Texas’ Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent  Roosevelt Nivens reportedly shows a solid understanding and strong support for transportation operations by staying in regular contact with operations and transportation leaders as well as frontline staff.

Chief Operations Officer Greg Buchanan said Nivens, “has contributed to meeting transportation needs by helping secure successful bond elections to fund fleet expansion.”

Plus, Nivens — one of four finalists for the National Superintendent of the Year award being given this week at the National Conference on Educaton — actively engages with employees during site visits, where he expresses appreciation for drivers, mechanics and leadership alike.

“Recently, he supported funding for 16 additional full-day drivers to cover absences and open routes, and he added leadership roles to keep transportation operations aligned with district growth,” Buchanan said.

Ahead of the 2026 Superintendent of the Year being named Feb. 12 at the National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee, School Transportation News sat down with those in charge of transportation operations at the respective districts to gain a better understanding of how the services function.

 

The Superintendent of the Year Award is sponsored by AASA: The School Superintendents Association, along with Corebridge Financial and Sourcewell, celebrate the contributions and leadership of public-school superintendents.

 

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year to a student at a high school the winning superintendent graduated from or from the school district the winner now leads.

Transportation Operations

Lamar CISD runs an entirely in-house transportation system that facilitates daily student mobility across a rapidly expanding district, “which allows the district to directly oversee safety standards, staffing and service quality,” Buchanan said.

It employs 275 drivers across three terminals for265 daily bus routes. The district transports approximately 22,700 students each school day. During the 2024–2025 school year, school buses traveled more than 4.6 million miles, serving both general and special education routes.

Lamar CISD relies heavily on technology to streamline operations, enhance communication and improve safety. This includes Tyler Technologies’ comprehensive student transportation software for route planning, driver navigation, student ridership tracking, and a parent app. Fleet Vision helps the district manage fuel and parts inventory and Trip Tracker coordinates campus-based trip scheduling.

Lamar CISD also uses Safety Vision camera systems to monitor bus interiors and exteriors, aiding accident investigations. “Additionally, AI-enabled tools are used daily for operational planning, communication and leadership support, enabling staff to respond swiftly to changing conditions,” Buchanan said.

When it comes to workplace culture, transportation encourages engagement and morale through constant communication. Culture is a key focus of the department to align with the district’s overall strategic plan, “which highlights recognizing exceptional performance and fostering a culture of excellence,” he added.

Related: AASA Announces 2026 National Superintendent of Year Finalists
Related: First Alabama Educator Named 2025 AASA Superintendent of the Year

Communication is fostered through including weekly newsletters, terminal-level outreach, and a sunshine committee that organizes employee recognition, morale-boosting activities and celebrations.

“These efforts culminate in an annual end-of-year awards banquet that honors outstanding service and achievement,” Buchanan said.

One current initiative is to address Texas Senate Bill 546, which requires all school buses to be equipped with three-point seatbelts by Sept. 1, 2029. “The district is meeting this mandate through a combination of new bus purchases and retrofitting select existing buses,” Buchanan said, adding that it is not operating alternative-fuel or energy school buses due to the significant costs and infrastructure requirements.

Another initiative was the opening of a new transportation facility, which was opened to support district growth and improve operational efficiency. In addition, the district opened a new Junior High School which was named after Ella Banks, a 40-year veteran school bus driver at the district.

“This recognition underscores the district’s commitment to treating transportation as an essential component of student success,” Buchanan said.

The post Superintendent of the Year Snapshot: Support, Understanding of Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

An unusually persistent cold front sweeping snow and freezing rain across the U.S. last month exposed a key vulnerability in school transportation systems across the South and Mid-Atlantic regions, where prolonged bouts with such severe winter weather is rare.

School districts unaccustomed to sustained winter weather were forced to suspend or significantly alter school bus operations, triggering widespread school closures, delays and logistical strain.

In Virginia, where snowfall is typically modest and short-lived, school districts across northern and central parts of the state struggled to safely operate school buses after repeated rounds of snow, freezing rain and overnight refreezing.

Fairfax County Public Schools, the state’s largest school district, canceled or delayed classes for multiple days, citing icy secondary roads and blocked school bus stops. Albemarle County Public Schools reported similar challenges, noting that while major roadways were largely cleared, neighborhood streets remained hazardous for large school buses navigating early-morning routes.

In neighboring North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) also faced transportation disruptions as icy conditions lingered on secondary roads. District officials said decisions to close, delay, or shift to remote learning are guided by a broad, safety-first assessment that extends well beyond road conditions alone.

“CMS considers multiple factors, including primary and secondary road conditions, local and state plowing schedules, staff commute safety, student drivers and walkers, accessibility needs, and the readiness of more than 200 facilities that must be safely cleared of snow and ice,” said Tom Miner, assistant communications officer for the district.

Miner told STN that Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools and administrative sites are not maintained by city or county crews. While local agencies focus on public roadways, district operations teams are responsible for clearing school parking lots, entrances, walkways, and bus lots to ensure safe conditions on campuses.

Because Charlotte-Mecklenburg serves a geographically large and diverse community, Miner said decisions prioritize countywide student and staff safety. When school is in session, district operations significantly increase traffic on local roads through buses, staff vehicles, families and student drivers, a factor weighed carefully during weather-related decision-making. District leaders also rely on guidance from weather experts and emergency management officials as recovery efforts unfold across the county.

The impact of the cold front was also pronounced in Tennessee, where severe winter weather remains relatively infrequent outside of mountainous areas. In east and middle Tennessee, a rare combination of freezing temperatures, snow and icy road conditions prompted widespread school closures as bus fleets were sidelined. Metro Nashville Public Schools canceled classes after determining that residential roads and rural routes were unsafe for bus travel.

Rocky (and Icy) Top

In Knox County, back-to-back winter storms over the past two weeks forced multiple canceled instructional days and delayed schedules. Ryan Dillingham, executive director of transportation for Knox County Schools, said even modest winter weather can have outsized effects in the region.

“We’re in an area that typically does not see heavy winter weather, so a relatively small amount that wouldn’t even be worth considering in other parts of the country can impact us heavily,” Dillingham told STN.

Dillingham said the district relies on a network of contracted bus operators positioned throughout Knox County to assess road conditions during weather events, combining those reports with forecast data and information from law enforcement, first responders and school safety and maintenance teams to guide decision-making.

“One of the unexpected impacts of these storms has been to drain our supplies of salt and de-icing compounds,” he explained. “We’re almost out locally, and suppliers are facing delays getting resupplies. That has led the county to prioritize major thoroughfares over neighborhood roads, which is logical and appropriate, but we have a lot of stops on neighborhood roads, so we feel that impact.”

Transportation officials across the region emphasized that many school bus fleets in southern states are not equipped with snow tires or chains, equipment typically unnecessary given their usual climates. Even brief overnight refreezing made routes unpredictable, forcing districts to prioritize safety over maintaining regular schedules.

Educators expressed frustration with the disruptions but largely supported school district decisions, acknowledging that transportation systems designed primarily for extreme heat and heavy rain are ill-suited for winter storms. The disruptions also renewed discussions about preparedness, with some districts exploring expanded use of remote learning days or adjustments to academic calendars to account for weather-related instructional losses. While forecasters expect temperatures to gradually moderate, school leaders say the cold front has already left a lasting impression.

Related: (STN Podcast E289) 2026 Kicks Off: Winter Weather, the World Stage & Rock ‘n Roll Leadership
Related: White-Knuckle Rides: School Bus Drivers Trained to Navigate Severe Winter Weather
Related: Study: Electric School Bus Reliability, Cost-Effectiveness Stand Up in Montana Extreme Cold
Related: When was the last time your operation trained with local first responders on emergency scenarios?

The post Bitter Winter Weather Halts School Bus Operations in Parts of South, Mid-Atlantic appeared first on School Transportation News.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Geotab Inc. (“Geotab”), a global leader in connected transportation, video telematics and asset tracking solutions, today at Geotab Connect 2026 launched the GO Anywhere family of asset trackers. Purpose built for distinct customer needs and use cases, the new hardware line delivers unified visibility across trailers and equipment while addressing critical business challenges, including the significant financial drain caused by lost or underutilized assets. The launch comes as the industry faces staggering costs from equipment misplacement and downtime; for instance, construction equipment loss alone exceeds $1 billion yearly in the U.S., often leading to project delays that multiply the total financial impact.

Geotab is including Starlink Direct To Cell connectivity in its GO Anywhere Plus asset tracker*. This marks a significant milestone in the industry, merging mobile and satellite networks, in a commercial IoT device. This innovation provides seamless coverage for high-value assets even in the most remote “dead zones,” at a fraction of the cost of traditional, hardware-intensive satellite connectivity.

“Losing a critical piece of equipment is about more than the replacement cost, it’s about the worker who can’t finish their job and the customer whose project is now stalled,” said David Wooten, Senior Manager Product Management at Geotab. “By providing near real-time visibility and vital data insights, we are helping remove the uncertainty that comes with managing valuable assets across multiple sites. Whether it’s ensuring a generator is maintained based on engine hour readings or confirming a trailer is ready for the road, we want to ensure that when a crew shows up for work, the tools and assets they need are working well and are exactly where they should be.”

Three Tailored Solutions for Total Fleet Visibility

The GO Anywhere family includes three distinct solutions tailored for various operational needs:

GO Anywhere Plus: The ultimate all-in-one solution for high-value mixed fleets. This hybrid tracker combines wired power for near real-time location, engine hours, and inferred hubometer readings with a field-replaceable backup battery for uncompromised insights. GO Anywhere Plus utilizes Starlink Direct to Cell technology, ensuring total operational awareness even in the most remote locations.This eliminates the need for expensive, specialized satellite hardware while maintaining connectivity where traditional cellular networks fail.

GO Anywhere: The definitive “set and forget” solution for non-powered assets, combining long battery life with consistent, reliable tracking. Engineered to deliver up to 10 years of battery life, the device lowers total cost of ownership by eliminating the need for frequent battery maintenance. GO Anywhere provides hourly location updates as a standard, helping ensure assets are trackable over time. In the event of theft, High-Frequency Mode can be activated for rapid recovery.

Small Asset Tracking: Utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, this solution allows businesses to track portable tools and equipment via nearby connected assets. This helps reduce the “invisible” costs of equipment loss through geofences that trigger alerts when assets move or are left behind.

By integrating these devices into the unified MyGeotab platform, businesses can eliminate blind spots in their operations, moving from reactive recovery to proactive asset management. Whether protecting construction equipment or monitoring sensitive logistics, the GO Anywhere family helps ensure every asset is accounted for in an increasingly complex global supply chain.

For more information on the GO Anywhere asset tracking solutions, please visit: https://www.geotab.com/fleet-management-solutions/asset-tracking/.

The GO Anywhere will be available in North America in Q2 2026, with a global rollout to follow.

*Starlink Direct To Cell will be available through select carrier partners.

About Geotab:
Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, with headquarters in Oakville, Ontario and Atlanta, Georgia. Our mission is to make the world safer, more efficient, and sustainable. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance and operations, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve approximately 100,000 global customers, processing 100 billion data points daily from more than 5 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organizations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorizations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Geotab Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views.

The post Geotab Launches New GO Anywhere Asset Trackers Featuring Satellite Connectivity appeared first on School Transportation News.

PROSPER, Texas — On Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 a.m., Region 6 Education Service Center (ESC), in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), will host Operation STEER – Student Transportation Emergency Education and Response at Prosper ISD’s Children’s Health Stadium.

Operation STEER is a large-scale, hands-on emergency preparedness training focused on school bus transportation incidents. The event brings together school transportation professionals, first responders, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management teams, and education leaders to strengthen coordination and response during student transportation emergencies.

Visual:

Media will observe controlled, safety-managed emergency training demonstrations, including:

· School bus rollover and extrication exercises

· Live fire suppression and fire extinguisher training

· Smoke-filled school bus evacuation simulation

· Air medical aircraft landing and takeoff demonstration

All demonstrations are conducted by trained professionals under strict safety protocols. No students are involved.

Training Components: 

· School bus rollover and heavy-rescue extrication operations

· Live fire emergency practice and fire extinguisher training

· Smoke-filled bus evacuation simulations

· Identification of bus access points for Fire/EMS extraction

· First aid, CPR, and “Stop the Bleed” techniques

· Special needs student evacuation and securement training

· Emergency student management scenarios

· Air medical response coordination

· Train-the-Trainer instruction model

About Operation Steer:

Operation STEER is the only program of its kind in Texas, developed through a partnership between TxDOT and Region 6 ESC. This annual training serves as a model for emergency school transportation preparedness across Texas’ education service regions.

Event Details:

WHAT: Live Emergency School Bus Safety Training WHO: Registered Region 6 ESC, TxDOT, Prosper ISD, Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement agencies, school transportation professionals, emergency response partners

WHEN: Saturday, March 7 | 8:00 a.m. WHERE: Prosper ISD – Children’s Health Stadium, 2000 Stadium Dr, Prosper, TX

THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

The post Live Emergency School Bus Safety Training Demonstration School Bus Drivers, First Responders, School Officials & Industry Leaders Participate appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Detroit bus driver is facing community backlash after live-streaming himself offering free rides to students walking to school during frigid weather, a gesture he said came from concern, but that school officials warn could pose serious safety risks, reported New York Post.

Darrell Beaver, owner of Ellamin’Op Transportation, advertised the impromptu free rides on his Facebook page Jan. 28, encouraging parents on Detroit’s Eastside to alert their children if they saw his yellow bus.

Beaver wrote, “Hey I’ll be on the Eastside this morning finding kids that walk to school and giving them a free ride. Let your kids know if a yellow bus with Ellamin’Op Transportation on it, Its safe to get on please share and drop some location.”

The post quickly raised alarms among parents and Detroit Public Schools Community District officials. After receiving multiple reports, the district issued a mass text alert warning families that an unauthorized bus was operating in the area.

“An unauthorized bus was reported. Students should only ride official Detroit Public Schools buses on assigned routes,” the alert read, according to local news reports.

Beaver is not affiliated with Detroit Public Schools and is only contracted to operate a planned route with the Braniacs Clubhouse Child Development Center. However, officials reportedly confirmed he allegedly dropped off at least one student at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy with parental permission.

An investigation reportedly found no evidence of malicious intent but emphasized concerns about safety, liability and the precedent such actions could set.

“Removing this gentleman from the equation, we don’t have any information or evidence to suggest he had any nefarious intention,” said Detroit Public Schools Safety Police Chief Labrit Jackson via the article. “But we’re really focusing on sending the message to our young people: do not get into vehicles with strangers.” Jackson warned that publicizing such actions could inspire bad actors to exploit relaxed guidelines.

“The next person who’s watching this now, we’ve given him an idea… a vehicle to have access to our children,” he continued.

The incident occurred as Detroit experienced extreme cold, with morning wind chills between 10 and 15 degrees below zero. Beaver said the harsh conditions motivated him to act.

“I just jumped into help mode. Like, it was freezing,” Beaver told local media. “I was in a bus for over an hour, and my feet were froze[n], so I felt bad to see these kids walking.”

He added that offering rides to random students is not something he typically does and said he did not make money from the additional passengers.

Reaction from parents has been divided. Some defended Beaver, saying his actions helped families who could not afford ride-share services. “I wasn’t mad, but I was just hurt because we were really trying to get to work and school,” parent Jimerson said via the news report. “Lyft is $50. I don’t have $50 to get them to school at six-something in the morning.”

Others, however, expressed serious concerns about student safety.

“Who knows in this day and age what you want to do with someone else’s children,” parent Alana Jackson told local news reporters. “With insurance liability issues, safety issues, stranger danger issues, it’s totally inappropriate.”

No charges are reportedly being pursued against Beaver. He has agreed to stop offering rides to students who are not on his authorized route.

Related: Michigan School Bus Driver Stops Stranger Attempting to Board Bus
Related: Michigan Student Left on School Bus for Hours
Related: White-Knuckle Rides: School Bus Drivers Trained to Navigate Severe Winter Weather
Related: (STN Podcast E289) 2026 Kicks Off: Winter Weather, the World Stage & Rock ‘n Roll Leadership

The post Michigan School Bus Contractor Offers Controversial Free Student Rides appeared first on School Transportation News.

School bus video cameras have become an important part of the school bus safety infrastructure. But as a part of proper usage, it’s crucial for student transportation leadership to understand the policies and procedures needed to ensure timely review of the footage.

A March 30 panel discussion, “Proper & Timely Review of Video Recorded Incidents,” at STN EXPO East in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina will feature three student transportation professionals. Launi Harden, a consultant and former transportation director at Washington County School District in Utah, will moderate the session with Bernando Brown, director student transportation at DeKalb County School District in Georgia, and Teena Mitchell, special needs coordinator at Greenville County Schools in South Carolina and past National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) president.

During the session, Harden, Brown and Mitchell will look at the logistics of managing video footage for school bus fleets and detail the need for processes and policies to know what’s on the footage and respond to it. The panelists will discuss their own experience with school bus video cameras including best practices and the impact of the hardware and software on driver and student safety. They will also review the variety of considerations involved in creating school bus video camera review policies, from legal requirements to open records requests, impacts on IEPs to technology considerations.

Other topics to be discussed include reviewing footage to flag concerning behavior, the importance of consistent review for early detection of violent or sexual assaults, and communication with parents of video-related policies. Attendees will hear conversation on the proper storage of footage, archiving it for the right amount of time, how to create a documented process for allowing district employees to view the videos, and how these policies are in the best interest of district and transportation employees.

Attendees will leave the session with practical strategies to improve communication and collaboration across their district, with their larger community of students and families, law enforcement and contractors regarding this important facet of school bus safety.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. Registration will give access to this and dozens of other educational sessions, hands-on trainings and networking events including the Ride and Drive/Technology Demo, Trade Show and Thomas Built Buses tour, all held over the six-day conference. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Security Expert to Share Indicators Violent Behavior at STN EXPO East
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Features Exclusive North Carolina Thomas Built Buses Tour

The post STN EXPO East to Share Importance of School Bus Video Review appeared first on School Transportation News.

Insights on national school bus contractor First Student’s purchase of Chicago area contractor Cook Illinois Corp., the Blue Bird 2026 Q1 earnings report, and a California study on lap/shoulder seatbelt efficacy.

“Make sure that the right people are on the right seats on the bus.” Heather Perry, superintendent of Schools for Maine’s Gorham Public Schools, was named as one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year Award by The School Superintendents Association, AASA. She discusses her leadership journey, winter transportation operations, the value of collaboration and staff support, and a robust student career support program.

Read more about leadership.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from EverDriven.

Message from School Radio.

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

The post (STN Podcast E293) Community, Not Individual: Maine Superintendent Collaborates for Student, Staff Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

The West Virginia Department of Education shared this informative video during Love the Bus Month to provide a behind the scenes look at the detailed pre-trip inspection routine needed before school buses hit the road.

Related: Update: Love the Bus Month Underway, NAPT Seeks Recognition Year-Round
Related: WATCH: Maine District Highlights Drivers for Love the Bus Month
Related: Gallery: Love the Bus Month 2025 Celebrations

The post WATCH: West Virginia Highlights School Bus Inspection for Love the Bus Month appeared first on School Transportation News.

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge for school districts, even as student transportation needs continue to grow more complex. Changes in student mobility, specialized services, workforce limitations, and ongoing budget pressures have made transportation planning increasingly difficult, affecting even districts with mature, well-functioning bus systems.

In this session, transportation expert Greg Jackson and a district practitioner will discuss three student-centered transportation strategies districts are using to help support consistent attendance in a rapidly shifting landscape. Drawing from real district experiences, the conversation will highlight how transportation teams and district leaders are responding to new demands, collaborating across departments, and making intentional tradeoffs to preserve both student access and operational stability.

Three Key Strategies

• Viewing Transportation Through an Attendance Lens
  How districts are connecting reliability and on-time service to student attendance, and identifying where transportation decisions may unintentionally contribute to chronic absenteeism.
• Engaging Earlier in the Process
  Why districts are reconsidering when and how transportation teams participate in IEP planning, placement changes, and housing transitions, and the downstream impact when that engagement happens too late.
• Strengthening Governance and Communication
  How clearer leadership alignment, stronger documentation, and more effective cross-team communication are helping districts manage frequent student changes while minimizing delays and compliance risk.

Brought to you by EverDriven

REGISTER BELOW:

Speakers:

Greg Jackson
General Manager, Busing
EverDriven

Greg Jackson served as the executive director of transportation and fleet services for Jefferson County School District in Colorado for a decade. One of the largest districts in the state, Jackson oversaw 750 vehicles, 257 bus routes, 305 drivers, and four bus terminals, ensuring that nearly 14,000 students were safely transported to and from school and activities. The district benefited from Jackson’s charismatic leadership style and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, families, and vendors.

Prior to this position, he served as a transportation director, terminal manager, supervisor, and fleet coordinator across multiple districts and companies, providing him with unique insight into all facets of transportation. His experience includes knowledge about legislation and law concerning student safety, budgetary requirements, and best practices.

Jim Ellis
Director of Pupil Transportation
Henrico County Public Schools

Jim Ellis is a respected leader in pupil transportation with more than three decades of experience in public education operations. A NAPT-certified Director of Pupil Transportation since 2008, Ellis has served in key leadership roles across Virginia and North Carolina, including President of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association. Since 2020, Ellis has served as Director of Pupil Transportation for Henrico County Public Schools, where he has led operational improvements, safety enhancements, and innovative practices to better serve students and families.

The post (Free Webinar) 3 Student-Centric Transportation Strategies to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism appeared first on School Transportation News.

Investigators say surveillance video shows a school bus aide repeatedly physically abusing a 10-year-old student with disabilities while the bus driver watched and, at times, laughed.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests on Jan. 30, following a child abuse investigation that began in mid-November, after a witness reported seeing a school bus aide strike the boy while parked at Caminiti Exceptional School.

According to investigators, video capture Juanita Wright, 79, a school bus monitor for Hillsborough County Public Schools, striking the minimally verbal student diagnosed with autism and ADHD on 14 separate days between Oct. 2 and Nov. 14, Authorities say the footage shows Wright hitting the boy in the head and on his back, pulling him by the hair, and wresting his backpack away as he remained seated.

Wright was charged with 14 counts of child abuse. The bus driver, Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, is charged with failure to report child abuse. Prosecutors allege she saw the abuse, did not intervene, and at least once appeared to smile or laugh while watching the incidents in her rear-view mirror.

Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the conduct as “a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing,” calling it “an inexcusable betrayal of trust” when adults entrusted with a child’s welfare cause harm and fail to act. Deputies reviewed internal school bus video and identified multiple incidents before the report was made.

The investigation remains active to determine if additional victims exist.

“A defenseless child was physically abused by someone entrusted with their care, while another adult failed to intervene and instead laughed,” Chronister said. “It is an inexcusable betrayal of trust and a profound lack of humanity.”

In a statement shared by local media, the district said Wright was hired in 2012, removed from duty in November after the allegations surfaced, and later fired. Rice-Constant retired from the district in November, when the investigation into the alleged child abuse began. Both cases will proceed through the court system as authorities continue to investigate.

Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
Related: Former Colorado School Bus Aide Pleads Guilty to Abusing At-Risk Students
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related:Teacher’s Aide Arrested After Firearm Recovered from Student on W.V. School Bus

The post Florida School Bus Aide Accused of Child Abuse in Ongoing Beating appeared first on School Transportation News.

The debate on lap/shoulder seatbelts in school buses has divided the student transportation industry. Advocates champion their life-saving potential, while skeptics raise concerns about evacuation challenges and the added cost of equipping
buses with this technology. However, as we reflect on 20 years of data from California, the first state to mandate lap/shoulder belts on new school buses, it appears the benefits of these safety measures outweigh the concerns.

The Golden State’s experience with lap/shoulder belts offers a compelling case for its adoption. Rather than focusing on student fatalities, which we all know are extremely rare each school year, the report released last month investigates student injuries that are infrequently discussed.

Since the state began requiring lap/shoulder belts on new school buses in 2004, pupil passenger injuries have decreased by three-quarters in absolute numbers and by nearly 50 percent in per million miles traveled. These statistics courtesy of Ron Kinney, a former California state director of student transportation and director of government relations for Laidlaw, are not simply numbers. The data taken from California Highway Patrol crash reports represent thousands of children who avoided injury, trauma and life-altering consequences.

Critics argue that lap/shoulder belts could hinder evacuation during emergencies. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has repeatedly emphasized that properly worn lap/shoulder belts reduce the severity of injuries in crashes, particularly in side impacts and rollovers—scenarios where traditional compartmentalization falls short. And as such, these students are better able to self-evacuate, largely because they remain conscious.

The 2014 Anaheim, California school bus crash, cited in Kinney’s research, serves as a reminder of this. NTSB simulations showed that lap/shoulder belts significantly
reduced upper body flailing during the crash and prevented passengers from being thrown into the area of maximum intrusion. This minimized injuries.

California also mandates annual safety training for students, including proper use of passenger restraint systems and emergency evacuation drills. These drills ensure that students are familiar with how to unbuckle their belts quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Moreover, the data shows that no pupil passengers have been killed in California school bus crashes since the lap/shoulder belt mandate took effect—a testament to their effectiveness in preventing fatalities.

Another common argument against lap/shoulder belts is the cost. Equipping a new school bus with lap/shoulder belts adds a few thousand dollars to the purchase price. However, when spread over a 20-year lifespan of a bus, Kinney’s report claims, this cost amounts to approximately $500 per year or pennies per day per student. Who keeps a school bus that long anymore, you ask? Ahead of the approaching funding cliff for school districts next school year, skipping on replacement cycles is a likely coping strategy. And today’s school buses are at least 90 percent cleaner than 20 years ago, which was a leading reason for hastening replacement cycles, to begin with.

Compare $500 or even $1,000 per year (Blue Bird now makes lap/shoulder belts standard equipment) to the financial and emotional toll of a single injury or fatality, which can result in millions of dollars in litigation costs and immeasurable pain for families. The California data demonstrates that the reduction in pupil passenger injuries alone justifies the investment.

It’s also worth noting that student transporters routinely invest in technologies to improve operational efficiency and safety, such as GPS tracking, routing software and telematics systems, many of which have recurring costs. Lap/shoulder belts are a one-time purchase.

Lap/shoulder belts advantages extend beyond injury prevention. Districts implementing these systems report significant improvements in student behavior and a reduction in driver distractions. When students are properly secured, they are less likely to move around, fight or engage in other disruptive behaviors. This creates a calmer, safer environment for both students and bus drivers, reducing stress and improving job satisfaction.

Fewer behavioral issues mean fewer disciplinary write-ups and less time spent on administrative tasks, freeing up resources for other priorities. Drivers are also
less likely to have to pull over to address misconduct, improving route efficiency, and reducing delays.

The data from California is clear: Lap/shoulder belts not only save lives but reduce injuries and improve the overall safety and efficiency of school transportation. A reconsideration of the three-point seatbelts in school buses is happening. NAPT is expected to release a new paper later this year.

Is it time to finally move beyond the debate?

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

Related: California School Bus Report Shows Lap/Shoulder Seatbelts Reduce Injuries
Related: Illinois Bill Advances to Require Lap/Shoulder Seatbelts on New School Buses
Related: (STN Podcast E251) Making Safety Safer: Seatbelts, Technology, Training & Electric School Buses
Related: School Bus Safety Act Renews Call for Seatbelts, Other Safety Improvements

The post Strongest Case Yet for 3-point Belts? appeared first on School Transportation News.

Horrific video shows the moments before a school bus struck 11-year-old Amira Aminova as she ran across a Brooklyn street after buying chocolate at a bodega.

Police reportedly arrested Wawa Aurelus, 62, the school bus driver who hit Aminova but did not stop at the scene. He was arrested Friday, according to multiple news reports, following the incident that occurred shortly after school let out at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Bath Beach neighborhood.

Aurelus was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors, according to the New York Times.

The video shows Aminova standing on the corner of Bath Ave. at 23rd Ave. and proceeding to cross the street, apparently with seconds remaining on the red-flashing countdown pedestrian signal. As Aminova starts to run across the street, the school bus is seen coming into view heading south on 23rd Ave. and instigating a right-hand turn onto Bath Ave. The bus never stops, and the video cuts out right before it hits the sixth grader.

Aminova was at least the fifth student pedestrian killed this school year nationwide by a school bus, according to School Transportation News research.

State Sen. Steve Chan, a former NYPD officer, represents the 17th district that comprises part of South Brooklyn. He told STN he does not understand how Aurelus did not realize he struck Aminova and continued his route.

“Spending 27 years as a police officer, I’ve seen many accidents involving school buses, tractor trailers and small trucks. Often, a driver will not know when they hit someone in the leg or brushed up against their body. However, in this particular case, I’ve reviewed video tape of the incident from start to finish. This bus driver should have known that he rolled over a person or something,” Chan wrote in an email Saturday. “If he had looked into the rear or side view mirror, he would have seen her on the ground. The intersection was clear and visibility was good. The roadway was dry and flat. The snow built up in the corners was not a factor. There were no other drivers or pedestrians in this intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the crosswalk and a green light. She did break into a sprint. However, the bus driver had a clear line of sight at the intersection.

“As far as I can tell, this tragedy is the result of complete driver inattention,” he continued. “Of course, I know most school bus drivers are dedicated individuals who help our community every day. But I must ask everyone to use extra caution, especially when making a turn.”

Police later located Aurelus, an employee of Consolidated Bus Service, and took him to the 62nd Precinct for questioning, reported CBS New York. Chan posted on Facebook the driver was detained “a short distance away” from the scene of the collision.

Consolidated Bus Service had not responded to an email seeking comment at this report.

An investigation by the NYPD fatal collision unit continues. A GoFundMe page was set up for Aminova’s mother to help cover funeral and burial costs in Uzbekistan. She immigrated with her daughter to the U.S. several years ago.

Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York
Related: New York School Bus Crash Leaves One Dead, Others Injured
Related: Fatality Data Analysis Indicates School Bus Safety in Comparison to Other Modes

The post School Bus Driver Charged with Hit-and-Run Death of Brooklyn Girl appeared first on School Transportation News.

Training school district employees to recognize early signs of violent behavior is crucial to safe student transportation, especially when school bus drivers are the first school employees to interact with the children each day. And they are often the first to encounter perpetrated acts of violence.

Bret Brooks will discuss this challenging topic at the STN EXPO East conference in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina on March 27. Brooks will equip attendees with a practical framework, built not just from his experience as a student transportation safety and security consultant but also his background as a U.S. Army major and retired member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

This general session will discuss behavioral indicators, environmental cues and communication patterns that could signal potential violent behavior from a student. Using case-analysis, real-world scenarios and behavioral research, Brooks will explain how acts of violence can often be identified on school buses before they happen by recognizing verbal and non-verbal indicators.

Understanding Violent Behavior

The session will highlight the importance of discerning behavior patterns from isolated behaviors, such as changes in speech, mood, posture, speech and eye contact, and identify what are escalating behaviors that require review. Brooks also plans to discuss different types of violence onboard the school bus and how exposure to violence is impacting student behavior.

Attendees will not only learn to recognize the signs and increase their situational awareness but take the appropriate steps to address the risk and respond appropriately. This session is beneficial for school bus transportation professionals and school administrators looking to equip their staff to increase situational awareness, be trained in de-escalation, prevention and make informed decisions that enhance safety in educational environments.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. Registration will give access to this and dozens of other educational sessions, hands-on trainings and networking events including the Ride and Drive/Technology Demo, Trade Show and Thomas Built Buses tour, all held over the six-day conference. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

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What should a school transportation department expect in the wake of a serious or fatal school bus crash? In Tennessee, a painstakingly thorough post-crash investigation process begins by reviewing the bus driver’s training and the bus maintenance records, three of the state’s highway patrol troopers said.

In the immediate aftermath of a school bus crash, school staff should expect authorities to follow specific protocol, beginning with ensuring that everyone who’s injured receives the care they need. Next, they will take steps to preserve the crash scene, properly document physical evidence, take photos, and collect witness statements.

“That includes making sure that nothing’s being taken out before it’s documented and that everything that can be done at the scene is done before anyone starts moving stuff or letting people go,” said Sgt. Jena Eubanks of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “We may put down paint where a vehicle comes to rest just so we can come out later and measure the scene if need be.”

Lt. Raymond Gaskill said the first steps when investigating a serious or fatal school bus crash include securing the bus driver’s information to determine the commercial driver’s license and training record.

“We’re going to verify that the bus has been inspected and that it was supposed to be operational,” Gaskill said. “Even if the crash is not investigated by the highway patrol, transportation directors know that our team of inspectors have to look at that bus before they put kids back on it.”

If an incident occurred while students were loading or unloading, authorities “want to make sure the eight-way lighting was on and the stop sign was out at the time of the crash so it can be documented,” Gaskill said. “Ninety percent of Tennessee buses have cameras nowadays, so we’ll make sure to get with those transportation directors and look at that video.”

Eubanks said post-crash inspections follow two paths.

“There’s what we do on the people side, and we’ll inspect the bus to see what damage, if there is any damage, occurred as a result of the crash,” she said. “The post-crash inspection is conducted by certified personnel … and it’s a very thorough investigation where we’re breaking down that vehicle mere seconds before the crash and building it back up to see, ‘Was there something wrong with the vehicle at the time that was a causing a factor in the crash?’ Those can take a week or a couple days or weeks more, depending on what we’re dealing with.”

Gaskill said the “people side” probe includes a look back at least 24 hours into the driver’s activities.

“Were they sick? Did they stay up all night? Did they get enough rest? What were they doing? You know, those types of things would all play a factor into the crashes,” he explained.

Authorities will also review on-board technology during a crash event reconstruction with the recognition that systems may not be calibrated or accurate.

“We may use the GPS, but we’d have to look at other factors. My calculations as a reconstructionist tell me their minimum speed was this. The GPS says they were going that fast. That would help your case, but we don’t just take GPS at its word,” Gaskill said.

Distraction the Most Prevalent Cause of Crashes

The most common factors in minor and serious school bus crashes involve hitting mirrors on other vehicles due to being too close to the center line and tail swing when the rear of a bus crosses the center line, according to Gaskill. But, he added, “You would be amazed at how many people rear end a school bus, and you can’t train for that.”

Eubanks said most crashes she sees are caused by “some type of distraction.”

“Whether it’s on the driver of the bus or the driver of the other vehicle because most crashes can be prevented, but I would say most of them are distractions,” Eubanks said.

Capt. Allen England said Gaskill’s and Eubanks’ observations can be covered under one umbrella: Human error.

“Whether it’s distraction or tail swing or something else, that’s human error in the operation of the vehicle. Whether it be loading or unloading children or a child getting caught in a door and dragged, it’s the people factor, human error,” he said. “Rarely do we ever see, maybe two out of 100 times, a mechanical defect that may have contributed to a crash. But that’s human error, too.”

The best crashes, though, are the ones that never happen, thanks to foresight and preparation. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s focus on preventing crashes begins by inspecting 147 school districts’ roughly 9,800 buses.

“We inspect every school bus in the state at least once per year, some twice or more per year. We train every driver at least one time per year, maybe more. We notify transportation directors of downgrades or anything that alters that driver’s license that they need to know about or they may need to take a driver out of a school bus,” England said. “We have a very robust program, and we have committed individuals to the program to help kids safe.”

The four hours of mandated driver training address common safety issues, Gaskill said. “We look at the crashes that come in across the state throughout the year, and that’s what we train next year,” he added. “If we have a lot of tail swing incidents, we make sure to put in training about tail swing. … Student management is always a big one.”

Related: This is Bad
Related: NTSB Investigating Fatal School Bus Dragging in Maine
Related: Waymo Driverless Vehicles Continue to Illegally Pass School Buses

As long as transportation departments are performing proper bus maintenance and conducting effective training, England said, his best advice for fleet managers to prevent accidents is “first and foremost, know your driver.

“The driver is typically the largest factor in the crash. So, they need to understand the driver and what’s going on with them. If the driver is going through something horrendous in his personal life, is that going to affect his ability to safely operate that bus?” he continued. “Know your driver and engage with those drivers as frequently as you can.”

Eubanks agreed. In addition to extending England’s advice to the shop foreperson and mechanics, she encouraged fleet managers to conduct video reviews of bus drivers and follow up on complaints about erratic or unsafe driving.

“Also make sure your drivers are doing what they’re supposed to do regarding pre-trips and post-trips. Pre-trip and post-trip (inspections) are required by federal mandate and by our state regulations,” Eubanks said. “Make sure that driver is taking that time in the morning and in the afternoon to walk around their bus make sure everything’s good to go on it, and notating anything that’s wrong and ensuring that that bus is getting fixed properly.”

The post Investigation, Documentation Crucial to School Bus Crash Investigations appeared first on School Transportation News.

Another investigation is underway after a Waymo driverless vehicle hit a young pedestrian, this time in Santa Monica, California.

Last month, School Transportation News reported that Waymo’s driverless vehicles are still illegally passing Austin Independent School District school buses in Texas despite multiple attempts to correct the situation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary evaluation Oct. 17, after a Waymo vehicle failed to stop and passed a school bus in Atlanta, Georgia a month earlier.

NHTSA opened another investigation Jan. 28 following the Santa Monica incident, which is about 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. The preliminary evaluation states that on Jan. 23 Waymo “reported to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that a Waymo Automated Vehicle (AV) had struck a child near an elementary school earlier that day.”

The incident occurred within two blocks of the Santa Monica elementary school and during normal school drop off hours. Other children, a crossing guard and several double-parked vehicles were in the vicinity.

The child reportedly ran across the street from behind a double-parked SUV towards the school and was struck by the Waymo AV. Waymo reported that the child sustained minor injuries. The Waymo driverless vehicle was operated by the 5th Generation Automated Driving System.

Waymo announced on its website that it has a commitment to transparency and road safety.

“At Waymo, we are committed to improving road safety, both for our riders and all those with whom we share the road. Part of that commitment is being transparent when incidents occur,” the blog post states.

Related: Waymo Driverless Car Illegally Passes Stopped School Bus in Atlanta
Related: NHTSA Investigates Autonomous Waymo Rides After Illegal School Bus Passing
Related: Texas Autonomous Vehicle Task Force Will Work with School Bus Companies

Waymo Response to Santa Monica Incident

The company details the incident, noting that it contacted NHTSA and will cooperate with the investigation.

“The event occurred when the pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle’s path,” the post notes. “Our technology immediately detected the individual as soon as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle. The Waymo Driver braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made.”

The Waymo post notes that “a fully attentive human driver in this same situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph. This significant reduction in impact speed and severity is a demonstration of the material safety benefit of the Waymo Driver.”

Following contact, the student pedestrian reportedly stood up and walked to the sidewalk, and Waymo called 911. The driveless vehicle moved to the side of the road and stayed there until law enforcement cleared the vehicle.

“This event demonstrates the critical value of our safety systems,” Waymo added. “We remain committed to improving road safety where we operate as we continue on our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver.”

The post Investigation into Waymo Driverless Vehicles Continues Following Latest Collision with Student appeared first on School Transportation News.

The STN EXPO East conference will close for attendees with an exciting behind-the-scenes Thomas Built Buses factory tour at the Saf-T-Liner Plant in High Point, North Carolina.

The Thomas factory tour is scheduled for March 31 with attendance limited to the first 100 signups.

Attendees will be transported to and from the plant by bus in two groups of 50 from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. They will then be escorted through the plant in groups of 10 by Thomas Built Buses regional sales managers, who will explain the inner workings of the plant and manufacturing processes. Tour attendees will see in real-time the production of Thomas Type C and Type D buses as well as automation on the assembly line, welding, painting and body mounting processes.

Attendees will also see the latest in OEM offerings from the company. Last year, Thomas announced that all Type D school bus production, including the Saf-T-Liner HDX2, as well as the new Saf-T-Liner EFX2 Type D bus had been fully transitioned to the North Carolina Saf-T-Liner plant. Thomas also unveiled its second-generation Type C Jouley electric bus and its new Type D Wattson electric bus.

All tour attendees will enjoy lunch at the plant, industry updates and networking with Thomas Built Buses representatives as well as receive a special gift bag to take home with them.

Space is limited so reserve your spot today. Early Bird savings end Feb. 14. Save $100 on main conference registration before the deadline. Main conference registration will also provide access to dozens of educational sessions, the interactive Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit experiences, networking events including the Charlotte Motor Speedway Reception, and the STN EXPO Trade Show. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Ride and Drive, Technology Demo Return to Charlotte Motor Speedway in March
Related: Transportation Director Summit Provides Exclusive Leadership, Networking
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East

The post STN EXPO East Features Exclusive North Carolina Thomas Built Buses Tour appeared first on School Transportation News.

DETROIT, Mich. – Questar Auto Technologies’ predictive Total Fleet Health Management solution is now available on the Geotab Marketplace,a network of fleet-focused solutions for companies looking to increase productivity and compliance while lowering operating costs.

Questar’s AI-driven Total Fleet Health Management solution helps fleet operators to detect vehicle issues earlier, plan repairs proactively, and reduce unplanned downtime through predictive and prescriptive health insights.

Questar is one of the only fleet health solutions that shows the estimated cost of early intervention along with the estimated downstream cost of inaction; thereby helping fleets make confident, economics-driven maintenance decisions.

From easy implementation to higher revenues

Through a cloud-to-cloud integration with Geotab – which means there is no additional hardware to contend with — Questar analyzes vehicle telemetry, engine fault data, maintenance history, and environmental context to identify emerging issues before they become failures.

The Questar platform provides early-warning alerts (up to 30 days in advance), repair recommendations, and actionable insights tailored to each vehicle.

By combining Geotab high-quality data with Questar’s advanced analytics and industry-specific, patented AI Foundation models, fleet operators gain a proactive, data-driven approach to maintenance that drives measurable operational and financial impact. Vehicles stay on the road longer, generating more revenue.

“Fleets are looking for solutions that fit naturally into their existing technology environments,” says Aaron Howell, Vice President of Sales for Questar North America. “Through the Geotab Marketplace, fleets across North America can now access Questar’s advanced features.”

About Questar Auto Technologies:
Questar is a pioneer in vehicle health management, offering a comprehensive solution that includes both predictive and prescriptive VHM. Questar enables Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, leasing companies, service providers and enterprise fleets to cut downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and maximize revenue through advanced AI-driven analytics. https://questarauto.com

The post Questar Predictive Total Fleet Health Management Now Available in the Geotab Marketplace appeared first on School Transportation News.

Heliox, A Siemens Business, a leader in EV charging solutions, is proud to highlight its VersiCharge Blue 80A, engineered for the most demanding fleet and commercial vehicle charging environments. Designed to deliver up to 80A AC (19.2 kW) power output, the VersiCharge Blue 80A ensures that fleet operators can keep vehicles moving efficiently and reduce operational downtime. With Level 2 charging capability via a J1772 connector and a 24-foot cable, this solution is compatible with most standard EVs, E-Trucks and School Buses, and streamlines installation and daily operation for maximum flexibility and reach.

This charger exemplifies robust quality, featuring Buy America compliance to meet government procurement requirements and ENERGY STAR certification to support lower operational costs and high energy efficiency. Safety remains paramount, as the VersiCharge Blue 80A holds multiple UL listings and carries a NEMA 4 and IK10 rating to ensure exceptional resilience against extreme temperatures, humidity, and physical impact. Backed by a 3-year warranty, customers gain peace of mind knowing their investment is safeguarded for the long haul.

Connectivity is central to the VersiCharge Blue 80A’s design, with cellular and Wi-Fi networking providing easy remote monitoring and flexible network-sharing in commercial deployments. Site safety and aesthetics are prioritized thanks to retractable cable management, reducing trip hazards and maintaining a clean, professional appearance. State-of-the-art smart charging features, including ISO15118-2 hardware readiness and OCPP 1.6J support, enable advanced load management, authentication, security, and future compatibility, while Sifinity Setup mobile app configuration simplifies multi-charger installations.

Precise energy tracking is guaranteed by embedded metering, helping operators optimize usage and manage costs. Built for resilient operation, the unit withstands wide temperature swings from -40°C to 50°C (>50°C with derating) and functions reliably in up to 98% humidity, making it ideal for harsh climates and challenging locations. Wall or post mounting options offer flexible installation for any site layout, and over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades future-proof investments by delivering remote updates and new capabilities.

Engineered for versatility, VersiCharge Blue 80A features rated current settings from 12A to 80A to easily accommodate varying power needs across fleet and facility applications. Its recommended wire cross section of 3 AWG with a 90°C minimum ensures safe, high-capacity wiring and consistent performance even under heavy usage. Built-in ground fault and overvoltage protection shield both users and vehicles against electrical risks, while multicolor LED indicators provide instant feedback on charging status, connectivity, and fault diagnostics to streamline site management.

Advanced OCPP and ISO15118-2 user authentication deliver enterprise-grade security and fleet management capability. The charger operates at altitudes up to 6,562 feet, expanding site possibilities in high-elevation regions, and customizable mounting options ensure seamless integration in diverse venues.

With VersiCharge Blue 80A, Heliox, A Siemens Business, is bringing a powerful blend of reliability, safety, and intelligent connectivity to the heart of fleet and commercial EV operations, enabling customers to scale with confidence as electrification demands grow.

About Heliox, A Siemens Business
Heliox, A Siemens Business, delivers world class EV charging equipment, EV charger maintenance and support services, and robust solutions for a broad range of EV fleets. Our portfolio encompasses all aspects of smart and efficient AC and DC charging infrastructure, including IoT-connected hardware, software, and a comprehensive service offering. Heliox manufactures UL compliant products that meet Buy America Act (BAA) and Build America Buy America (BABA) standards. Heliox’s high-quality, field-proven charging products are now backed by Siemens’ financial strength, global reach, and long-term stability—delivering the best of both worlds.

The post Heliox, A Siemens Business, Highlights VersiCharge Blue 80A for Fleet and Commercial EV Charging appeared first on School Transportation News.

The February edition of STN magazine is out, where we continue discussions on the oversight of autonomous vehicles and alternative student transportation. Plus, sign up for school bus inspection training and many more learning opportunities at STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, this March.

In the aftermath of a high-profile school bus rollover last August at Leander Independent School District in Central Texas, Director of Transportation Tracie Franco talks lessons learned in emergency response, lap-shoulder seatbelt enforcement, first responder collaboration and staff training.

Read more about crashes.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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

The post (STN Podcast E292) Emergencies & Training: Lessons Learned From Texas School Bus Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.

A motorist is late for work and, in a rush, passes a stopped school bus loading children. By doing so, this person is putting children’s lives in danger. Community and political leaders have become increasingly concerned about this issue, and state legislation is addressing the running of school bus stop arms.

An online survey of 2,000 parents and caretakers also indicates increasing concern with their children’s commutes to and from school. In fact, 43 percent said they have observed a “near miss” in a school zone, with one-third saying they saw motorists nearly hit students at school bus stops with the stop-arm extended. Eighty-two percent of those parents said they support safety cameras to monitor and penalize illegal passers. The results come from a survey conducted last year by Verra Mobility.

Educating the public on the importance of school bus safety is an essential goal for Ward Leber, the founder and chairman of the Child Safety Network (CSN), who has worked with the U.S. Senate over the past dozen years to recognize National School Bus Safety Month in September.

Leber said research indicates some motorists who pass stopped buses are just not paying attention. Other people don’t know the dangers present when children are boarding and exiting buses. Even worse, as a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uncovered, many motorists say they don’t care about school buses.

“We are working on a campaign to increase awareness of school bus safety,” Leber added. The football themed “Know When It’s Safe to Pass” PSA is authorized by the Senate resolution and is expected to be released this month to coincide with the Super Bowl. Ward said CSN is working with several well-known professional athletes to create messages to promote the idea that quarterbacks must make correct decisions, especially when the big game is on the line. But illegally passing a stopped school bus is more than a bad mistake. It endangers the lives of children. Leber said he believes motorists must make the right call behind the wheel when they approach school bus stops. And that is to always stop and remain stopped until the flashing red lights and stop arm deactivate.

The CSN campaign also provides free resources that explain in plain language with visuals when it is safe and lawful to pass school buses in either direction. And it seeks to improve how school bus safety is covered on not only state-administered driving tests but internationally as well. Leber said information must be updated to reflect real-world driving situations.

“We intend to ask the U.S. State Department to require basic instruction on school-bus laws for visitors who will be driving in the U.S., and to encourage rental car companies to voluntarily provide school-bus safety information, authored by CSN, particularly to international renters and especially during back-to-school periods,” he added. “This is about removing ignorance as an excuse before it becomes a tragedy.”

The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation is working on this issue and has supported state legislation to increase fines for people who run red lights at stopped school buses. Fines for passing a stopped bus can reach $500.

Katrina Morris, executive director of MAPT, said efforts are underway to educate drivers about the importance of stopping when they see a school bus stop arm through fun, informative PSAs.

She worked last fall with Ryan Preece, a professional NASCAR driver on team RFK Racing owned by Jack Roush, founder of ROUSH Enterprises and the ROUSH CleanTech division, to make a public service announcement on the importance of not passing stopped school buses. As a race car driver, Preece likes to go fast and not stop, the PSA says. It shows him not stopping for a tire change at a pit stop and not stopping for a drink at a roadside lemonade stand, but even he has time to stop when the reds are flashing for a school bus.

Lomas Brown, a retired offensive lineman for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, is currently working with Morris and MAPT to create a similar ad. It states, “When the reds are flashing, there is no passing.”

Morris said MAPT also plans to work with Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan to support legislation he introduced last year with Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, the Brakes for Kids Act, a campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus. Peters also co-introduced the School Bus Safety Month proclamation led by CSN and Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska.

“Parents need to know their kids are safe taking the bus to and from school,” said Peters in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to raise awareness of the dangers of illegally passing school buses and promoting best practices for making our communities safer.”

The Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation is encouraging drivers to stop when they see a school bus with its stop arm out. An important goal is to educate the public about the importance of caring for children. OAPT developed a new safety program and has been working alongside MAPT and its Reece PSA to encourage people not to pass stopped school buses.

The association also promoted legislation to raise fines for people who are caught passing stopped school buses with stop arms out. Ohio school buses are equipped with cameras that capture images of drivers passing stopped school buses, and the photos can be used to issue tickets. The state is providing more grant money that school districts can apply for to purchase cameras.

“We have School Bus Safety Week and have encouraged public school districts to promote bus safety,” said Todd Silverthorn, executive director of OAPT. “We are using social media to get the message across that drivers should not pass stopped school buses.

As part of the new school bus safety grant initiative, a campaign has been launched to promote school bus safety. More efforts are being made to involve law enforcement. Thomas Built Buses has created a campaign that says, “If you pass, you’re an ass,” Silverthorn said.

Meanwhile, the one-day annual survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services reported 67,000 violations observed by 114,000 participating school bus drivers last year. It lead NASDPTS to estimate that millions of incidents occur nationwide each school year and put children at significant risk for injury or death.

Reach Out and Stop Someone
Another measure to reduce stop-arm running is by installing extended stop arms. Child Safety Network’s Ward Leber has worked to create a partnership with one of these providers, BusGates. An important goal of this partnership is to end the millions of illegal school bus passings each year.

BusGates and CSN have developed an LED-lit, stoparm extension that attaches to the stop arm already installed on the school bus. To date, about 5,000 have been installed on school buses in 26 states. When the bus comes to a stop, the extension swings out nearly five feet from the side of the bus, reinforcinga visual and physical barrier that a motorist cannot miss.

This extended stop arm acts like a railroad crossing gate, forcing drivers to stop in advance of the bus, before a violation or resulting collision can occur. Field tests from school districts using BusGates have been promising, with some seeing their daily illegal passing incidents drop from many to zero after the extensions were installed, explained Leber.

“No parent should have to fear for their child’s life at the bus stop. The numbers are staggering, tens of millions of violations each year, and each one is a child’s close call or worse. By partnering with Children Safety Network, BusGates is taking action to ensure every driver gets the message that when a school bus stops, we must all stop,” he added.

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

Related: (STN Podcast E290) Ideas, People & Solutions: Three-Pronged Approach to ‘Danger Zone’ Safety
Related: WATCH: Michigan Association Releases Illegal Passing PSA for School Bus Safety Week
Related: WATCH: West Virginia Releases Illegal Passing Awareness Video
Related: Michigan Association Films Illegal School Bus Passing PSA with NASCAR’s Preece

The post Getting the Word Out appeared first on School Transportation News.