New details emerged from an incident involving a student with a handgun while riding a school bus in Kanawha County, West Virginia that led to a teacher’s aide also being arrested, reported Metro News.
St. Albans Police Department officers were called on Jan. 21 after a student at Hayes Middle School was discovered with a handgun on his school bus around 3:15 p.m. A school employee who was on board the bus confiscated the weapon and turned it over to school officials.
Police said the juvenile was later released into the custody of a guardian, who indicated they had no knowledge the student possessed a firearm. Authorities also revealed the handgun had been reported stolen the night before the incident.
As the investigation continued, police then arrested Heather Dawn Sherrod, 46, of St. Albans, a teacher’s aide at Hayes Middle School. Sherrod was charged with failing to report a firearm and was taken into custody.
A criminal complaint was filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court. Investigators learned that Sherrod was informed by a student around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 that a handgun had been pointed at another student. Police allege that despite being a mandated reporter, Sherrod did not report the incident. The complaint states Sherrod admitted she knew she was required to report the information but failed to do so.
Sherrod is currently being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $2,500 bond. The St. Albans Police Department continues to work closely with the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation remains ongoing.
A Government Accountability Report (GAO) study of five federal programs for fraud prevention measures and oversight found the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries, commonly known as E-Rate, to be the only one that met all nine requirements and leading practices to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
Meanwhile, E-Rate opponents have often characterized the funding mechanism for discounted internet and telecommunications access in libraries, schools and until recently school buses as rampant with fraud. FCC in September voted 2-1 to revoke E-Rate eligibility for school bus Wi-Fi.
In addition to E-Rate, the GAO report released in December examined the policies and procedures of the Department of Commerce’s CHIPS for America Fund, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Center Program, and the Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers E-Rate under FCC oversight and conducts biannual fraud risk assessments. The GAO report found USAC has implemented an entity-wide antifraud strategy, which includes measures to prevent, detect and respond to fraud, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation of fraud risk management activities.
GAO noted that E-Rate’s adherence to all nine requirements and leading practices, including maintaining risk profiles, documenting an antifraud strategy and conducting risk-based monitoring. Together, GAO said the requirements and leading practices set a high standard for other federal award programs. In fiscal year 2024, E-Rate obligated approximately $2.9 billion and disbursed $2.6 billion to help schools and libraries access affordable broadband services.
Michael Flood, founder of telecommunications consultant and strategist Alpine Frog, applauded what he called a “100-percent, A-plus score.”
“I would add that the E-Rate program is also widely recognized for continuously and consistently bringing down costs over its 30-year history due to a robust competitive bidding process and commitment to open data practices,” he commented. “E-Rate operates in an efficient and open market.”
The report also highlighted previous recommendations made by GAO to improve fraud risk management in FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The FCC implemented all six recommendations, further strengthening its oversight capabilities.
While the report identified gaps in fraud prevention measures across other federal programs, it commended the FCC and E-Rate for their proactive approach to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring program integrity.
DUPAGE, Ill. – Durham School Services and Glenbard Township High School District 87 have started the year on a strong note with their newly formed partnership and successful start to the semester – a testament to Durham’s 109 years of expertise and safe and reliable service. The partnership will extend through July of 2027, and Durham will service a total of fifty regular routes and nine special education routes for the school district.
Durham and its sister brands currently provide student transportation for fifteen communities across Illinois, and through this partnership with Glenbard Township High School District 87, are excited to be able to expand our transportation services to another community in Illinois. Further, through our company-wide community outreach program, Partners Beyond the Bus, our team looks forward to supporting the Glenbard community and its students beyond providing transportation through various community activities and events.
“We appreciate the partnership we’ve established with Durham School Services with an emergency contract for transportation for Glenbard Township High School District 87,” said Jessica Santee, Superintendent, Glenbard Township High School District 87. “While changes of this scale and in this short timeline are extremely difficult, our shared commitment to student safety, reliability, and clear communication has helped us to start the semester off smoothly. Durham has worked closely with our district to address our needs, support drivers, and strengthen day-to-day operations. We value their responsiveness and commitment to our greater school community. We look forward to our continued partnership in providing dependable transportation services for our students and families.”
“What a great, positive way to begin 2026 by forging this partnership with Glenbard Township High School District 87,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays and New Years, our team stayed focused and worked in perfect tandem with the school district to keep the momentum going to ensure that we were prepped and ready for a successful start-up. Thank you, team, and Glenbard Township High School District 87, for all your efforts! We are off to an excellent start, and we’re thrilled to join and support the Glenbard community. We look forward to building strong bonds with the community and continuing our commitment to transport students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn every day.”
About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.
We cover a harsh winter ice storm, takeaways from the 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting, updates to the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and illegal passing by Waymo autonomous vehicles.
Industry consultant Tim Ammon gives tips for transportation budgeting and business efficiency while maximizing educational access for students. He will lead sessions at STN EXPO East this March in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina.
Authorities in Elk River, Minnesota are investigating how a man abducted a 7-year-old girl from her school bus stop.
According to a statement from the Sherbourne County Sheriff’s Office, the child exited her school bus just before 4 p.m. last Wednesday and was reported missing at approximately 6:30 p.m. An extensive search resulted in no information about her whereabouts.
Investigators later determined that the girl had likely been abducted. “An extensive search by law enforcement, first responders and the public didn’t reveal her whereabouts, and investigators had no corroboration that she had potentially left the area in a vehicle until hours later,” said Sherbourne County Sheriff’s Office Commander Ben Zawacki.
The sheriff’s office issue an Amber Alert at 11:40 p.m., after authorities confirmed the abduction. The investigation led officials to a white Dodge Ram believed to be connected to the disappearance. Around 1 a.m. Thursday, law enforcement agencies located the suspect vehicle and found the 7-year-old girl inside.
“The girl was safe and the suspect was arrested,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Joseph Bragg, 28, was charged in connection with the child’s abduction. No additional details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the incident have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
All schools and districts that applied for funding for eligible safety features ranging from seatbelts to collision avoidance to additional lighting through the $10 million Ohio School Bus Safety Grant received an award.
An Ohio Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that it received 371 applications from schools, districts and county boards of developmental disabilities for the School Bus Safety Grant. Of those applications, 56 requested funds for “Occupant restraining devices that conform to the school bus seat belt requirements of 49 C.F.R. 571.”
The other authorized safety features are external school bus cameras, fully eliminated stop arms, crossing arms, illuminated school bus signs, lane departure warning systems, collision avoidance systems, and electronic stability control.
The school bus safety grant program was created in response to recommendations made by the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, which Gov. Mike DeWine convened to review all aspects of student transportation, following an August 2024 school bus crash that resulted in a student fatality.
Among its 17 recommendations made in January 2024, which did not include the use of lap/shoulder seatbelts — a main reason Gov. DeWine called together the working group — were strategies for improving bus safety features, driver training and emergency response.
Safety rant funding may be used for the repair, replacement or addition of the eight authorized safety features on school buses in active service or for safety enhancements on new school bus purchases.
Indian Hill EVSD in Ohio, applied for the safety grant. Diane Spurlock, transportation director, said they asked for collision avoidance systems and lane departure warning system.
“The program we selected is an AI camera that can notify the driver if either of the instances occurs while they are on the road,” she said. “The main reason is that we recently had an incident happen with a driver where this could have kept it from happening thus ensuring a safer drive. A secondary reason is that our current cameras are getting outdated quickly and I hope this opens the door to purchase more products from this company.”
Additionally, Indian Hill applied for the ground wash lights “because our district does not have street lights and some streets are very narrow. We have added the LED lights near the back tires but believe the ground wash lights will be especially helpful for turnarounds,” she continued.
Gov. DeWine, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced via a press release that, “the grants will help ensure safer travel for Ohio students through safety upgrades to existing buses and the addition of advanced safety features on new buses.”
“Whether students are in the classroom or on the school bus, we owe it to parents and families to do everything we can to keep them safe,” said DeWine. “We’re raising the bar for student safety on Ohio’s buses, and these grant awards demonstrate our dedication to making school transportation safer.”
Dackin added, “Student safety is our top priority, and Ohio is investing in critical safety improvements to equip school buses with proven technology that keeps children safe.”
Dover Police arrested a 62-year-old man after surveillance footage from inside a school bus allegedly showed him engaging in sex acts in exchange for money, reported WBOC News.
Police took Alvin Rohm into custody following an investigation that began Jan. 6. Police said the incident came to light when a local school district employee was reviewing school bus video footage related to an unrelated matter.
During the review, the employee reportedly discovered video showing Rohm, who was driving the bus at the time, picking up a woman near an intersection. The footage allegedly shows Rohm driving to the area of Jerusalem Way, where he parked the bus and engaged in sexual activity with the woman. Police say via the article that the video also captured an exchange of money.
The footage was reportedly turned over to the Dover Police Department, prompting a criminal investigation. Police arrested Rohm on Jan. 12 and charged him with patronizing a prostitute within 1,000 feet of a school, residence, church, or place, as well as lewdness.
Police emphasized that Rohm was an employee of an unnamed school bus contractor company ad not the school district. Rohm was released on bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
ALBANY, N.Y.,– The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Love the Bus digital toolkit and campaign guide, now available for download on the official Love the Bus webpage. This year’s resources are designed to help schools, districts, and transportation professionals celebrate the vital role student transportation plays in education and community life throughout February and beyond.
The celebration begins this Sunday, February 1, marking the start of Love the Bus Month and launching a year-long initiative that underscores the significance of the school bus and the vital role it plays in education.
“Love the Bus Month sets the stage for a year of positive national focus on the importance and value of the school transportation industry,” said Molly McGee Hewitt, NAPT CEO and Executive Director. “Our Love, Delivered. campaign empowers our members and partners with tools, templates, and messaging to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and impact of transportation teams everywhere. We encourage school districts, associations, and community leaders to leverage these resources, not just in February but as the foundation for ongoing recognition and engagement.
Love the Bus celebrates the trusted yellow school bus and the professionals who safely deliver students to school each day, while highlighting the critical connection between safe transportation and educational access. The toolkit includes ready-to-use graphics, social media templates, press materials, certificates, and ideas to create vibrant, visible campaigns at the district, school, and community levels.
“Behind every safe ride is a team of professionals who care deeply about students and the communities they serve,” said Keith Kaup, President of NAPT. “Love the Bus Month is a chance for communities to come together and recognize the people who make safe student transportation possible every day. When we support and appreciate these teams, we strengthen not only our transportation systems, but the connection between schools and the communities they serve.”
NAPT invites members, school transportation professionals, and industry partners to share their Love the Bus activities, photos, and stories on social media throughout February using #LoveTheBus and tagging/mentioning the association. These shared moments help amplify appreciation for student transportation nationwide, and NAPT will look to spotlight selected stories on a larger scale, including through its official publication, School BUSRide, extending the celebration and recognition even further.
We encourage districts to take advantage of these opportunities offered in the digital toolkit. Learn more and get instant access to the toolkit and guide.
The annual school bus inspection training that goes above and beyond state and federal Department of Transportation requirements brings back OEM training and looks to add post-crash inspection criteria in addition to hands-on detection of defects
Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey for the South Carolina Department of Education, the in-depth training at STN EXPO East starts with classroom instruction on Friday, March 27. The eight-hour training will also include a written exam.
On Saturday, mechanic and technician participants will be transported to a local school district in Charlotte, North Carolina for the hands-on training. The day starts with an overview of high-voltage school bus electrification followed by instruction on finding real defects on real school buses. Class attendees will learn how to avoid costly repairs with early detection, which also leads to less vehicle downtime and a more efficient school bus maintenance schedule in the garage.
OEM training on propane-autogas systems inspections, wheelchair lift inspections, and more will follow the hands-on portion. Blue Bird, IC Bus, RIDE and Thomas Built Buses confirmed their participation.
New this year is a planned Sunday half-day seminar on school bus inspections following a crash to determine cause.
Meanwhile, the inspection training is designed based on best practices from the South Carolina Department of Education, which operates the only state-owned and operated fleet in the country. The department’s maintenance team, which serves as the hands-on inspection and classroom instructors at STN EXPO East, was recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 Garage Stars last August by School Transportation News. Participants of the training will be learning directly from some of these recognized student transportation professionals.
School bus inspection training class size is limited to 50 participants to ensure the instructors will be able to provide a thorough training experience for everyone registered. Separate registration and fee are required to attend.
Save $100 on conference registration by registering before Feb. 14. Find the full conference agenda, list of unique trainings and experiences, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.
A New Orleans school bus driver disappeared after walking away from a bus carrying six students following a reported verbal conflict, leaving the children alone for more than 20 minutes, reported 4WWL News.
According to the news report, the incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Jan. 14. Surveillance footage shared with local news reporters by a nearby convenience store shows the school bus pulling over at approximately 7:59 a.m.
About three minutes later, the driver is seen exiting the bus, crossing the street, and walking in the direction of I-10. The driver remains visible in the video for several minutes before leaving the frame entirely.
During that time, the abandoned students, ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, can be seen moving around inside the bus through its windows. Authorities say via the article that the children were left unattended for approximately 22 minutes before a New Orleans Police Department unit arrived at the scene with emergency lights activated.
Over the next 45 minutes, additional officers responded, and the students were gradually escorted off the bus. At 9:12 a.m., someone drove the bus away from the location.
The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that around 11 a.m. that the school bus driver had not yet been located. Later in the day, officials said they could no longer comment on the case because it had become part of a child abuse investigation.
Police reportedly confirmed that none of the students were injured during the abandonment. The investigation remains ongoing.
Recently, I took inventory of the number of school transportation cases in which I have served as an expert witness, beginning in 1993, for both plaintiff and defense attorneys. An overwhelming and tragic theme that caught my attention was seen in my first expert witness case over 33 years ago and my most recent expert witness case last year. Both concerned sexual assaults that occurred on school transportation vehicles.
My first expert witness case involved the sexual assault of a student with disabilities by a substitute school bus driver, and my most recent case involved the sexual assault of an intellectually disabled student by an emotionally disabled student on a school bus. I reflected on why I have been so reluctant to write about sexual assault on school transportation vehicles, despite my knowledge about this area of school transportation. Frankly speaking, it is difficult, awkward and unpleasant to speak about this topic. However, it is necessary to do so.
My expert witness work over three decades covers unwanted, forced, non-consensual sexual assaults committed on school transportation vehicles. These sexual assaults have been performed by transportation personnel including full-time and substitute drivers and attendants as well as students on students. The victims have included young children and school-age students with disabilities transported on the same vehicle serving regular and special education students, transportation vehicles serving exclusively students with disabilities, taxi’s transporting one or more special needs students to and from school, high school students with disabilities utilizing mass transit buses, alternative school transportation vehicles, extracurricular school activity vehicles, and school-sponsored field trip transportation vehicles.
Strikingly, it is evident that school transportation is not exempt from sexual assault. It is no secret that sexual assault too often leads to life-long devastating consequences both physically and psychologically for child victims. It is essential that school transportation industry leadership and interdisciplinary colleagues collaboratively address preventing sexual assault on school transportation vehicles. A comprehensive review of the literature on sexual assault occurring on school transportation vehicles is unavailable. However, there is literature and resource documents addressing significant increases in sexual assault in school settings in recent years.
Ongoing and frequent media coverage regarding sexual assault on school transportation vehicles is inescapable. From my perspective, this critical and disturbing issue is not sufficiently spoken about or attended to promptly. For victims of sexual assault on school transportation vehicles, every second makes a difference.
Preventing sexual assault from occurring in school transportation vehicles demands urgently enhancing awareness about sexual assault as a part of school transportation personnel training. Focused sexual assault training should occur prior to new employees transporting students and on a regularly scheduled basis thereafter. Too often school districts mistakenly assume if drivers and/or attendants have undergone a criminal background check, mandated under federal and state law, this level of scrutiny will prevent sexual assault from taking place on a school transportation vehicle. This assumption is not convincingly valid based on numerous cases in which I have served as an expert witness.
From my experience, some observable things that are making a difference in preventing sexual assault on school transportation vehicles include:
Establishing in writing, disseminating and instructing all transportation personnel regarding approved school board policies and procedures that define and address
sexual assault on school transportation vehicles.
Establishing and disseminating age-appropriate clear student communication about what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior on school transportation vehicles, specifically addressing bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Prior to dissemination, this information should be approved by the school board and then disseminated. It is imperative to fully understand the ability and limitations of all students to understand this information. This requires establishing realistic expectations for children with disabilities, including limitations to comprehend inappropriate sexual behavior based upon individual disabilities. Unequivocally, appropriate levels of supervision on all school transportation vehicles are not an option but a necessity, especially for protecting children with disabilities.
Utilizing surveillance cameras on school transportation vehicles to monitor any suspected inappropriate sexual behavior and/or potential sexual assaults. This should take place on a scheduled basis. Surveillance cameras can serve as an invaluable preventive measure.
School transportation personnel, parents and students alike should be informed about the use of surveillance cameras to monitor behavior during school transportation.
Providing transportation personnel with specific instructions about the necessity for utilizing appropriate adult supervision on school transportation vehicles. This includes both drivers and attendants. It is essential to include substitute transportation personnel with the same level of instruction. A recommended best practice instructional strategy is the provision of scenarios for group discussion and learning.
Timely scheduled training should be provided for all transportation personnel and students alike to recognize and prevent sexual assault. The reporting of inappropriate sexual behavior or sexual assault on school transportation vehicles should be encouraged. Transportation personnel and students should not have to fear retaliation. Confidentiality is essential when inappropriate sexual behavior is reported. School board approved policies and procedures to support peers looking out for one another should be encouraged.
High-back seats are an obstacle for observing inappropriate sexual behavior and/or sexual assault on school transportation vehicles, during the time the vehicle is in operation or stopped. Additional deliberation regarding this unanticipated complication is necessary.
The challenge of preventing and reducing sexual assaults on school transportation vehicles requires shared awareness and the commitment of school transportation personnel, educators and interdisciplinary stakeholders.
I suggest the industry consider forming a task force to address sexual assault on school transportation vehicles to further identify and implement plausible solutions for this well-known but often unspoken subject matter. It is not possible to overstate the unique environment of a school transportation vehicle, including seating in confined spaces and the inability to supervise riders seated behind the driver. Let’s not miss out on a timely opportunity to make a difference.
Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the January 2026 issue of School Transportation News.
Linda Bluth is a national compliance and regulatory expert on IDEA transportation law and provisions. She is an NAPT Hall of Fame member, a tenured faculty member for TSD Conference, and a regular contributor to School Transportation News.
A registered sex offender was arrested after allegedly trespassing a Brunswick County Schools bus, according to court documents, reported WECT.com
John Phillip Colombo, 45, of Winnabow, is facing a felony charge of unlawfully being on child premises as a registered sex offender, along with a misdemeanor charge of trespassing to impede school bus operations.
According to the news report, Colombo unlawfully entered a Bolivia Elementary School bus Jan. 16, while students were on board. Court documents reportedly state that Colombo is required to register as a sex offender due to a prior conviction in another state for an offense substantially similar to indecency with a child involving sexual contact.
In a statement to local news reporters, Brunswick County Schools said the incident occurred on a morning bus route when Colombo briefly boarded the bus and spoke with the driver regarding a seating concern involving his child. The district said he entered the interior of the bus and exited shortly afterward.
School officials said the bus driver followed established transportation safety protocols by activating the onboard alert and recording system, which documented the incident and immediately notified appropriate personnel. Students were on board at the time, and district officials said student safety was not compromised.
A student later alerted school administration upon arrival at school, allowing administrators to follow established procedures. The alert system also notified the School Resource Officer, who is coordinating with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office as part of an ongoing investigation.
“All applicable safety procedures were followed appropriately and functioned as designed,” the district told reporters, adding that staff and students are regularly trained on safety protocols to ensure incidents are reported and addressed quickly.
Due to the active nature of the investigation, Brunswick County Schools said it cannot provide additional details at this time and emphasized that the safety and well-being of students and staff remains its highest priority.
The felony charge stems from Colombo’s alleged presence on school premises while being a registered sex offender. The misdemeanor charge alleges that he impeded the operation of a public school bus by walking onto the vehicle while it was transporting students.
Colombo was scheduled to appear in Brunswick County District Court on Jan. 20.
Standing on a platform at a Bahnhof or train station in Germany early one morning, watching students filter onto a regional train with backpacks slung over their shoulders, it struck me just how different pupil transportation is here compared to what I have spent most of my career studying and teaching in the U.S. No flashing lights. No crossing arms. No dedicated “school-only” environment. Just students, moving confidently and independently through a public transportation system designed to include them.
In Germany, pupil transportation is not treated as a specialized service owned and operated by schools. Instead, it is understood as a shared civic responsibility. One woven into the fabric of public infrastructure, reinforced by law, education and cultural expectations. The result is a system that looks radically different from the yellow-bus model most Americans know, yet functions with remarkable efficiency and safety.
One of the most noticeable differences I encountered was how heavily Germany relies on public transportation—known broadly as Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr (ÖPNV)—to move students. In cities and suburbs alike, students routinely use Linienbusse (city buses), Straßenbahnen (trams), U-Bahn and S-Bahn systems, and Regionalzüge (regional trains). These are not “student-only” vehicles. They are the same systems used by office workers, retirees and tourists.
Students who qualify for transportation assistance receive a Schülerticket or Jugendticket, subsidized or fully funded by local municipalities (Kommunen) or the federal states (Länder). In many regions, these passes are valid beyond school hours, reinforcing the idea that mobility is part of daily life—not a narrowly defined school function.
As I observed students navigating routes and transfers, it became clear that independence is not optional here. It is expected. Even younger students demonstrate a working knowledge of timetables (Fahrpläne), platform signage and transfer points. This competence does not appear by accident. Verkehrserziehung—traffic and transportation education—is introduced early in German schools and reinforced repeatedly as children grow.
The Differences of U.S. Yellow School Bus Transportation
Back home in the U.S., pupil transportation is far more centralized and tightly controlled. School districts typically operate or contract dedicated fleets governed by extensive regulations at both the federal and state levels. American school buses are marvels of passive safety engineering, built to protect students even in hostile traffic environments. However, this model also ties student mobility to specialized vehicles, specialized drivers and funding streams that are increasingly fragile.
In Germany, the focus shifts away from specialized vehicles and toward system-wide safety design. Around schools, I consistently saw Tempo-30-Zonen. Reduced speed zones enforced not just by signage, but by roadway narrowing, raised crosswalks and visual cues that force drivers to slow down. Fußgängerüberwege (pedestrian crossings) are clearly marked, well lit, and treated seriously by drivers.
Cycling infrastructure is another major pillar. Germany’s Radwege—dedicated bicycle lanes—are often physically separated from vehicle traffic, not merely painted lines on asphalt. Students cycling to school are not treated as anomalies. They are anticipated users of the transportation system.
In the U.S., safety strategies often compensate for infrastructure shortcomings by relying heavily on the school bus itself. Stop arms, flashing lights and strict loading procedures act as mobile safety zones. In Germany, safety is embedded into the environment long before a student ever steps onto a vehicle.
Walking and cycling to school are not fringe behaviors here, rather they are normalized. Younger students often walk together along designated Schulwege (school routes), sometimes participating in what Germans call a Laufbus, the equivalent of a “walking bus.” These routes are mapped, communicated to families, and designed to minimize risk exposure.
Older students routinely travel alone, whether on foot, by bike, or via public transit. While this level of independence might raise eyebrows in the U.S., in Germany it is viewed as a critical developmental step. Children are taught how to assess risk, not avoid it entirely.
Dedicated school buses—Schulbusse—do exist in Germany, primarily in rural regions where public transit coverage is limited. However, even these buses look different from their American counterparts. They are often standard coaches or city buses with minimal external markings. They lack stop arms or specialized lighting systems, reinforcing the notion that responsibility for student safety does not rest solely on the vehicle.
This difference is jarring for American professionals, but it reflects a deeper cultural expectation: All road users share responsibility for safety, and traffic laws are consistently enforced. German driver training standards are rigorous, and compliance with Verkehrsregeln (traffic rules) is culturally ingrained.
Special needs transportation further illustrates Germany’s integrated approach. Students with disabilities receive individualized transportation accommodations arranged through municipal authorities in coordination with social services, not solely through school systems. This may involve specialized vehicles, door-to-door service or escorted travel on public transit depending on need.
Accessibility is treated as a societal obligation rather than an educational exception. In the U.S., special education transportation is often managed almost entirely by school districts, adding complexity and cost to already strained systems. Germany distributes that responsibility across public institutions.
Perhaps the most important lesson I took from being in Germany is philosophical. The German pupil transportation system assumes that safety is created through design, education and accountability — not isolation. Students are not shielded from the transportation system. They are trained to function within it.
In the U.S., we often build systems designed to protect students from risk. Germany builds systems designed to reduce risk at its source. That difference matters. Especially as U.S. districts face driver shortages, rising costs and expanding safety mandates.
Germany’s model is not directly transferable to every American community. Many U.S. regions lack the density, transit infrastructure or legal frameworks to replicate it wholesale. Rural geography, suburban sprawl and fragmented governance present real challenges. But the value lies in the comparison.
By studying Germany’s use of ÖPNV, Schulwegplanung (school route planning), Verkehrserziehung, and integrated accessibility models, U.S. transportation leaders can identify concepts—not replicas—that may strengthen our own systems. Infrastructure investment, early safety education, shared responsibility, and multimodal planning all have a place in the American conversation.
Being in Germany reminded me that pupil transportation is not just about moving students. It is about shaping how young people engage with their communities. When transportation is treated as a shared civic responsibility rather than a standalone service, students gain more than a ride. They gain independence, situational awareness and confidence that extends far beyond the school day.
Watch for my next article in this series, where we travel “down under” to explore how Australia conducts pupil transportation.
Bret Brooks
Bret E. Brooks is the chief operating officer for Gray Ram Tactical, LLC, a Missouri-based international consulting and training firm specializing in transportation safety and security. He is a keynote speaker, author of multiple books and articles, and has trained audiences around the world. He can be reached at BretBrooks@GrayRamTacticalTraining.com.
CARLSBAD, Calif., – CalAmp today announced that it maintained an “A” rating by SecurityScorecard for the fourth quarter. SecurityScorecard is widely recognized as the global leader in cybersecurity ratings, as evidenced by its designation as a Leader in Forrester’s Cybersecurity Risk Ratings Platforms Wave and unmatched scale, including adoption by a significant majority of the Fortune 500.
CalAmp K-12 is a complete bus and white fleet transportation management solution for school districts and bus contractors. By earning an A rating, CalAmp K-12 has demonstrated an exceptionally strong cybersecurity posture based on SecurityScorecard’s continuous, independent assessment. The rating reflects how effectively CalAmp minimizes externally observable vulnerabilities, such as misconfigurations, unpatched systems, or other exposure points commonly exploited by attackers. Because SecurityScorecard evaluates real‑world signals rather than self‑reported controls, the rating provides an objective and credible measure of CalAmp’s security resilience.
For CalAmp K-12 customers, this achievement offers meaningful assurance that the company’s connected‑asset and telematics technologies are supported by a cybersecurity foundation that meets or exceeds top industry benchmarks. At a time when external attack vectors and supply‑chain risks continue to escalate, CalAmp’s A rating underscores its commitment to protecting customer data, ensuring operational continuity, and upholding the highest standards of digital trust.
“School districts and bus contractors depend on us not only for advanced telematics and student safety solutions, but also for the highest standard of cyber‑resilience,” said Hamid Rezaie, Vice President of IT at CalAmp. “Achieving this A rating from SecurityScorecard reflects our uncompromising focus on protecting our systems and, by extension, safeguarding our customers’ data and operations. Security is foundational to everything we deliver, and this recognition reinforces the strength of that commitment.”
To learn more about CalAmp technology and how the company helps organizations monitor, track, and protect their vital assets, visit calamp.com.
About CalAmp
CalAmp provides flexible solutions to help organizations worldwide monitor, track, and protect their vital assets. Our unique device-enabled software and cloud platform enables commercial and government organizations worldwide to improve efficiency, safety, visibility, and compliance while accommodating the unique ways they do business. With over 10 million active edge devices and 220+ approved or pending patents, CalAmp is the telematics leader organizations turn to for innovation and dependability. For more information, visit calamp.com, or LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or CalAmp Blog.
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Transfinder Corporation’s record-breaking growth continued in 2025, as the company closed the year with $50.15 million in revenue, a 19 percent increase over the prior year and the 28th consecutive year of annual revenue growth. Transfinder, the nation’s leading developer of school transportation management solutions, including routing software, parent and driver apps and fleet maintenance and law enforcement solutions, added 180 clients in 2025. Of those new clients, 64 of those new clients left competing systems.
President and CEO Antonio Civitella shared highlights from across the company’s departments and outlined ambitious plans for the year ahead during his annual “State of the Union” presentation that includes employees from every department. “We hit the goal I set at the start of 2025—$50 million in revenue,” Civitella said. “It was a total team effort.” For 2026, Civitella has set an even higher target, projecting $60 million in revenue.
Drivers of Growth:
Several factors contributed to Transfinder’s record-setting year. Hardware sales increased 22 percent to $11.5 million. Hardware sales included tablets and RFID card readers. A major driver of hardware growth was the continued adoption of Wayfinder, Transfinder’s driver app, which provides turn-by-turn navigation and student attendance tracking. Along with Transfinder’s flagship Routefinder PLUS routing solution, Wayfinder ranked among the most-purchased products in 2025, along with the Stopfinder parent app and Servicefinder maintenance solution.
Transfinder’s Patrolfinder solution closed 2025 with clients in four states. The first notable client being the Schenectady Police Department. The company also saw a significant rise in procurement activity, participating in 217 percentmore Requests for Proposals (RFPs) than in 2024. Transfinder won 51 percent of those RFPs,
generating more than $2.2 million in revenue.
“Transfinder has never been in a stronger position,” Civitella said. “We have the right team, the right solutions, and our finger on the pulse of the industry. We can now serve the largest districts in the country. There is no opportunity in this space that we will not go after.”
Industry Recognition and Engagement
In 2025, Transfinder once again earned recognition as a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace, and Best Company to Work For in New York State. Industry leaders also voted Transfinder Best Software, Best Hardware, and Best Safety Technology for the second consecutive year.“This isn’t just me saying we have the best team and the best solutions,” Civitella said. “Our clients are part of that recognition. More and more of them are stepping forward as references to share why they chose Transfinder.” The number of client references increased 244 percent in 2025.
Transfinder further strengthened its industry presence through its Annual Client Summit (ACS), which was held outside New York and Texas for the first time. The sold-out event took place in Nashville, Tenn., drawing a record 359 attendees.
Transfinder employees also went to more conferences last year, attending 67 compared with 25 in 2024.
Impact on Student Safety
“Perhaps the most meaningful growth isn’t revenue-related at all—it’s student-related,” Civitella said. “At the end of the day, what matters most is the safe transportation of every student.”
“Routefinder PLUS was named Best Software for a reason,” Civitella said. “We’ve cracked the code to make routing faster and easier while preventing students from crossing the street and helping districts manage the driver shortage. We are saving lives and saving districts significant money.”
Usage of the Wayfinder app also surged. Trips navigated using Wayfinder increased 103 percent to 5.3 million trips in 2025, while RFID attendance scans grew 210 percent to 21.9 million for the year.
Families increasingly relied on Stopfinder for real-time visibility into their children’s transportation. In 2025, 958 districts used Stopfinder, a 24 percent increase. Nearly 1 million subscribers received 128 million GeoAlert notifications, up 120 percent, including 57 million attendance notifications, an increase of 185 percent.“As a dad, I know how important peace of mind is,” Civitella said. “We have to get it right.
Growth in Fleet Safety and Operations
Transfinder’s Servicefinder also posted strong gains, growing 46 percent to 356 clients. Those districts documented 85,382 assets, completed 132,998 work orders, and submitted 989,143 vehicle inspection forms, representing triple-digit growth across all categories.
“We say it all the time—safety begins in the garage,” Civitella said. “Servicefinder ensures vehicles are reliable and safe, closing a critical gap in student transportation safety.”
2025 Highlights
• 28th consecutive year of revenue growth
• $50.15 million in annual revenue
• 180 new clients
• 13 new employees (212 total, most in the company’s history)
• Hardware sales up 22 percent
• Named Best Software, Best Hardware, and Best Safety Technology for the second straight year by School Transportation News
• Named to Inc.’s Fastest-Growing Companies list (13th time)
• Named to The Business Review Fastest-Growing Companies list
• Recognized as a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace, and Best Company to Work For in New York State
• Attended 67 conferences nationwide
• Hosted largest Annual Client Summit to date in Nashville, Tenn.
“We worked tirelessly on all fronts in 2025,” Civitella said. “There were no easy wins. But we grew financially, technologically, and mentally. We are sharper than ever—and I expect 2026 to be the best year in the company’s history.”
About Transfinder
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a national leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts and police departments. Transfinder has been an Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” 13 times.
The company provides software, hardware and consulting services. Transfinder received Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology awards by industry leaders two years in a row andhas been named a Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Company to Work for in New York State multiple times, For more information, visit www.transfinder.com
DENVER, Colo. —EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced the recipients of its 2025 Driving Access Forward micro-grant initiative, awarding $20,000 in total funding to 30 schools and districts to help remove barriers to education for students and families facing instability.
EverDriven’s Driving Access Forward initiative was created to support students, families, and school staff nationwide by addressing community-identified needs. Awards were determined through applications submitted by school representatives, with funding being used for food, clothing, school supplies, emergency rides, and essential resources, including support for students experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
Award recipients span 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, highlighting the breadth of need across school communities nationwide.
“Every day, we see how transportation and access to essential needs can stand in the way of a student’s education,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Through our Driving Access Forward initiative we launched on Giving Tuesday, our goal with this micro grant initiative was to provide tangible support directly to school districts, empowering them to meet immediate needs and keep students connected to school, no matter the circumstances.”
Addressing Critical Needs for Students and Families
While needs varied by community, award recipients consistently identified three core priorities: emergency transportation access to help students attend school consistently; essential supplies, including food, clothing, and school or care items; and direct support for students experiencing homelessness, helping remove barriers tied to housing instability. A significant number of awarded applications focused on strengthening services for students protected by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including funding for emergency rides, last-minute transportation needs, and other critical resources that promote stability and continuity in education. Together, these funds allow districts to respond quickly in moments of crisis, helping ensure students can remain engaged in school even during periods of uncertainty.
“I am tremendously grateful to the EverDriven team for making this opportunity possible! Funds from the Driving Access Forward grant will go to transportation, first and foremost. That was a gamechanger for us last year,” said Sara Landrum, Social Worker and McKinney-Vento Liaison, Huntington County Community School Corporation. “We have a number of students who qualify for McKinney-Vento but not for health insurance, so the remaining funds will go toward eye exams and dental work support for those students in need.”
“Thank you very much for selecting us as a recipient of the Driving Access Forward grant. We look forward to continuing our programs and services in 2026. Your support will certainly improve access for students and families in our community,” said Dr. Narineh Khemichian, Interim Director of Student Wellness Services Department, Glendale Unified School District.
EverDriven’s Driving Access Forward initiative reflects the company’s broader mission to ensure safe, reliable access to education for every student, particularly those navigating complex life circumstances. To learn more about EverDriven’s work in modernizing student transportation and policy, 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.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.,- Zum, the leader in modern student transportation, today announced the appointment of Joseph Chong as Chief Marketing Officer. Chong will lead Zum’s marketing strategy and execution as the company accelerates national expansion, deepens adoption across major school districts, and continues to scale its technology-led, data-driven student transportation platform.
Zum is transforming student transportation—the largest mass transit system in the United States—by replacing fragmented, antiquated models with a tech and AI-driven transportation solution built around safety, reliability, transparency, and operational excellence. As adoption continues to grow rapidly across the country, Chong will help strengthen and amplify Zum’s narrative, strengthen engagement with districts and families, and support continued momentum across new and existing markets.
Chong brings more than 25 years of marketing leadership experience across high-growth and category-defining technology companies. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Incode, where he helped scale the company through a period of rapid growth. A graduate of Harvard College and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Chong has also held senior leadership roles at Zoom, Salesforce, and Twitter.
“Zum is setting a new standard in student transportation with technology that reduces commute times, increases visibility and transparency, and ensures students arrive at school ready to learn,” said Chong. “I’m excited to join the team at a moment of significant momentum, and to help bring Zum’s world-class technology and operations to even more communities nationwide.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Joseph to Zum at a pivotal stage in our growth,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. “Joseph’s experience building and scaling trusted brands aligns perfectly with where Zum is today. As more districts turn to Zum to modernize student transportation, Joseph’s leadership will help us deepen impact and continue raising the bar for how student transportation is delivered.”
Zum currently serves more than 4,000 schools across 14 states, with partnerships in many of the nation’s largest school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, San Francisco Unified, Oakland Unified, Seattle Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, and St. Louis Public Schools.
To learn more about how Zum is delivering safe, reliable, and modern student transportation at scale, visit www.ridezum.com.
About Zum:
Zum is a technology-led, data-driven transportation company transforming student transportation—the largest mass transit system in the United States. Today, Zum provides turnkey, modern transportation solutions to more than 4,000 schools across 14 states and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zum has raised over $350 million from leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, and SoftBank. Zum has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, CNBC’s Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times Fastest-Growing Companies. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.
According to a recent NASDPTS survey, more than 218,000 illegal stop-arm passings occurred daily in the U.S. during the 2024/2025 school year. For bus drivers who witness these violations then press event markers to capture them, the tasks can be overwhelming. In addition, the few seconds spent activating stop-arm cameras can distract drivers, pulling their attention away from students and the surrounding traffic. These crucial seconds could mean the difference between safe stops and serious events.
The AI Solution
To reduce drivers’ daily tasks, alleviate distractions and improve violation detection, the AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera provides an innovative, effective solution. Using vision based artificial intelligence, this IP camera sees motorists enter its detection zone while the stop arm is extended. Here’s how it works:
Once the camera detects a vehicle passing the extended stop arm, it automatically prompts the REI DVR to flag and record the violation.
REI’s license plate camera(s) simultaneously captures the violator’s plates.
The marker then prompts REI’s ARMOR Software Suite to auto-download the video clip, plate images and metadata from the DVR.
ARMOR receives and stores the video and data shortly after the violation, making it easily accessible to administration.
Administration reviews the violation, then emails law enforcement a secure link to the video evidence if necessary.
Driver Benefits
Drivers no longer need to observe and press event markers to capture violations. The AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera does it for them. This reduces stress and allows drivers to stay focused on students as they board and exit rather than violation detection. What’s more, the camera helps reduce missed violations due to human error, improving accuracy.
Administration Benefits
For administration, the streamlined, automated detection and management process eliminates hours spent searching for violation video. It also ensures evidence and relevant data, like bus ID, date, time and location, are ready when needed for law enforcement. School officials access clear, indisputable video evidence in ARMOR within minutes, freeing up valuable time for other operational tasks.
Mounts mid-bus and sees across six lanes.
Community Impact
Beyond its benefits for bus drivers and operations, the solution signals to the community that school bus safety laws are enforced. Over time, consistent, reliable violation detection and prosecution have the potential to change motorists’ behaviors. Motorists who once took chances when they saw extended stop arms may reconsider if they know their actions are detected and recorded. This can help ease the minds of parents, students and the community.
More Than Detection
Besides its ability to detect illegal passings, the AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera assists in liability protection. The time-stamped video and license plate images it initiates can help verify violations and resolve disputes quickly. This minimizes lengthy investigations and supports accurate reporting to insurance companies.
Next Steps
While the survey revealed fewer violations occurred during the 2024/2025 school year than the previous year, illegal stop-arm passings remain a serious problem. By implementing REI’s AI-powered stop-arm camera solution, districts can take a proactive, automatic approach to detection. The result can lead to a safer environment for students and greater peace of mind for drivers and school officials.
If your district is ready to take the next step toward detecting and reducing stop-arm violations, REI can help. Call 800.228.9275, contact us or your REI sales representative for more details about this advanced technology.* Together, we can make a difference in student safety.
*Additional hardware and software required.
The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.
STN EXPO East speakers will not only speak to present day challenges, but how today’s changes could affect student transportation, most notably a potential redirection of educational funding.
The Fall 2025 Fiscal Survey of the States conducted by the National Association of State Budget Officers found that expected fund spending in 23 states will either drop or stay flat in fiscal year 2026. Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group with 25 years experience in the student transportation industry, will present “Navigating the Funding Cliff” session on Friday, March 30 during the STN EXPO East conference. He plans to address the reassessment, realignment and expiration of funding options by the federal and state government and how they will directly impact the funds used for transportation.
Another hot topic in the industry is enrollment changes, which Ammon will discuss regarding how they specifically affect transportation due to funding models, zoning changes, and school site closures. Being aware of these trends as well as economic shifts can aid transportation as Ammon will explain how any necessary budget redesigns and cuts may look different based on district needs and unique situations.
In an era of constant change and oftentimes a feeling of “doom and gloom,” Ammon plans to provide a candid view of potential impacts, how they could affect various states, and what districts might need to do to trim budgets or allocate funds differently. Industry professionals won’t want to miss this informative session to prepare their budgets for the 2026-2027 school year.
Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 on conference registration. The STN EXPO East conference will be held March 26-31 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in North Carolina. Find the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.
Ryan and Taylor discuss upcoming student transportation awards, the NTSB investigation of a fatal school bus dragging, and a Florida bus aide arrested for child abuse.
“Education, engineering and enforcement.” Student safety is a passion of Derek Graham, an industry consultant and former state director of pupil transportation with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as well as past president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS). He joins us to discuss NASDPTS’ annual illegal passing survey and additional safety efforts which he will present about at STN EXPO East this March in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina.
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Software Suite
Drivers no longer need to observe and press event markers to capture violations. The AI Stop-Arm Violation Camera does it for them. This reduces stress and allows drivers to stay focused on students as they board and exit rather than violation detection. What’s more, the camera helps reduce missed violations due to human error, improving accuracy.
