This month’s issue takes a deep dive into the many angles of safety and security for student transportation. Read articles on AI software, Danger Zone safety technology options, funding for school bus Wi-Fi and the uncertain future of federal funding for purchasing clean-energy buses. Hear from Blue Bird’s new president, more on technology adoption and recap from STN EXPO East.

Read the full May 2025 issue.

Features

The Future is Now
AI-enabled software is already tracking and acting upon school bus driver skills behind the wheel and the adherence of motorists to school bus stop laws. Camera manufacturers discuss how the technology could impact and even predict onboard behavior as well.

Seeking Peace of Mind
The current regulatory climate leaves uncertainty for the future of federal funding of alternative fuels, especially electric school buses. Readers react as they finalize their budget requests for the coming school year.

Defining Your Danger Zone
Many solutions exist that promise increased student safety in and around the school bus. Choosing the technology or equipment to deploy differs based on the environment and threats to the “Danger Zone.”

Special Reports

School Bus Wi-Fi in Flux?
With the U.S. Supreme Court weighing its ruling on the constitutionality of the Universal Services Fund, the FCC could choose to remove funding for school bus Wi-Fi hotspots from E-Rate. The program has proven to be successful for students. Its political opponents say the funding exceeds Congress’ intent.

Q&A: Wyskiel Steers Blue Bird Toward its Second Century
Eyeing its upcoming 100th birthday in 2027, the school bus manufacturer turns to the industry and production experience of John Wyskiel to lead the company and service its customers.

STN EXPO East in Photos
View photos from STN EXPO East, held in Concord, North Carolina near Charlotte in March.

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Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Avoiding Blurred Lines of Reality

Thought Leader by Robert Pudlewski
A Fuel Purchasing Method Worth Considering: The Fixed Forward Fuel Contract

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Transportation Collaboration

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The cover story this month features Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Crystal Hill as she discusses what it takes to drive an entire district towards success. Read more about the new GM and VP of IC Bus as well as articles on technological upgrades, AI & predictive technology, benefits of using a third-party contractor plus more on the unclear future of electric school buses and clean energy funding.

Read the full April 2025 issue.

Cover Story

Breaking Barriers & Navigating Uncharted Territory
Crystal Hill, the superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, shares how she started her career in education, her perspective on the importance of student transportation, and the potential impacts of cuts in federal funding.

Features

Seeing Into The Future
AI and predictive technology hold many promises for student transportation professionals, especially those in charge of servicing school buses and ensuring optimum uptime.

The Steps To A Technology Upgrade
Upgrading technology comes with many questions such as staying with the same provider and looking at expanded features. Directors weigh in on the items and processes they value most.

Who, What, When, Where and Why?
While contracting operations isn’t for every school district, those that use third-party services discover the benefits of technology and safety equipment adoption, cost savings and vehicle variety.

Special Reports

Passing the Torch
Charles Chilton has big shoes to fill as the new GM and VP of IC Bus. But his experience as a school bus driver and engineer are proof he is more than up to the task.

Clean School Bus Program
School districts are left wading in the deep end of regulatory and funding uncertainty, especially when it comes to purchasing new electric school buses under the EPA’s Clean School Bus program.

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Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Moving Target

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Building an Elite School Transportation Team

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This month’s issue dives into the collaboration needed to fully utilize technology to improve routing efficiency, handle rising student rider numbers and make sure bus technology is running smoothly. Read articles breaking down the news headlines affecting student transportation, including the latest federal government changes, new OEM leadership and options for school districts working with companies going through acquisitions.

Preview the upcoming 2025 conferences dates, keynote speakers and more!

Read the full March 2025 issue.

Cover Story

Routing to the Right Technology
Transportation directors share tips—hint, technology plays a big role—for ensuring their routes are as effective as possible.

Features

Staying Well Equipped
Purchasing technology is the first step toward implementation, but installation and warranty coverage are vital for long-term success.

Expanding Creativity
Districts aren’t just seeing an increase in student riders, but also an increase in the number of education programs offered that require transportation service. Directors share how they navigate the various needs amid limited resources.

Special Reports

On the Block
As an auction to acquire the electric school bus manufacturer’s assets continues, school district customers seek answers for meeting purchasing, warranty needs.

As Camera Systems Evolve, IT Collaboration Necessary
School district information technology teams provide an increasing amount of expertise that assist transportation departments in purchasing and implementing school bus technology. Case in point: Camera systems.

Q&A

Thomas’ Reed Outlines Focus on Fuel, Power Options Based on Customer Duty Cycle
Amid the release of its second generation ‘Jouley’ electric school bus, Thomas Built Buses is focused on diversification of fuels.

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Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Big Questions Vexing Student Transporters

Thought Leader by Scott Welle
How Outperformers Optimize Resources

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Time Well Spent

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Safety takes the front page in this month’s issue. Read articles about how student transporters are furthering student safety through emergency drills, implementation of technology that combats illegal passing, preparing technicians with necessary skills as well as governmental changes that could impact the industry.

Check out the STN EXPO East (March 20-25) Conference Preview that includes agenda details, daily schedule and unique networking events.

Read the full February 2025 issue.

Features

Exercise Plan
Student transporters are sharing the training and safety benefits of conducting mock causality school bus drills, not only for transportation staff but local emergency management teams.

Enhanced Communications Improve School Bus Operations
School bus drivers are often the only adult on board the school bus, requiring them to seamlessly connect to dispatch and first responders.

STN EXPO East Preview
Though the conference and trade show kicks off for the first time in a new locale of Concord, North Carolina, the event offers the same tried-and-true content, commerce and community opportunities the industry has grown to appreciate.

Special Report

Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Illegally passing motorists are one of the industry’s largest threats to student safety at school bus stops. Districts share what technological solutions are helping.

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Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
A Supreme (Court) Debate Impacting Internet on School Buses?

Thought Leader by Jeff Cassell
Crossing Arms: Do They Work?

Thought Leader by Robert T. Pudlewski
The Evolving Role of School Bus Technicians

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Buckle Up for 2025

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