brings to the district’s transportation program.

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KYLE, Texas – Each year, the Bill Loshbough Grand Champion award goes to the winner of the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition produced by the National School Transportation Association (NSTA). This year’s two-day event concluded over the weekend, and Brian Rickmann of Oregon’s Beaverton School District took home the honors.

Rickmann finished the event with a grand total of 694 points, which gave him a commanding lead in the Type D competition over second place winner James Hethcock of Colleyville Independent School District in Grapevine, Texas (571.53) and Kevin Beck of Salem-Keizer Public School District in Oregon (545.87).

For the title of Bill Loshbough Grand Champion across all categories, named for the Hall of Fame member of NSTA and the National Association for Pupil Transportation, the overall race was a little tighter. Rickmann’s 694 points bested the 628 points tallied by James Tiensvold of Dickson County School District in Tennessee in the Type A competition and the 624.67 points by Betty Nelson of Dean Transportation in Lansing, Michigan in Type C.

The 52nd edition of the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition took place in Uhland, Texas June 27 and 28 at the Hays Consolidated Independent School District transportation facility. The competition was sponsored by Beacon Mobility and hosted by the National School Transportation Association. Hays CISD has hosted the event since 2019, with no competition held 2020-2022 due to COVID-19. The site has proved to be the perfect fit for a competition of this sort, “This facility is really tailormade for a competition like this. As you can see, the spacing and just the layout is really helpful” said Curt Macysyn, NSTA’s executive director.

This year’s competition consisted of a total of 93 school bus drivers from 27 states and two Canadian provinces. In order to qualify for the international competition, each driver had to win their state, regional, or provincial competition, or be an NSTA Member Inclusion Driver.

Drivers were grouped by type, with 11 Type A (small bus) drivers, 30 Type D (conventional bus) drivers, and 52 Type C (transit bus) drivers. While drivers mainly competed with drivers in their classification, the Bill Loshbough Grand Champion was crowned to the driver with the most points overall.

The competition itself was split into two separate competitions: A CDL knowledge test, which took place Saturday, June 27, and the scored driving competition, which took place Sunday, June 29. An awards dinner followed.

The scored driving competition consisted of 10 different events along one continual course. Before driving the course, drivers toured the course by bus and received the details of each individual event.

The course started with student loading, followed by a railroad crossing, then a right-hand turn. It continued with the offset alley, which required drivers to shift to the left, right and back to the left without hitting any barriers.

After the offset alley, drivers completed a left-hand turn, which directed them to the straight-line test that required them to keep their right dual wheels within a straight line. Drivers then paralleled parked their buses and navigated the diminishing clearance.

The competitors then found themselves faced with what proved to be the toughest task of the day, the backup stall. The backup stall required drivers to back their buses into a tight stall and stop in a marked and measured parameter. Upon securing the buses, drivers were scored on the timing and accuracy. Drivers then needed to pull their bus forward out of the stall without hitting any obstacles and proceed to the final event of the competition: The stop line.

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Type A Results

Type C Results

Type D Results

Each event was scrutinized by a set of judges stationed along the course at their respective events. All judges were volunteers, many of which came from school districts or companies. To avoid conflicts of interest, judges stepped away from the course when a competitor represented the same school district or company.

David Jorgensen, transportation operations manager of Salem-Keizer Public Schools in Oregon, did just that, as one of his district’s drivers, Kevin Beck, not only qualified for the competition, but also placed third amongst Type D drivers. Jorgensen, who judged the backup stall, had no shortage of pleasantries when speaking about NSTA and the competition as a whole.

“It’s fun to be out here. It’s fun to meet people from other places. It’s fun to watch the skills of the drivers and it’s just fun. It’s really smooth. It’s a great facility, the weather has been nice,” he commented. “Drivers have been doing okay. I mean, we are one of the most challenging events on the course, so anytime someone does well, that feels really good.”

Not only did the competition prove to be enjoyable, it allowed bus drivers from across North America to enhance their safety knowledge and skills, something that can go a long way in ensuring the safety of students.

Photos 

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Polk County Public Schools is working to fill about 70 bus driver positions before students return to class this fall, as the district continues to face a nationwide shortage of qualified drivers, reported Spectrum News.

Transportation Operations Director George Millar said recruiting additional drivers is a top priority ahead of the upcoming school year.

Millar, who has worked in public school transportation for more than 30 years, began his career as a school bus driver before moving into a leadership role. He said driving a school bus offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on students throughout their academic careers. “It’s very rewarding and you could be a very large success,” Millar told local news reporters.

He said drivers often build relationships with students over many years, from their first days of school through graduation. “All the way from when they’re 5-years-old or even younger sometimes, all the way through seeing them walk across that stage at graduation. It is so rewarding,” he said.

Millar said some prospective applicants may be discouraged by the commercial driver’s license, or CDL, testing process. However, he said via the report that the district provides training materials and support to help candidates prepare for and pass the required written exam.

“For the individuals applying with us, we’ll help them get through that process,” Millar told reporters. “We will give them the training materials to help them study for that test and to be successful.” After completing the exam, new hires continue receiving hands-on training before driving routes independently, he said.

Increasing Pay to Fill Bus Driver Positions

To attract more applicants to fill the 70 bus driver positions, the district recently increased base pay for bus drivers by 2 percent, bringing hourly wages to just over $19. Drivers are also eligible to work seven-hour shifts with opportunities for additional earnings.

Millar said some drivers may have the option to park their buses at home, depending on where they live, reducing commute times and adding convenience. “In some areas you might even be able to park your school bus at home just to make it more convenient for you,” he said.

Millar said the district remains focused on supporting employees while ensuring reliable transportation for students. Applications for bus driver and bus attendant intern positions are available through the Polk County Public Schools website.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Related: Updated Iowa School Bus Driver Hiring Law Adds Optional Refresher Course

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School districts across the country are preparing for a wave of summer retirements of school bus drivers, adding pressure to an already strained student transportation workforce.

To address the growing shortage, school districts are ramping up recruitment efforts through hiring events, sign-on bonuses, paid training programs, referral incentives, and retention initiatives aimed at attracting and keeping qualified drivers.

One district taking a hands-on approach is Branson Public Schools in Missouri. The district’s transportation department hosted its first annual “Take the Wheel” Driving Event on June 13, giving community members the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a school bus, meet transportation staff and learn more about available career opportunities.

The event was designed to provide prospective applicants with a firsthand summer-time look at what it is like to serve as a school bus driver while highlighting the benefits of the profession, including flexible schedules and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ daily lives. Participants visited multiple event locations throughout the community, while bus test drives were available at Buchanan Elementary. Branson’s initiative reflects a growing trend among school districts looking beyond traditional job postings to recruit new drivers, especially to address retirements.

In Alabama, Tuscaloosa City Schools recently hosted a Bus Driver Hiring Fair, where prospective applicants could receive assistance with the application process, schedule fingerprinting appointments and participate in on-the-spot interviews. The school district is also offering a $2,000 signing bonus for new drivers, starting pay of $23.80 per hour, and paid commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, helping remove barriers for individuals interested in entering the profession.

Retirements Spur Need for More School Bus Driver Hiring

The urgency behind these recruitment efforts is driven not only by ongoing nationwide school bus driver shortages, but also by the retirements of a number of longtime drivers retiring this summer who have spent decades serving their communities.

In Georgia, Fayette County school bus driver Diane Vaughn recently retired at age 82 after an extraordinary 50-year career. According to local news reports, Vaughn began driving in 1976 to secure health insurance for her child’s cancer treatment and quickly developed a passion for the profession. Over the past five decades, she safely transported thousands of students and became a familiar face to generations of families. The Fayette County School Board honored her service with a specially made 50-year service pin and a standing ovation, recognizing a career that exemplifies the dedication many veteran drivers have brought to student transportation.

In Tennessee, retiring Wilson County Schools bus driver Frances Theiring is also marking the end of a remarkable career. According to local news reports, Theiring, who spent nearly 50 years driving a special education bus and teaching in a special education classroom in Mt. Juliet, will become the first woman from Wilson County inducted into the Tennessee School Bus Driver Hall of Fame. Honored recently by fellow drivers and district staff at the transportation department’s year-end cookout, Theiring said she felt “overwhelmed but grateful” as she reflected on a career dedicated to serving students and families.

Theiring’s induction recognizes not only her longevity but also her commitment to safe and reliable transportation. According to the Tennessee School Bus Driver Hall of Fame, inductees must have at least 45 years of uninterrupted service as a daily route driver and demonstrate exceptional dedication, integrity and service to students. Wilson County Schools officials praised Theiring’s impact on the community, with school board chair Joe Padilla noting that her influence on generations of students and families cannot be measured.

Retirements like those of Vaughn and Theiring underscore the challenge facing school transportation departments nationwide. According to recent reports, Tuscaloosa City Schools continues to seek hiring additional drivers this summer for the upcoming school year, while school systems across the country are investing in recruitment and training programs to strengthen their transportation workforce.

From interactive experiences like Branson’s “Take the Wheel” event to hiring fairs, signing bonuses, competitive wages, and paid CDL training, districts are employing a variety of strategies to attract new drivers before students return to classrooms this fall. As veteran drivers leave the workforce after decades of service, transportation leaders are increasingly focused on finding innovative ways to ensure students have safe and reliable transportation for the school year ahead.

Related: Wisconsin School Bus Driver Retires After 54 Years Behind the Wheel
Related: Survey: Driver Shortages, Underutilized Buses and Community Pressures Top Challenges to School Transportation Efficiency
Related: Pasco County Schools Rolls Out New Cash Incentives to Tackle School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Retired Man Now Drives a School Bus and Sings to Children

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Two of the most recognized and respected names in student transportation safety will be at STN EXPO West to share their expertise with conference attendees.

Industry veterans Richard “Dick” Fischer and Pete Baxter will present a half-day seminar “The Best of the Dick and Pete Show” on Wednesday, July 15. This in-depth session will give attendees invaluable education from two National Association of Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame inductees on safety leadership, organizational learning and risk governance in student transportation.

In this seminar, STN EXPO West attendees will receive a comprehensive student transportation safety training that will dive into real-life school bus safety cases, including Danger Zone safety incidents and the “Titanic tragedy,” a 2016 incident in England, where a school bus carrying 26 children got stuck in deep floodwaters, and reveal the lessons learned. Fischer and Baxter will highlight the dangerous pitfalls of overconfidence, ignoring warning signs or a lack of preparedness or emergency training.

The message of the training will contain an overall theme of continuous improvement through the fostering of a strong safety culture. Attendees will be given safety training modules designed to give student transportation leaders what they need to know to implement safe practices, communication, accountability all to protect every child and school bus driver on every bus ride.

Fischer has spent over six decades championing school bus safety as a school district transportation director, school-bus safety trainer and consultant. He successfully petitioned President Richard Nixon in 1969 to proclaim the first School Bus Safety Week. Even following his official retirement announcement in 2013, he has continued to present training, advocate for the industry, and become involved in national safety discussions.

STN presented Fischer with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Baxter is a former state director of student transportation at the Indiana Department of Education and past-president of both the National Association for Pupil Transportation and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, one of only two industry professionals to hold both offices.

Both Fischer and Baxter have served as expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions and have extensive experience and knowledge to equip student transporters to further safety at their operations.

STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature hands-on training classes, educational sessions, a dynamic keynote presentation, and networking opportunities. Register now at stnexpo.com/west.

Related: WATCH: Active-threat Response Training Subject of Opening STN EXPO West Session
Related: Safety Impact of School Bus Seatbelts Topic at STN EXPO West
Related: School Bus Fuel Innovation, Technology Education Meet at STN EXPO West

The post Industry Veterans to Present School Bus Safety Leadership Seminar Next Month appeared first on School Transportation News.

Student transportation professionals looking to advance to the next leadership level are encouraged to sign up for the “So You Want to Be a Transportation Supervisor” professional development special training at STN EXPO West.

This annual conference seminar allows student transporters to prepare for a transition to a supervisor role or re-evaluate their leadership skill sets. Led by a panel of seasoned instructors and industry experts, this seminar is ideal for those looking to improve their operations, department culture and staff interactions. It will be held on Saturday, July 11 as an all-day training from 11:30-5 p.m.

The instructor team is led by Alexandra Robinson, a former executive director of transportation and current industry consultant and expert witness as well as TSD Conference tenured faculty member. She is joined by Tim Purvis of consultant group Pupil Transportation Information; and Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, chief support services officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma and Pam McDonald, a retired director of transportation and current consultant.

What the Professional Development Consists Of

For those who are newer to the industry, the instructors will discuss making data driven leadership decisions, understanding return on investment, and collaborating with the right people at the district to move transportation operations forward. They will also speak on team building, customer service, communication strategies, workplace culture and productivity as well as operational considerations such as employee retention, principles of proper routing and managing data.

Attendees will be exposed to interactive leadership and team-building scenarios. The instructors through how to approach them with a correct human resources perspective. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questions of the instructors and gain invaluable supervisor and leadership lessons from real-life experiences.

At the end of the professional development class, attendees will have received strategic and practical advice that will better equip them to lead in hard times and build strong relationships with their team.

Electric school bus manufacturer RIDE will sponsor refreshments during the session. There is a maximum of 100 participants. Separate registration is required at no additional charge.

STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. Attendees will have access to a week of educational sessions based on the challenges facing the industry, training classes to improve operations, networking events to bring peers together for problem-solving and innovative experiences such as the Ride and Drive/Live Product Demo, the STN EXPO Trade Show and the Transportation Director Summit. Register at stnexpo.com/west.

Related: STN EXPO West Features Dynamic Networking Events for Student Transportation Industry
Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West
Related: Reasonable Suspicion Training on Driver Alcohol, Drug Use Comes to Reno

The post Professional Development Training for Rising Student Transportation Leaders at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

News headlines feature incidents of school bus drivers getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which often leads to disastrous consequences.

Even if there are no student injuries, trust can be lost between the district and community when cases like this occur. A new training opportunity at the STN EXPO West conference will give student transportation leaders a thorough course in reasonable suspicion training of CDL employees.

Tonica Lathrop will be leading the “Supervisory Reasonable Suspicion Training” on Friday, July 10. Lathrop is the president of Reno, Nevada-based Sinnett Consulting Services. The company has over 25 years of experience in drug and alcohol policies, regulations, procedures and testing requirements. She has extensive experience in managing alcohol and drug compliance programs and developing drug-free workplace policies.

During the two-hour class, Lathrop will cover how supervisors can recognize the physical, behavioral, speech and performance indicators of probable employee alcohol or other controlled substances abuse. This portion of the training will also cover the misuse/abuse of over-the-counter medications, power drinks and energy formulas.

She will also discuss the legal aspects/concerns of reasonable cause and suspicion when conducting CDL drug and alcohol testing and corrective interviews. Attendees will also learn how to document performance problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse and how to discuss corrections with employees.

The class meets U.S. Department of Transportation training requirements and participants receive a certificate upon completion.

The Early Bird Deadline ends on June 5, register now to save $100 on main conference registration. STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature hands-on training classes, educational sessions, a dynamic keynote presentation, and networking opportunities. Register now at stnexpo.com/west.

Related: Safety Impact of School Bus Seatbelts Topic at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West Features Dynamic Networking Events for Student Transportation Industry
Related: WATCH: Active-threat Response Training Subject of Opening STN EXPO West Session

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RICHMOND, Va. – Nine schools across the country will soon add propane autogas curriculum to their automotive training through the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program.

The schools incorporating the curriculum, Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection: Introduction for Automobile Service Technicians, into their classrooms this fall are:

ACE Center at Virginia Randolph — Glen Allen, Virginia
Angelina College — Lufkin, Texas
Capital Region BOCES Career & Tech — Albany, New York
Cordova High School — Cordova, Tennessee
Florida State College at Jacksonville — Jacksonville, Florida
Future Ready Complex — Georgetown, Texas
Hudson High School — Hudson, Wisconsin
Iredell Statesville Schools — Troutman, North Carolina
Pierce County Skills Center — Puyallup, Washington

The grant program, offered by the Propane Education & Research Council, helps educational institutions and career centers expand existing automotive programs with propane-specific curriculum, hands-on resources, and instructor training. Each approved recipient receives up to $7,500 in grant support, including a propane autogas training aid valued at more than $5,000 and funds to support instructor participation in a Train the Trainer class and program marketing.

“Skilled automotive technicians are essential to keeping today’s fleets operating safely and efficiently,” said Elena Bennett, senior manager of industry training and education at PERC. “By bringing propane autogas curriculum into classrooms, these schools are giving students valuable exposure to proven alternative fuel technology and opening the door to more career opportunities in transportation, fleet service, and the propane industry.”

As part of the program, participating schools also identify a Propane Advisor to support instructors, answer propane-specific questions, and speak with students about propane’s role in their communities. They also assist the school in bridging the gap between schooling and a career and connecting them with the propane state association and OEMS for more specific engine training.

PERC extends its appreciation to the Propane Advisors and industry partners helping support these schools as they add the curriculum, including Blossman Gas, Inc.; Casella; Ferrellgas; Hillside Service & Repair; NEXIO Power, Inc.; Roush Cleantech; Superior Energy Services; and the Town of Mooresville.

For more information about the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, visit propane.com/autogasgrantprogram.

About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.

The post Schools Awarded Grants to Expand Autogas Automotive Technical Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

More U.S. Environmental Protection Agency news and webinars on funding, plus how clean energy demand intersects with AI’s need for resources. Conversations continue at ACT EXPO this week and the Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West in July.

“The tragedy will never leave you.” Shocking real-life stories abound in this special extended episode as 91-year-old industry legend and consultant Richard “Dick” Fischer underscores the need for thorough safety leadership and training. He discusses student transportation history, school bus crashes in the news, drunk and criminal drivers, illegal passing and the Danger Zone. See him live at STN EXPO West and email him to sign up for his free safety newsletter.

Read more about safety and access safety resources.

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The post (STN Podcast E305) It’s Your Job: Industry Legend Dick Fischer Talks School Bus Safety, Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

The May issue dives into security and connectivity within student transportation departments. Technology meets training and utilization as incidents of violence onboard the school bus require detailed policies to address. Read articles about AI’s role in routing, how modern technology options can modernize transportation communications, maintenance software to assist the garage side of school bus operations and how safety standards are a joint effort between families and transportation personnel.

Read the full May 2026 issue.

Cover Story

Hands On
Defining policies for school bus drivers when violence occurs on the school bus is only half the story. Video cameras are showing the full picture.

Features

Route Optimization -With or Without AI-
Transportation directors define what optimization means to their operations by using routing software integrated with various AI features.

Beyond the Garage
Maintenance software helps technicians catch even the smallest of school bus defects that can lead to big out – of- service issues.

Special Reports

The Importance of Uniformity
Education is a key piece of ensuring student safety in the Danger Zone, from educating the public on the rules of the road to educating school bus drivers on proper mirror adjustment to ensure visibility. (And don’t forget the kids.)

Conversations
STN EXPO East Photo Spread
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
A Purchasing Perfect Storm

Thought Leader by Gaurav Sharda
Modernizing School Transportation Communications

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Meeting the Minimum Standards

The post May 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

The School Bus Safety Company announced today they have just completed the recreation and updating of their OSHA Compliance Training Course for both school bus technicians and drivers.

The OSHA Compliance Course is a single source management tool designed specifically for school bus operations. This course will help managers quickly and easily achieve compliance with OSHA regulations. There are many hazards in a bus workshop and the technicians deserve the required safety training to make their workplace safer.

The course provides education and training materials addressing 26 OSHA standards that apply to maintenance facilities and 3 that apply to drivers. The subjects covered are:

Manager and Employee Introduction
Manager and Supervisor Introduction. Maintenance Employees Introduction to OSHA.

Facility Safety
Emergency Action Plan
Fire Prevention/Response Plans
Signage
Confined Island
Fuel Island
Diesel Exhaust
Electrical Hazards
Spray Painting
Lifts, pits, Jacks and Stands
Rails, Stairs and Ladders
Workplace Security

Personal Safety
Hazardous Materials
Personal Protective Equipment
Emergency Eye Wash
First Aid & Infectious Diseases
Slips, Trips and Falls
Fall Protection
Violence in the Workplace

Equipment Safety
Lockout/Tagout
Machine Guarding
Hand Tools
Forklift and Powered Platform Safety
Welding
Single Piece and Multi-Piece Rim Wheels

“The Process Guide includes action plans and checklists with step-by-step instructions detailing what you must do to be in compliance” said Jeff Cassell, president of The School Bus Safety Company. “Simply put, if you follow all the action plans and document the steps taken, you’ll be in compliance and your technicians will be safer.. It’s that simple.”

“School districts in some states are exempt from complying with federal regulations,” said Cassell.“However, many states have similar rules and the safety of the technicians and drivers in every school bus operation deserve the same high level of safety whether it is required or not. Doing the right thing and protecting your employees should be the standard, not the regulations.”

A hard copy of the course on hard drive or thumb drive is only $2,000 and can be used for many years. For online pricing, call 866 275 7272For more information, please visit the web site at www.schoobussafetyco.com

The post School Bus Safety Company Releases Updated OSHA-compliance Training Course appeared first on School Transportation News.

Safety and training are forefront as the NTSB is investigating a Tennessee school bus crash that killed two teenage girls and an Oregon school bus driver was arrested for allegedly transporting students while intoxicated. Plus, new Clean School Bus program details are incoming, just in time for STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada this July.

Jim Levine, founder of the School Transportation Active Threat Response Training, or S.T.A.R.T., joins us to discuss how school bus drivers can serve as the first line of defense against threats by interacting kindly with students and becoming trained on response tactics. His team brings its law enforcement, Secret Service, SWAT and School Resource Officer experience to an upcoming 4-hour training at STN EXPO West.

Read more about security.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E304) Bus Drivers as First Responders: School Transportation Active Threat Response Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

The Transportation Director Summit returns to Nevada this summer for a two-day exclusive leadership event designed to empower student transportation leaders.

The training begins Friday, July 10 at the STN EXPO West conference. The first part of the event features a Welcome Networking Reception and Top Challenges Discussion hosted by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. To attend, participants are qualified as leading their transportation operations and must fill out a survey on their leading challenges they face. Corpin will facilitate discussion on those points. The participants will be matched with vendor partners who provide technological solutions that could assist with these operational challenges.

The exclusive leadership event continues Saturday morning in scenic South Lake Tahoe for an all-day networking and leadership training experience. Monday’s keynote speaker Bruce Turkel will provide training modules on “All About Them Leadership Lab: Turning Insight Into Action.” During the day, Turkel will discuss how his signature mindset can be used to strengthen communication with team members and align goals, which improve performance and create lasting leadership impact. Turkel’s four-part training includes learning to understand what people truly value, purposely communicating with clarity, building stronger connections through trust, and guiding teams through uncertainty to create successful results.

A Leadership Networking Retreat

The transportation directors will enjoy breakfast and lunch courtesy the vendor partners sponsoring the event. All participants wlll make new connections, engage in targeted discussions that address their specific challenges, and leave with practical applications and strategies to transform their operations. Transportation will be provided Saturday to and from Incline Village.

Applicants for this exclusive leadership event must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent and be able to attend both days of the Summit. Email for more information about qualifying for the Transportation Director Summit.

The Early Bird Deadline for main conference registration ends June 5, register at stnexpo.com/west. In addition to the Transportation Director Summit, the STN EXPO West conference features educational sessions, a dynamic keynote speaker, hands-on training and unique networking experiences.

Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Active-threat Response Training Subject of Opening STN EXPO West Session
Related: STN EXPO West Registration Open for 2026, Features Innovative Conference Experience

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