A mother and her 10-year-old child were struck by a school bus in Greece, New York, reported WROC News.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening around 4 p.m.
Police stated via the article that the child was riding the school bus home prior to being hit. Shortly after being dropped off and released to his parent at the bus stop, the driver reportedly did not see the mother and the child in the roadway and hit them with the bus.
According to the news report, both the mother and the child were hospitalized and treated for their injuries, which are believed to be minor.
None of the parties involved in the incident were identified in this writing and it is unclear which district the school bus belongs to. No charges are anticipated, though the investigation reportedly remains open.
School was scheduled to start in two weeks. Yet, installation of the district’s new bus camera systems was delayed. As anxiety grew, so did the questions: Why the delay? Where were the buses? How quickly can the issues be resolved? The district raced to find answers.
While planning your installations, consider these eight tips to facilitate efficiency and help you stay on budget:
1. Hold Up-front Meetings
The more details you cover with stakeholders, the better. Organize meetings before installation begins to establish deadlines, review system requirements and settings, assign duties and expectations, examine shipping schedules, and discuss the approval process. Also, anticipate potential delays that could impact completion. Figure them into your timetable to ease deadline pressure.
2. Check State Regulations
Rules for bus safety solutions vary by state and may impact your hardware orders and installations. For example, some states require that cameras be recessed. Other states prohibit windshield-mount cameras but permit pedestal-mount models. Know the laws before you order to optimize expenses.
3. Confirm Bus Availability
Will your installer have access to the number of buses promised and at the right location(s)? Missing buses or incorrect addresses can result in lengthy delays and wasted time and money.
4. Set Up a Preview
Request the installation of one system on a vehicle. Assess the results with your installer to fine-tune the camera views, test DVR settings and identify potential barriers. Once you approve the setup, your installer can apply the same specs to the remaining installations to save time.
5. Be Available During Installations
Avoid costly do-overs by being present during installations. Should issues arise, you’ll be the first to know, enabling you to address questions quickly or make calls to find answers.
6. Require Sign-off Sheets
Have installers sign completion forms prior to receiving payment. A sign-off sheet after every installation helps ensure completion, accuracy and quality workmanship by the installer.
7. Request a Guarantee
If installation-related problems arise, you’ll want reassurance that they will be fixed at no charge. Ask your installer for a guarantee lasting a year or longer. When purchasing hardware, buy from a reputable vendor, like REI, with speedy turnaround on parts. In the unlikely event you receive a defective product, a replacement is sent within two business days.
8. Ask For 24/7/365 Support
When questions arise, installers need answers fast. Live, in-house Support can help prevent downtime. Let’s say your installer wants to confirm your REI camera system is operating correctly. You could call REI Support at any hour for troubleshooting assistance.
Contact REI for more information about its HD safety solutions and planning tips to facilitate their installation.
The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.
A school bus is approaching a school bus stop and the driver notices law enforcement personnel mingling with the waiting children. Upon the school bus doors opening, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents ask to enter because there might be some undocumented students on board. Maybe the agents want to ask some of the students about their family members.
While such a scenario has yet to occur, many people fear it could. In areas with significant migrant communities, children and parents are fearful of becoming separated because of an ICE raid.
In Florida, a state with many undocumented immigrants, school superintendents and their legal staffs have issued statements on how their personnel including school bus drivers should respond to potential ICE raids or federal law enforcement visits to their campuses and buses. Their children are attending schools, and they have a right to a public-school education, ruled the U.S. Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe.
On Feb. 26, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a Task Force Model to encourage street-level immigration enforcement. This will give local law enforcement agencies the ability to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their regular work. All 67 Florida counties have entered into agreements with federal authorities so they can engage in street level enforcement.
A memo sent by Broward Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn to all campus principals noted the anxiety regarding the current immigration situation. He said current developments are being monitored for their implications for schools and communities. The district will provide updated guidance and additional information as it becomes available.
Hepburn added that immigration-related issues can create uncertainty and anxiety among students, families and staff. He encouraged school leaders to continue providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
Since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, all public schools and most private schools have taken security to a much higher level. Anyone —including the governor or a U.S. president — who wants to visit any campus within the Broward County School District must pass a thorough two- or three-layer security check before entering a building. This is even true for all athletic and music performance events.
An ICE agent could also not enter any school building or ball field without permission from an administrator and would have to show their ID before entering a school facility.
Still, students and teachers have been instructed by Broward County school officials that they do not have to answer any questions from an ICE or federal law enforcement agent. They have all been instructed on their rights regarding any interaction with a federal agent.
Also, all school personnel including bus drivers or bus attendants have been told to contact their school district’s legal department if approached by an ICE agent. The position of school leadership is not to violate the law but to not cooperate with ICE agents, according to a statement from Broward Schools.
Teachers’ unions are also looking for ways to fight immigration actions. During a joint press conference on Feb. 6, the United Teachers of Dade and the Broward Teachers Union said teachers, students and parents are afraid and uncomfortable about the possibility of federal raids. Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, said she is opposed to any ICE enforcement at previous sensitive areas and said schools must be safe places for students.
Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of the United Teachers for Dade, said that any person who enters a school campus or school bus must have a warrant signed by a judge and that school district attorneys will review the warrant. She said she believes a final decision will be made by the school district’s superintendent and that no raids have taken place on school property or buses.
While ICE agents may not be targeting schools and children directly, a growing number of students who have undocumented family members have said they are anxious that they or a family member could be detained and deported, explained Fusco
Meanwhile, the Palm Beach County School District issued a statement that said it remains dedicated to the mission of educating and inspiring students to reach their full potential. The statement continued that the district adheres to strict protocols for all campus visitors and complies with all relevant state and federal laws and regulations. The district will monitor any federal or state policy changes that impact schools.
A statement issued by the Monroe County District said the district will follow the law. However, it has policies in place to make any interactions with students by outside agencies least disruptive to schools.
An Onamia School District bus driver is being hailed as a hero for dodging a head-on crash with a semitrailer truck and saving many lives, reported Star Tribune.
The incident reportedly occurred on Feb. 5 around 7:15 a.m. in central Minnesota, when a semitrailer truck crossed into the oncoming lane, where the school bus was. The bus driver, identified as 52-year-old Brian Lathrop, was seen via video making a quick maneuver to avoid a complete head-on crash.
Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton said the quick maneuver undoubtedly saved many lives. The semi made a “glancing sideswipe” near the bus’s rear passenger side instead of a full head-on crash thanks to the bus driver’s quick actions.
The trucker, 54-year-old David Garrett, told local news reporters that he was under the impression that he hit black ice before losing control of his vehicle. He confirmed this was the first time anything like this incident had happened to him in his 10 years of truck driving.
Onamia Superintendent Jason Vold said via the article that along with the driver, there were three paraprofessionals and four students on board the bus at the time of the incident. Two students among the eight people on board were evaluated for minor injuries.
Vold said the district will be recognizing Lathrop for his heroic actions at the next school board meeting.
DENVER, Colo. – EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, announced today the addition of Adam Warner as Vice President of Field Operations for the Eastern Region of the U.S. and Head of Safety. As Vice President of Field Operations, Warner will lead operational strategy across the Eastern region, focusing on optimizing efficiencies and strengthening partnerships with school districts to ensure best-in-class operations and exceptional experiences for students and families.
As Head of Safety, Warner will spearhead EverDriven’s safety strategy and execution nationwide, reinforcing the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and advancing industry-leading safety standards.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam to the EverDriven team,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Adam’s wealth of industry knowledge and leadership aligns with our mission to transform student transportation and deliver safe, reliable, and efficient rides to school. As we continue to grow our presence on the East Coast, Adam’s support will be key in achieving the highest level of service across the region.”
Warner brings more than two decades of experience in transportation, mobility, and operational leadership. In his new role, Warner will oversee EverDriven’s field operations strategy on the Eastern half of the country, ensuring that technology-driven solutions and operational excellence work together to deliver seamless transportation experiences. He will focus on strengthening relationships with school districts, enhancing EverDriven’s safety-first approach, and refining operational processes to maintain the company’s position as the industry leader.
EverDriven’s dedicated local field teams provide real-time, on-the-ground support to school districts, ensuring responsive service. Under Warner’s leadership, these teams will continue to play a vital role in maintaining strong district partnerships, proactively addressing transportation needs, and delivering a seamless experience for students and families.
Warner began his career at CarMax, where he spent 17 years in senior leadership roles, refining his expertise in operational strategy, team development, and customer-centric service delivery. He then transitioned to Lyft, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s fleet division as Regional Director of Global Operations, overseeing market growth and efficiency across the Midwest region.
Most recently, Warner served as Head of U.S. Operations at inDrive, a global ridesharing platform operating in 600+ cities across 47 countries, where he led the company’s expansion into North America and established a scalable, high-performance operational model.
“I am passionate about EverDriven’s commitment to creating opportunities for children of all backgrounds,” said Warner. “I understand the transformative power of reliable transportation in shaping a child’s future. I am committed to driving operational excellence at EverDriven, ensuring every district, parent, and student can count on us to deliver safe, seamless transportation.”
To learn more about EverDriven and how its solutions support student transportation, visit https://www.everdriven.com/.
About EverDriven:
With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 students served last year alone, EverDriven is the leader in safe and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, reducing chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.
Safety is the foundation of everything we do at HopSkipDrive. From our early days connecting families with safe rides to becoming a leader in supplemental school transportation, we’ve remained laser-focused on prioritizing the well-being of every rider. We’re not just arranging transportation for kids; we’re enabling opportunities, and safety is the key.
As pioneers in transparency within the student transportation sector, HopSkipDrive is proud to present our sixth annual Safety Report. Here, we openly share our 2024 safety data and spotlight the innovative steps we’ve taken to enhance our platform and protect our community.
This year’s report reflects our performance in 2024 a year marked by significant growth. We powered over 1.7 million safe rides, with our dedicated CareDriver network traveling more than 34 million safe miles. A remarkable 99.697% of those rides were completed without incident, a testament to the strength of our multi-layered safety processes and the dedication of CareDrivers and the HopSkipDrive team.
We’re setting new standards for safety in student transportation, and are constantly innovating and investing in technology to achieve that goal. Download the 2024 Safety Report now to explore our safety data and initiatives.
A recent study conducted for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) claims that electric school buses (ESBs) are not only viable but also advantageous in Montana’s harsh winter conditions.
The study published last September by clean energy nonprofit VEIC evaluated all 17 ESBs that are currently operating across six school districts: Bigfork, Billings, Clinton, East Helena, Fairfield, and Havre. The findings indicate significant fuel cost savings, reliable performance in subzero temperatures, and positive feedback from both drivers and transportation managers.
A Montana DEQ spokesperson told School Transportation News the agency partially funded 11 of the 17 ESBs studied. The EPA Clean School Bus Program also provided funding.
One of the primary concerns regarding electric vehicles in Montana is their performance during severe winter weather. The study found that ESBs operated effectively even when temperatures dropped to 25 degrees below zero. While vehicle efficiency decreased by up to 40 percent in such extreme cold, the buses consistently met the required daily route distances. Notably, the study said ESBs demonstrated more reliable start-up performance compared to diesel buses, which often face challenges like fuel gelling in low temperatures.
Brian Picariello, the principal consultant and clean transportation lead at VEIC, emphasized the efficiency of electric school buses in extreme weather.
“One major takeaway from the study was that, on average, the electric school buses were almost four times more efficient than the diesel alternative,” he told STN. “The buses also had sufficient range to complete their assigned routes, even under extreme cold and hot conditions. In fact, during a significant cold front, the temperature dipped more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, and the diesel buses at one agency had to be taken out of service while the electric buses continued operation, albeit with a 30- to 40-percent range reduction.”
Havre Public Schools near the U.S-Canada border launched its electric school bus program in late 2022, putting two Lion C electric buses into service by early 2023. Allen “Woody” Woodwick, the district’s fleet manager, said skepticism was high at the start of the program.
“There was a lot of people that said you couldn’t run electrics up in Montana, so that was somewhat of a challenge,” Woodwick told Montana Public Radio earlier this month. “And it looks like we’ve been proving the simple fact is yes, we can.”
He shared with STN that the Lion ESBs “have been largely problem-free,” but he added that obtaining parts and service has been an ongoing issue, largely due to Havre’s remote location in north-central Montana.
“The few service techs they had were nowhere near Montana. They were expecting to expand but other issues arose,” Woodrick continued. “So, we plan on running the buses as we have been and figure out the challenges as they come, and source our parts from the suppliers or manufacturers.”
Other Montana school districts that participated in the study include Bigfork (one Lion C), Clinton (two Lion Cs) East Helena (one Lion C), Fairfield (three Lion Cs), and Billings (eight IC Bus CEs), with all buses deployed between January 2023 and January 2024.
The transition to electric buses has also resulted in notable cost savings. Each ESB averaged $1,575 in annual fuel savings compared to traditional diesel buses. Additionally, maintenance costs are expected to decrease over time due to the simpler mechanics of electric drivetrains, which have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes or exhaust system repairs, the study noted.
However, the study highlighted that per-mile energy costs could vary, with fleets subject to utility demand charges seeing energy costs twice as high as those without such fees. This discrepancy emphasizes the role of local utility pricing structures in determining the overall cost-effectiveness of ESBs. According to VEIC’s full report, understanding these factors is critical for districts considering electrification.
Beyond economic advantages, the adoption of electric buses contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. ESBs produce zero tailpipe emissions, leading to improved air quality for students and the community. Even when accounting for emissions from electricity generation, the overall environmental footprint of ESBs is significantly smaller than that of diesel buses.
Picariello noted that even with the use of auxiliary diesel heaters in winter months, ESBs significantly reduced emissions compared to diesel buses.
“The buses in this study with auxiliary heaters, maintained efficiency and range during winter months better than buses in previous studies,” he explained, citing the example of NREL’s 2022 report on electric transit buses in Duluth, Minnesota. “Although the significance was not assessed directly, it does seem likely that the auxiliary fuel heaters allowed the buses to continue operating efficiently at extreme temperatures compared to buses that use electric resistance elements for cabin heating.”
Meanwhile, transportation managers and drivers have reported positive experiences with the new electric buses, according to the study. Drivers noted better acceleration and quieter operation, enhancing the overall transportation environment. Despite a slightly lower top speed compared to diesel buses, the performance of ESBs has met the daily operational needs of the districts.
Picariello emphasized the enthusiasm among drivers and school managers.
“We were also pleasantly surprised to hear how much drivers and school managers loved the experience once they were trained and got used to the new equipment,” he said. “It’s promising to hear that on-road performance across driving conditions met or exceeded that of internal combustion alternatives. It was also encouraging to hear all the folks who manage these fleets year after year would recommend them to other districts in the area.”
Regarding reliability, the study reported that ESBs were available for route service 82 percent of the time, compared to 94 percent of the time with diesel buses. The study noted that 72 percent of the out-of-service days for ESBs occurred in a single district. Excluding that district, the remaining ESBs had an availability rate of 93 percent. The primary causes of downtime were related to components outside of the electric drivetrain, highlighting the need for comprehensive maintenance training and support.
While funding is often cited as the primary barrier to widespread ESB adoption, Picariello pointed out additional challenges.
“Funding aside, the main barriers for schools are split in two categories: Infrastructure improvements and change management,” he explained. “Schools often need to work with a local electrician, charging manufacturers, and their utility to make the necessary electrical upgrades for more capacity and install charging equipment, all of which takes a lot of coordination and time and potentially cost.”
Picariello added that early collaboration with utilities is key to overcoming these challenges.
“The sooner a district can engage their local distribution utility to discuss the scope of the work, the better. From there, fleet managers, technicians and drivers need access to expert-level training and support services to help their teams get comfortable with the electric buses and charging infrastructure, like any new technology.”
He emphasized that ensuring contracts with vehicle OEMs and charging manufacturers include sufficient training and support can help districts confidently transition to electric fleets.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., — Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) has awarded a three-year transportation contract to Zūm, the leader in modern student transportation. The decision signals the district’s commitment to a safe, efficient, transparent and more equitable solution for students and families.
SLPS serves more than 18,000 students in more than 60 schools. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, this partnership with Zum will enable the district to deliver superior service built around the needs of SLPS students and families along with the teachers, administrators and drivers committed to creating the best educational experience for children.
“Ensuring that our students arrive at school safely, on time, and ready to learn is a top priority for Saint Louis Public Schools,” said Dr. Millicent Borishade, Interim Superintendent of SLPS. “Through our partnership with Zum, we are embracing a transportation model that prioritizes safety, equity and innovation. This collaboration will provide families with greater visibility into their child’s ride to and from school while also improving operational efficiency for our district.”
“We are delighted to partner with Saint Louis Public Schools, a district that shares Zum’s vision of a future where student transportation advances equity, accessibility and student-centered transportation solutions,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO at Zum. “We look forward to working with families in the SLPS community and encourage all those interested in driving, both experienced and new, for Zum to apply and attend our upcoming hiring events.”
Drivers are at the heart of Zum’s operation. Zum will be covering 220 routes for SLPS and will be hosting school bus driver hiring events on Tuesday, March 4; Wednesday, March 5; and Thursday, March 6, 2025; at the Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West (2340 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103) from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CT. Zum encourages all those interested to apply here and attend the events to learn more. The company will be hiring 242 drivers to cover the 220 routes as well as 55 attendants.
Zum is a national leader in modern student transportation, serving school districts with a focus on technology, sustainability, and customer service. The company’s model integrates state-of-the-art school buses with data-driven routing, driver tracking and enhanced safety measures, offering families real-time updates through a mobile app.
Benefits of Zum include:
Safe, reliable rides and industry-leading technology: Zum’s end-to-end technology platform unifies parents, students, school and district administrators, and drivers on a single platform with role-based access that improves safety, communication, transparency, and efficiency for all stakeholders. Through the Zum app, parents receive real-time data and notifications about their school bus location and their child’s pickup and drop-off status, as well as a profile of their child’s bus driver and vehicle information. Zum also provides administrators with real-time data and performance reports to optimize routes and reduce student ride times, facilitating transparent, data-driven decisions regarding student transportation.
Well-trained and certified drivers: Through Zum’s proprietary safety technology, driver training and certification program, SafeGuard, all drivers not only meet and exceed all state and federal requirements but also are trained on and required to adhere to specific protocols while picking up or dropping off students and while driving. Zum offers its drivers competitive pay, flexibility, and modern benefits, (including medical, dental, vision, and 401K benefits). Zum has helped their partner districts overcome obstacles in the face of a nationwide driver shortage.
State-of-the-art buses and facilities: SLPS students and drivers will experience new, air-conditioned buses as well as top-of-the-line equipment and technology designed to enhance their safety and comfort and make drivers’ day-to-day jobs easier and more enjoyable.
To learn more about how Zum is working with thousands of schools to deliver safe, reliable, and modern student transportation, please visit Zum’s website.
About Zum:
Zum is a modern transportation solution transforming school transportation, the largest mass transit system in the U.S. Today, the company provides turnkey modern transportation solutions to school districts in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Virginia, and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative transportation and energy as a service platform, Zum has been featured among Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, CNBC Changemakers, World Economic Forum and Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies. Learn more about Zum at www.ridezum.com.
COMPTON, Calif. – Today, the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) and its school transportation provider, Durham School Services (DSS), unveiled the school district’s brand-new fleet of 25 electric school buses and 25 newly-installed Tellus chargers, at a ribbon cutting event. The buses will begin transporting students this spring. At the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour and ride the buses.
Attendees included Lillie P. Darden (Councilwoman – District 4), Hector De La Torre (Executive Director, Gateway Cities Council of Governments), CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, CUSD Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Shannon Soto, CUSD Board Members Sandra Moss, Alma Taylor-Pleasant, and Satra Zurita, as well as key partners Highland Electric Fleets and Thomas Built Buses, Southern California Edison, Durham School Services team members, and fellow community members.
The 25 new electric school buses, which consist of 17 Thomas Built Type A and 8 Thomas Built Type C vehicles, mark the start of the school district’s first electric vehicle (EV) endeavor and was made possible thanks to partnerships and support from Highland Electric Fleets, Thomas Built Buses, and Southern California Edison. Funds for the new vehicles were awarded through the first round of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program. Compton Unified School District was also awarded funds by the EPA for the third round of the program and anticipates introducing an additional 25 EV school buses in the future.
“The Compton Unified School District is excited to roll out these incredible EV buses in partnership with Durham and Highland,” said Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees President Micah Ali. “These new buses not only provide for a more sustainable, healthier Compton community, they also serve as an exemplar of innovation and social responsibility for our Compton Scholars.”
“These new electric buses are an investment in our students’ future—providing safe, clean transportation as they pursue their dreams,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent of Compton Unified School District. “Just as we are committed to sustainability, we are also committed to academic excellence, ranking #1 in LA County for graduation rates and #1 in the state among comparably sized districts. Compton Unified will continue leading the way to ensure our scholars have every opportunity to succeed.”
“We are able to celebrate this new EV chapter in Durham and CUSD’s deep-rooted 20+year partnership thanks to the EPA grant, and our mutual ambition in driving this transition early. I can’t stress enough about how vital grants like these are and the need for continued support from our partners in government at the state and federal level to fund additional grants for school districts and their transportation partners that are ready to deliver and operate zero-emission buses,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “Lastly, I’d like to give thanks to our local team of drivers, technicians, General Manager Wendy, and countless other team members, whom, without, this project would not have been possible or even half as successful. I look forward to seeing the new heights we’ll reach over the next few years as we continue our partnership with CUSD.”
“Compton Unified School District is making a real difference for its students with the launch of its first electric school buses,” said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer at Highland Electric Fleets. “These buses bring cleaner, quieter, and healthier transportation to the community, which is especially important in a county where 1 in 11 children have asthma. Highland Electric Fleets is proud to be part of this effort, and we look forward to working alongside the CUSD community to continue making a positive impact for students and families.”
In preparation for the new EV buses beginning service this spring, hands-on training sessions for technicians were held in January of this year. The two-day training sessions were led by Durham School Services maintenance leaders, Thomas Built Buses, Highland Electric Fleets, and Optimal EV and covered topics related to EV safety, charging stations, and operations.
About Compton Unified School District: Compton Unified School District, whose Superintendent is Dr. Darin Brawley, is located in the south-central region of Los Angeles County. CUSD encompasses the city of Compton and portions of the cities of Carson and Los Angeles. The district currently serves more than 17,000 students at 36 sites. CUSD is a district that is elevating, with a high school graduation rate of 93%, dramatic facilities improvements, 88% college acceptance, and a focus on STEAM throughout all schools. The mission of the Compton Unified School District is to empower leaders to lead, teachers to teach, and students to learn by fostering an environment that encourages leaders and teachers to be visionary, innovative, and accountable for the achievement of all students. CUSD schools have received numerous awards, including Golden Bell Awards, National Blue Ribbon School designations, and Top 10 LA Public Schools by Innovate LA. CUSD is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools. The District’s Superintendent, Dr. Darin Brawley, was named 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. For more information, visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us.
About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. 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 has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.
About Highland Electric Fleets: Highland Electric Fleets is North America’s leading provider of electrification-as-a-service. Founded in 2019, Highland makes it simple and affordable to transition fleets of all sizes to electric, from school buses to public safety, municipal and commercial vehicles.
Highland led the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and operates the largest electric school bus project in the U.S. With approximately 95% of school buses built in the U.S., the shift to electric drives American innovation, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country in addition to reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.
A Madison City Schools bus driver in Alabama was arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a student under 19 years old, reported AL News.
Police stated that 24-year-old Azaria Ashford of nearby Huntsville was arrested last Friday and charged with one count of school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19.
According to the news report, the district received information regarding the incident on Feb. 11 that Ashford allegedly exchanged inappropriate messages with several students. The school district quickly placed her on administrative leave and reported the allegations to the Madison Police Department.
The police department conducted a subsequent investigation, which resulted in the arrest of Ashford. She is no longer employed by the Madison City Schools.
Ashford was reportedly booked into the Madison County jail pending bond. The investigation is ongoing.
Tony and Taylor are back, discussing news headlines and why it’s valuable to attend conferences like the upcoming STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I didn’t know you could get an award for doing something you liked already,” Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. said of a childhood reading award that draws parallels to his current nomination for Super of the Year from AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He and Transportation Director Kevin Snowden discuss the passion, care, technology and collaboration that serves the students at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama.
School districts around the country showed their appreciation for student transportation staff during Love the Bus Month through gifts, food, and special events. Scroll through the gallery to see how districts and bus companies are showing that they love the bus and recognizing the dedication of their drivers and other transportation staff.
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Alexander County Schools in North Carolina gifted each bus driver and monitor a phone holder and cookie to show their appreciation during Love the Bus Week
Alexander County Schools in North Carolina gifted each bus driver and monitor a phone holder and cookie to show their appreciation during Love the Bus Week
Alexander County Schools in North Carolina gifted each bus driver and monitor a phone holder and cookie to show their appreciation during Love the Bus Week
Alexander County Schools in North Carolina gifted each bus driver and monitor a phone holder and cookie to show their appreciation during Love the Bus Week
North Buncombe Elementary School in North Carolina shared these photos saying, “It was so much fun celebrating our amazing bus drivers this week! Their dedication to safely transport our students to and from school is invaluable. We appreciate everything they do!”
North Buncombe Elementary School in North Carolina shared these photos saying, “It was so much fun celebrating our amazing bus drivers this week! Their dedication to safely transport our students to and from school is invaluable. We appreciate everything they do!”
North Buncombe Elementary School in North Carolina shared these photos saying, “It was so much fun celebrating our amazing bus drivers this week! Their dedication to safely transport our students to and from school is invaluable. We appreciate everything they do!”
North Buncombe Elementary School in North Carolina shared these photos saying, “It was so much fun celebrating our amazing bus drivers this week! Their dedication to safely transport our students to and from school is invaluable. We appreciate everything they do!”
North Buncombe Elementary School in North Carolina shared these photos saying, “It was so much fun celebrating our amazing bus drivers this week! Their dedication to safely transport our students to and from school is invaluable. We appreciate everything they do!”
Durham School Services said team Hutchinson in Kansas had a team breakfast to celebrate both Love the Bus Month and Valentine’s Day
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Greenville County Schools in South Carolina shared photos from the cinnamon roll breakfasts hosted at the district’s bus centers to thank transportation for their dedication
Hiddenite Elementary School in North Carolina recognized Love the Bus Month, saying “This week we have showered our fabulous bus drivers with cakes, cookies, flowers, and meals! We are so grateful for these kind-hearted and trustworthy staff members! They take on a huge responsibility for the safety of our students and we couldn’t thank them enough!”
Hiddenite Elementary School in North Carolina recognized Love the Bus Month, saying “This week we have showered our fabulous bus drivers with cakes, cookies, flowers, and meals! We are so grateful for these kind-hearted and trustworthy staff members! They take on a huge responsibility for the safety of our students and we couldn’t thank them enough!”
Hiddenite Elementary School in North Carolina recognized Love the Bus Month, saying “This week we have showered our fabulous bus drivers with cakes, cookies, flowers, and meals! We are so grateful for these kind-hearted and trustworthy staff members! They take on a huge responsibility for the safety of our students and we couldn’t thank them enough!”
Hiddenite Elementary School in North Carolina recognized Love the Bus Month, saying “This week we have showered our fabulous bus drivers with cakes, cookies, flowers, and meals! We are so grateful for these kind-hearted and trustworthy staff members! They take on a huge responsibility for the safety of our students and we couldn’t thank them enough!”
Hiddenite Elementary School in North Carolina recognized Love the Bus Month, saying “This week we have showered our fabulous bus drivers with cakes, cookies, flowers, and meals! We are so grateful for these kind-hearted and trustworthy staff members! They take on a huge responsibility for the safety of our students and we couldn’t thank them enough!”
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routes
North Hills School District in Pennsylvania gifted their drivers with hand warmers made by North Hills High School sewing club, to keep them warm during cold routesc
Teri Manpego, Director of Transportation at Prosper Independent School District in Texas, said the loved riding with Mrs. Melanie, saying “You can see the love she has for her kids and that is apparent by how those kids respect her. Every student as soon as they sat in their seat buckled up. So impressed!!”
Teri Manpego shared photos of the at Prosper ISD “Love the Bus” celebrations
Teri Manpego shared photos of the at Prosper ISD “Love the Bus” celebrations
Teri Manpego shared photos of the at Prosper ISD “Love the Bus” celebrations
Saratoga Springs City School District in New York shared these photos from Division Street Elementary School’s celebration breakfast for their bus drivers
Saratoga Springs City School District in New York shared these photos from Division Street Elementary School’s celebration breakfast for their bus drivers
As part of Bus Driver Appreciation, Vance County Schools in North Carolina said the Board of Education recognized drivers with perfect attendance for the 2023-2024 school year and thanked them for their commitment
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
Wake County Public School System in North Carolina recognized student transportation staff at East Cary Magnet Middle School with some goodie bags and food. Derek Graham bought treats for the drivers and was joined by other local transportation professionals for the celebration.
ABC Transit in Pennsylvania recognized their drivers saying “Our drivers go the extra mile, and without them, we’d be in a real JAM! This Driver Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing our amazing Moniteau drivers for their hard work and dedication—thank you for keeping us rolling!”
ABC Transit in Pennsylvania recognized their drivers saying “Our drivers go the extra mile, and without them, we’d be in a real JAM! This Driver Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing our amazing Moniteau drivers for their hard work and dedication—thank you for keeping us rolling!”
ABC Transit in Pennsylvania recognized their drivers saying “Our drivers go the extra mile, and without them, we’d be in a real JAM! This Driver Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing our amazing Moniteau drivers for their hard work and dedication—thank you for keeping us rolling!”
ABC Transit in Pennsylvania recognized their drivers saying “Our drivers go the extra mile, and without them, we’d be in a real JAM! This Driver Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing our amazing Moniteau drivers for their hard work and dedication—thank you for keeping us rolling!”
ABC Transit in Pennsylvania recognized their drivers saying “Our drivers go the extra mile, and without them, we’d be in a real JAM! This Driver Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing our amazing Moniteau drivers for their hard work and dedication—thank you for keeping us rolling!”
Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware shared these photos thanking school bus drivers, monitors and contractors for their dedication to student safety!
Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware shared these photos thanking school bus drivers, monitors and contractors for their dedication to student safety!
Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware shared these photos thanking school bus drivers, monitors and contractors for their dedication to student safety!
Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware shared these photos thanking school bus drivers, monitors and contractors for their dedication to student safety!
Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware shared these photos thanking school bus drivers, monitors and contractors for their dedication to student safety!
Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware shared these photos thanking school bus drivers, monitors and contractors for their dedication to student safety!
Furthering school bus safety through comprehensive emergency training is a joint effort between transportation and first responders, a topic that STN EXPO East panelists will discuss in North Carolina.
Paul Hasenmeier, public safety director and fire chief at Hernando County Fire Rescue in Florida, will share his firsthand experience responding to school bus incidents, including fires and crashes. He will provide insight into how student transportation can partner with fire departments during his session “Fire Department Response to School Bus Incidents” on Saturday, March 22.
Hasenmeier is also the author of “School Bus Extrication,” which details the technical training and school bus construction knowledge necessary for firefighters to quickly and adequately respond to school bus emergencies requiring student or driver extraction.
During his STN EXPO presentation, Hasenmeier will discuss how fire departments approach crashes and fires involving school buses, including internal combustion and electric models. The presentation will include photos and analysis of the various situations and environments firefighters can encounter and lessons learned that student transporters can take away to better prepare their drivers and students being transporter.
Following that session, Hasenmeier will facilitate a panel discussion on “Developing Mock Casualty Exercises with Local First Responders.” He will be joined by Peggy Stone, director of transportation for Lincoln County Schools in West Virginia, and Katrina Morris, executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation and transportation director for West Shore Educational Service District.
Morris and Stone will discuss with Hasenmeier how to build relationships with local fire departments and learn how to provide necessary provisions for emergency training exercises. They will lead an interactive discussion with attendees on the planning needed to create training scenarios that will equip student transporters for potential emergency situations.
The STN EXPO East conference will be held March 20-25 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in North Carolina. Register at stnexpo.com/east.
Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., noted that becoming a finalist for the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year award was the culmination of a lot of hard work put in by a lot of people at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama.
He explained the importance of staff, administrators, teachers, students and parents who played a role in the honor.
“Yes, I am the leader of the school district, but a leader is only as good as the people who support him or her,” he said. “I have a tremendous cabinet and team of administrators who work tirelessly to do what’s best for students. Our teachers ensure that our students are learning and getting the best education possible. Our students work hard and take ownership in their own education. Our parents partner with us to ensure that their students are successful. I did not accomplish this by myself.”
Ahead of the 2025 Superintendent of the Year being named on March 6 at the National Conference on Education in New Orleans, Louisiana, 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 to celebrate contributions and leadership of public-school superintendents.
This year’s four finalists were selected from 49 state superintendent award winners (Hawaii was not included) and were judged based on their exhibited leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.
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.
Kevin Snowden, the transportation director for the district, is in his second year running the department after coming out of retirement. Snowden has served in various roles in student transportation, including as the state director at both the Florida and Alabama departments of education and as president of the Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference.
He explained that while Jefferson County is fully staffed, sub-drivers are hard to come by when a route driver calls out. They district is in the process of working to increase the sub pool. However, he noted many transportation office staff members and mechanics have their commercial driver’s licenses and help when needed.
To encourage driver attendance, he said drivers with perfect attendance are invited to a special event hosted by transportation. One driver, Peggy Coats, hasn’t missed a day of work in six years.
Initiatives Involving Transportation
One of the biggest initiatives over the past few years that directly involves transportation, Gonsoulin explained, involves the district’s Signature Academy Program. He explained the district has 13 high schools assigned into four zones (North, South, East and West.) Within that geographic region students can apply to any of the Signature Academies, classes that focus on a field of interest. Such as culinary arts, cybersecurity, engineering, and more.
Typically, students take a bus, provided by transportation, for their one academy class. Transportation then brings the student back to their home school following that class, where they will remain for the rest of the day.
“These educational opportunities absolutely would not be possible without our dedicated transportation staff,” he said. “They ensure that each student gets to their academy destination safely and on time.”
Additionally, transportation is working to install Wi-Fi hotspots on all district buses. Jefferson County provides each student with a Chromebook, that they will be able to use to complete school assignments while riding to and from school.
“They’ll be able to review for a test or start their homework before even getting to their house,” he added.
Snowden noted that some routes are 45 minutes to an hour one way. The district was able to utilize federal funds from the E-Rate program to make the purchase happen.
Jefferson County Schools: At a glance
Number of school buses 488
Routes: 552, 97 of which are special needs
Student’s transported: 20,000
Miles traveled yearly: 4,000,640 miles
He explained that Wi-Fi-equipped buses will also allow for additional technology to be implemented on the buses such as turn-by-turn navigation, utilizing a driver time clock — as opposed to time sheets— adding another form of communication on the bus, and student tracking. It’s unknown how the district would proceed if the Supreme Court of the U.S. ends the Universal Services Funds.
While the current fleet of school buses is 100 percent diesel Jefferson County recently purchased 40 gasoline school buses that should arrive in April.
“We have longer routes, and so we don’t know that propane, electric or CNG would be necessarily a good fit for us,” Snowden explained, adding that neighboring districts do use alternative fuels and energy.
Building Relationships
Snowden noted during this tenure in transportation that he’s worked for at least three good superintendents and ranked Gonsoulin among the best. “He’s a cut above many superintendents, good leader, good spokesman, just a good person,” he said.
He provided examples, such as not only listening but asking follow-up questions on department needs.
Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., superintendent at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama, is a finalist for the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year award.
“He makes good decisions and promotes the board in our direction, as far as being able to present our needs to the Board of Education,” Snowden added. “So, when they vote on things, they vote favorably. He’s very supportive in getting the job done when we have a need.”
Snowden noted Gonsoulin makes department heads feel comfortable telling him their needs.
Gonsoulin added that having a working relationship with the transportation department is important because school buses are an integral part of the school system.
“We run over 450 routes every single day,” he noted. “This is a massive operation. I have to have my pulse on what is happening with that department and have good people running it. If it’s not running well, and students aren’t getting to where they need to be and on time, that is going to cause a ripple effect throughout the instructional day.”
He added that school bus drivers are the first school employee that many students see in the morning and the last that they see before going home in the afternoon.
Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr. was the first person in his immediate family to graduate from high school and attend college. Growing up his mother worked three jobs, and his father drove for a taxi company. He said his parents stressed to him and his sisters the importance of education and the doors it could open. He grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana and has had many different positions in education, including teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent and now superintendent of Jefferson County Schools in Alabama.
“I think I’ve always had a love for education,” he shared. “When I was in elementary school, I got an award for reading. And I remember thinking, ‘I can get an award for this?’ I didn’t read to get the award. It wasn’t anything intentional. I read because I enjoyed reading and enjoyed learning new things.
“I think over the years, that love for learning evolved into wanting to help others learn,” he continued. “The desire to help others, and the nudging from a relative who was already working in education, is ultimately what led me to make it my career. I have been in this field for 35 years now, and I still love waking up in the morning. Coming to work every day is still such a joy!”
“They are an essential part of the learning process,” he said. “They can set the whole tone of the day for a student. They’re not just drivers, they’re teachers, mentors, and people our students admire.”
Gonsoulin said transportation should be an important part of the job for any superintendent.
“Our drivers are the people we trust to get our children safely to school and back,” he continued. “Our mechanics are the ones we trust to make sure the buses are safe and in good working order. Our transportation administrative staff ensures that all those routes run smoothly and that our personnel are properly trained.”
He advised other districts to find a process that works and stick with it, noting that Snowden reports directly to one of his deputy superintendents. “This chain of command facilitates the movement of information extremely quickly,” he said. “If there are any issues that arise, I’m one of the first people notified.”
He added that school administrators all have a point of contact at the district transportation office, which ensures everyone is on the same page if a route is running late or there’s mechanical issues.
Snowden said it takes a team effort. If the team is not going in the same direction, he said they won’t arrive at the location.
“Every part of education, whether it be your child nutrition program, your nursing program, your maintenance program, your transportation program, if everybody doesn’t have a common goal for the safety of the students, for the welfare of the students, we’re never going to get there,” Snowden concluded. “We all have to be focused in the right direction. And Dr G is great at pointing us in that direction.”
School bus drivers are trained to not only keep calm with student riders but also when a piece of metal pierces their windshield during a route.
That is exactly what happened to Stewart O’Leary, a school bus driver for Northshore School District in Washington, on Feb. 7. As he drove a sports team down the freeway, a metal pole shattered his windshield and struck him in the chest. The school district released a statement on the incident.
O’Leary is being recognized as a hero for prioritizing the safety of the students on board his bus and remaining calm and collect after being hit and despite the resulting pain. Thanks to his quick thinking and the swift actions of North Creek coaches Calvin McHenry and Chris Pinder, who were also on board, the bus was safely brought to a stop and all passengers remained injured.
O’Leary was taken to the hospital on the day of the incident and released that same night. The following Monday he was back at work, continuing to serve students. The district thanked O’Leary for his heroic actions and bravery.
According to local news, Washington State Patrol troopers have not been able to determine where the metal bar came from.
Three students died from injuries caused by motorists who illegally passed a school bus during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey conducted by the Kansas State Department of Education. Meanwhile, the annual National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) illegal passing survey estimated over 43.5 million illegal school bus passes occurred during the 2022-2023 school year.
These findings highlight the constant safety issue of drivers who do not honor the school bus stop arm thus putting the lives of students at risk.
“This is not just a traffic violation. It is a matter of life and death,” said Lori Jetha, vice president of marketing for Safe Fleet, a manufacturer of stop arms, cameras and illegal passing warning systems.
Federal government steps to address this issue include analysis of state laws regarding illegal passing and various legislation on the use of stop-arm cameras to prosecute violators. Student transporters are reconsidering routes that require students to cross the street to board or exit their bus and emphasizing training of school bus drivers as well as students on proper loading and unloading.
It is also vitally important to equip districts with the technology and training they need to be proactive about this incredibly important safety issue. “Everyone on the road is responsible for the safety of others, yet there is a rise of illegal school bus passings across North America that put school aged children’s lives at risk every day,” said Brett Kuchiak, the specifications and compliance manager for First Light Safety Products, which manufacturers school bus illumination systems.
He continued that it is crucial to “implement changes on our end that can positively change a driver’s behavior.” Jetha shared how Osceola County School District in Florida is utilizing Safe Fleet’s Stop Arm Violation Enforcement System (SAVES) system that was launched last June. It provides a three-step approach, the first being illuminated stop arms and LED driver alerts to improve visibility. Step two uses radar, predictive analytics and AI-enhanced software to provide an audible warning to students if a motorist will illegally pass the bus. Finally, the SAVES system also “automatically captures and processes stop-arm violations to aid in issuing citations and deter future incidents.”
Randy Wheeler, the assistant transportation director at Osceola, added that the system helps modify motorist behavior, with the goal of improving student safety. “With the SAVES system installed on just three buses since December, we’ve detected over 500 violations. That’s terrifying to us as school bus operators,” he said.
Joshua Hinerman, the director of transportation for Robertson County Schools in Tennessee, confirmed the high numbers of illegal passing incidents. He noted his district has recorded 767 stop-arm violations in the 2023-2024 school year. He continued that the district has had 880 reported stop-arm violations in just the first semester of the current school year, which he attributes to driver training that allows them to electronically report illegal passing incidents using onboard bus tablets. He explained that these tablets allow drivers to record their bus number, location and time of the incident with a press of a button which allows for data collection that can be provided to law enforcement when looking for areas of repeated illegal passing violations.
Technology plays a significant role in aiding student safety and providing a quick way to track and report illegal passing. John Legus, director of transportation at Berrien Springs Public Schools in Michigan, discussed the benefits of stop-arm cameras. “The drivers main focus should always be on the location of the kids while making a school bus stop,” he said. “Our stop-arm cameras allow us to go back and get the license plate and other pertinent information when the bus returns to the lot.”
Arby Creach, the recently retired director of transportation director at Osceola County, recalled video footage that showed a student jumping back as a vehicle sped past the stop arm at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone.
“Even now, thinking about it sends chills down my spine. It’s a serious undertaking, protecting these kids, and we need to consider every viable option to help ensure their safety,” Creach said.
Although a stop arm is already an indicator that motorists must stop, many districts have found success implementing lighted stop arms equipped with flashing lights. “Anything that will snap the drivers out of their distractions and draw attention to the stopped school bus is worth looking at and implementing where appropriate,” said Don Paul, transportation supervisor for Washington Township Schools in New Jersey. “In areas where we have implemented the First Light Stop Arms, we have seen a drastic reduction in illegal passing.”
Legus noted that the illuminated signage at his district, also provided by First Light, “clearly indicate that a motorist is approaching a school bus and not a dump truck.” He added that the buses are also equipped with an LED light system that activates when the exterior door is opened on the passenger and drivers’ side of the bus, as well as overhead strobing lights, both of which draw attention to students exiting or entering the bus.
David Bowman, transportation director at Lakeland School Corporation in Indiana, explained how different technology offerings can work together to further student safety. “Our stop-arm cameras are excellent in capturing people who pass our stopped bus. However, they are reactive,” said Bowman. “First Light’s Illuminated School Bus Signs and LED warning lights are all proactive in helping motorists realize it’s a school bus and to stop”.
Kuchiak discussed First Light’s published Stop Arm Efficacy Pilot Study and how “building on top of that model to collect additional data points from more sources, we are able to prove the positive effects improving conspicuity has on decreasing illegal passing of the school bus.”
He shared that the median decrease of illegal passings because of enhanced school bus illumination is 64 percent, with an almost 90 percent decrease in infractions during low-light hours. “It is clear that increasing the visibility of the school bus, and the action required by the motorists on the road [to stop] that we have found part of the solution needed to get to our goal of zero violations, zero accidents and zero fatalities,” he added.
Alfredo Escalera, fleet supervisor at Seminole County Public Schools in Florida, another user of the Safe Fleet illegal passing technology, said people are going to see these added safety features and question why the technology wasn’t available years ago.
“It’s going to be a no-brainer at that point,” he said. “The systems would be life savers. It only makes sense to have these safety features on-board.”
Training also plays a large role. At Berrien’s transportation operations, Legus said that training is continuous and includes monthly reviews to discuss transportation related events and a weekly newsletter that drivers can use in everyday work with the students. Paul said his district also provides training material to the drivers and that students (up to fifth grade) are given annual training in Danger Zone and school bus safety.
Tennessee’s Hinerman shared specific driver training protocols from his operations. “When the driver makes the stop, they are taught to look and make sure all vehicles have come to a stop before making eye contact with the student and motioning the student to cross, during that time the driver should be constantly keeping their eye moving and looking for danger/ hazards.”
He also noted that drivers are trained to use a designated hand signal to indicate to students that it is safe to cross, i.e. a thumbs up. “Do not use waving their hand for the signal,” he advised, “as car drivers might [think drivers] mean they are waving their vehicle pass.”
Staying in a vigilant state of mind when on the road is crucial for drivers and students, he explained. “For drivers it reminds us to be constantly looking before coming to a stop and never assume that the other vehicle is going to stop. For students this could mean serious injury and/or death and students must always be aware of their bus stop and making sure they look both ways and make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing.
Robertson County Schools has experienced multiple instances of a student being hit by a passing motorist in the past few years, with each case resulting in minor injuries to the student, said Hinerman.
“There is no explanation for the utter feeling of horror when you hear a [school bus] driver come over the radio stating a student has been struck by a car,” he noted. “We respond calmly and quickly to the situation. While at the scene we do our best to be a comfort to the parents who have often times witnessed such a tragic event.
Awareness from school districts, news coverage of illegal passing incidents, and community outreach are all tools to bring attention to this safety concern. Paul noted that community education on Danger Zone safety is done through the New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement. He noted online resources such as schoolbusfacts.com, which he said districts should utilize.
Legus pointed to an episode of his district’s podcast series, “ShamrockED,” which is hosted by Berrien Springs Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bruce. Bruce spoke with Legus as well as one of the districts’ school bus drivers about safety issues specific to student transportation. Educational outreach opportunities such as this are examples of how districts can highlight school bus safety concerns, giving a voice to student transportation professionals and broadcast it to the wider community.
Legus also said four signs that read, “All lanes must stop for school bus with flashing red lights” have been placed at strategic areas. Reported illegal passing incidents for his fleet of 26 buses reduced from 170 in the 2022-2023 school year to 146 in 2023-2024, with 30 currently reported for the 2024-2025 year. Two of the signs were posted in 2023 and the other two in 2024.
Even when illegal passing incidents don’t result in death or injury, it doesn’t mean it that they don’t have consequences. “The potential for fatal consequences is off the charts,” Paul said. Legus shared how illegal passing can have long-term psychological and
emotional effects. “Stop-arm violations are both emotional and traumatic to our transportation staff and students,” he said. “Drivers put a lot of care and compassion into their profession. Our drivers tend to view the kids as their own and protect them as such.”
Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the February 2025 issue of School Transportation News.
School Transportation News has opened registration for its third-annual Innovator of the Year award, which features a private school bus contractor employee who exemplifies the adoption of cutting-edge technology and programs.
Qualifications include making “significant, tangible contributions” to the school transportation industry within the past 12 months. Innovations could include technology implementation, operations, safety initiatives and green energy adoption.
Read about & hear podcasts with previous years’ winners:
“I believe that change begins with the ability to recognize an innovator when you meet one. It is vitally important to share the achievements of our leaders to help elevate our industry. School Transportation News is honored to share this story of innovation with the entire school transportation industry,” said Tony Corpin, publisher of STN magazine and president of STN Media Group.
This year’s winner will be announced at the NSTA Annual Meeting and Convention held July 21-24 in Nashville, Tennessee, and featured in the July edition of STN magazine.
A webinar demonstrated the efficiency benefits of partnering with a national contractor for school bus maintenance.
“Fleet maintenance is evolving, plain and simple,” stated Edmund Dixon, a principal consultant for the First Consulting division of Thursday’s webinar sponsor First Student. “Do you have the latest and greatest technology in your shop?”
Todd Hawkins, senior vice president of maintenance for First Student, reviewed how costs and types of repairs coincide and their effect on shop environment, technician stress and bus uptime. Scheduled, preventative and predictive maintenance, he said, helps avoid things like road calls, misdiagnoses and neglected repairs.
Jackson Diodoardo, a principal consultant for First Student, reviewed the case of a 200-vehicle fleet operated for St. Landry Parish School Board in Louisiana. The district had what Diodoardo referred to as extreme driver and technician shortages, burdensome maintenance costs and budgetary constraints.
A tiered fleet leasing plan was implemented, starting with 15 buses and growing to 30. First Services by First Student staffed the shop with its own technicians and provided training, which reduced turnover rates.
Diodoardo concluded that the district is now enjoying a reliable fleet with new technology and reduced maintenance costs.
How It’s Done
Diodoardo reviewed First Student’s size and scale across 44 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces, while Hawkins shared the expertise and training that its technicians undergo to receive ASE Certifications as well as the company-wide policies that ensure that KPI and efficiency standards are met.
“We’re trying to turn unscheduled events to scheduled, which will save time,” Hawkins declared. “Accurate diagnosis and repair saves money.”
Hawkins reviewed the company’s asset management system, Hexagon, and revealed how First Services teaches techs to “fix something that’s not broken” by effectively leveraging predictive analytics.
“It’s not hard to buy a program and get predictions, but it’s hard to make it effective,” he noted.
Dixon shared that on-demand support is available through the Technical Assistance Center, where district staff can seek insights from certified technicians to reduce repair time and unnecessary parts usage.
“Everything we do is to provide efficiency in our maintenance operations and service with the resources we have,” he added.
Hawkins reviewed stats from the past 10 years to demonstrate how partnering with First Services can reduce maintenance costs and improve customer satisfaction.
First Services offers maintenance consulting, maintenance as a service, and fleet as a service. The latter, Dixon noted, allows that a school district to retain full control of the fleet and drivers, resulting in greater efficiency and uptime.
Hawkins and Dixon also reviewed support for technicians, which includes good wages, higher training opportunities and technology usage—the latter being popular with younger technicians.
“Paying more for a good tech saves you money in the long run,” Hawkins declared.
He encouraged districts to ensure their shops and managers are satisfactory since sending out for help costs more.
“It really comes down to what each specific district needs and how those needs can be met, and we can partner with you to figure that out,” Dixon said. First Services will conduct audits and consultations and can be involved with any size district to the degree that the district desires, he confirmed.
Dixon and Hawkins added First Student’s scale and experience leads to providing the insights, experience and buying power that a standalone district would lack.
“Our whole life is efficiency because efficiency drives customer satisfaction. The better we do it, the cheaper it is and the happier the customer is,” Hawkins quipped. “We’re showing people what good looks like.”
Hawkins said that when First Services assumes school bus maintenance for a location, consultants work with unions and keep the existing technicians, who they continue to train. He confirmed that the turnover rate is low.
In answer to an attendee question, Hawkins confirmed First Services averages a 94-95 percent bus in-service rate.
The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting involving a teen after he was dropped off by his school bus, reported Coast News.
According to the news report, police responded to reports of gunfire on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:35 p.m. Investigators determined that a Capital School District bus had just dropped off a group of students from Dover High School, when the accused shooter began chasing a 16-year-old boy before opening fire.
Both individuals, who were not identified at this writing, were reportedly running as shots were fired, but no one was hurt.
The article states that the school bus driver followed safety protocols and quickly left the area to protect the remaining students on board. Police later confirmed that the school bus was not struck. However, there were active threats to the school.
It was unclear why the teen was targeted. Police stated that the victim was not cooperating with detectives and had not even provided a description of the shooter.
Dover police reportedly increased its presence at Dover High School for the remainder of the week.
HIGH POINT, N.C. – Thomas Built Buses (TBB), a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, has once again achieved a “World Class” Net Promoter Score (NPS), marking its tenth consecutive year earning this distinction. This achievement reinforces the company’s strong commitment to customer experience (CX) and dealer support.
“For a decade, Thomas Built has remained dedicated to delivering a best-in-class CX, reflected in our consistent achievement of a “World Class” Net Promoter Score,” said Anca Matache, general manager of CX and service at Thomas Built Buses. “This ongoing recognition speaks to the strong collaboration between Thomas Built and our dealer network, prioritizing customer satisfaction at every stage of the bus ownership journey. We remain committed to continuous improvement, using advanced tools and insights to further enhance our service and support.”
The NPS is widely recognized as a leading indicator of customer loyalty. On a scale of 0 to 10, customers are surveyed on how likely they are to recommend Thomas Built to a friend or colleague. Scores above 50 are considered “Excellent,” while scores above 70 are deemed “World Class.”
Thomas Built Buses continues to prioritize exceptional customer service, leveraging data-driven insights and dealer collaboration to maintain and improve customer satisfaction.
About Thomas Built Buses:
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at thomasbuiltbuses.com or at facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.
Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
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