RENO, Nev. – The Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West was a gathering of enthusiastic minds to discuss the technology and training needed to achieve a clean energy future.

Advancing School Bus Innovation
RIDE

Frank Girardot, senior vice president of electric school bus manufacturer RIDE Mobility, noted during a panel discussion that there is a sales job involved when transportation staff must convince district administration that electric school buses (ESBs) are a good investment.

Craig Beaver, administrator for transportation at Beaverton School District in Oregon, said his ESB journey began with grant writing and utility cooperation. Operationally, he said bus capacity, battery size and the reliability of the OEMs are of utmost importance. Beaverton assigned ESBs to certain routes, not specific drivers. Beaver, the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, said even diesel devotees have come around to appreciate them.

Jim Snow, CEO of Mid-Placer Public Schools in rural northern California, has propane buses and is implementing electric buses. He noted that stacking federal and state funding is key. When choosing buses, he said to prioritize the needs of the students, which for his district means those with special needs.

Meanwhile, Jessica Sevilla, director of fleet and facilities for Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency in California, said that having the right staff, driver and mechanic training, and vendor relationships throughout the process is crucial so everyone feels supported. She advised leveraging futureproofing and AI tools in planning processes.

Rural Elko County School District in Nevada is just starting its electric bus journey with the use of grants and is currently participating in a V2G pilot program, which provides no-cost infrastructure. “We had to look at what was available and how it would meet our needs,” Director of Transportation Seth Canning said.

Jarrett Garife, manager of transportation for the rural Monterey (California) County Office of Education, applauded state funding and underscored the need for driver buy-in. He said he needed to buy a diesel bus to use for driver recertification during the ESB implementation process.

Girardot added that to successfully run operations, rural districts must consider things like route length, bus capacity, temperature changes and staff training. Several panelists said that rural milage challenges were assuaged by using DC fast chargers.

Panelists also agreed that good communication and training for drivers and mechanics is important to a successful ESB implementation. Beaver and Snow noted that drivers need to be specifically trained on things like regenerative braking and handling the extra weight of ESBs with heavy batteries.

Beaver said he eases his team’s trepidation with ESBs by reminding them, “It’s just a school bus.”

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^{Images by Vince Rios Creative.}

Fuel of Choice
Blue Bird

Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird Corporation, reviewed the upcoming California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions reduction from 0.2 g/bhp-hr to 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027, the disruptive growth of alternative fuels in Blue Bird’s business and why school districts should consider clean fuels.

During a panel discussion he reviewed the stories of Kay Cornelius, transportation director for rural St. Louis County Schools in northern Minnesota, Diana Mikelski, director of transportation for District 211 in Illinois, and Anthony Jackson, executive director of transportation for Bibb County School District in Georgia, who praised propane school buses for their reliability and quiet operation as well as both fuel and maintenance savings.

Chris Horstman noted from his career experience – as a past school bus driver and current director of transportation for Ithaca City School District in New York – that misconceptions about propane and gasoline buses had to be overcome but that both have proved durable. Gas and propane both produced significant savings over diesel, he said.

Andrew Thompson, fleet manager for Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, runs mostly diesel, propane and gasoline. The district later acquired the state’s first electric school bus, which he said was met with some hesitation but did not require complicated infrastructure setup. The plan is to transition to 50 percent electric buses over 15 years. Thompson discussed his DC fast charger preferences and noted the differences between Level II and Level III chargers.

Both panelists agreed that maintenance professionals find the propane buses easier to work on.

Additionally, John Wyskiel, new president and CEO of Blue Bird, took the stage Monday morning, July 14, before magician Jon Petz’s keynote and recapped the OEM’s dedication to safety, demonstrated through the standardization of lap-shoulder belts, driver airbags, LED lighting, collision mitigation systems and more safety equipment. Blue Bird also supports propane and electric school bus deployment, with the most ESBs deployed in the U.S. — 2,500.

He praised Blue Bird’s partners, dealers and employees who help support school districts around the nation and reaffirmed a commitment to continued service in anticipation of the company’s upcoming centennial in 2027.

Your Route. Reimagined.
Micro Bird

Alexandre Ratte, vice president of sales and marketing, recapped Micro Bird’s three generations of quality and safety and reiterated its commitment to progress and growth. Its gasoline, propane and electric solutions are all built in house.

Marc Gravel, general manager of Micro Bird’s electric subsidiary Ecotuned, next revealed that the G5e Type A electric school bus, which was introduced last year at STN EXPO West, is in full production with buses being delivered to customers. This bus was part of the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive event on Sunday evening in the parking lot of the Peppermill Resort Casino.

Two G5e options provide a choice of either 150- or 200-mile range. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs come with an eight-year warranty and the buses can support both fast DC and AC charging. Vehicle to grid (V2G) technology and over the air updates are also supported.

Gravel shared that the G5e endured 100+ degree temperatures on a trip through the Mohave Desert, while also revealing valuable learning lessons about the need for increased charging infrastructure. The bus also performed well in negative 15-degree temperatures in Canada, he added.

Gravel reiterated the company’s dedication to customer service, borne out by the Micro Bird Academy and expert service available across 70 service locations throughout North America.

The Healthy, Cost-effective Route to School Transportation
Propane Education & Research Council

Read full article.

Driving the Future with Cummins: Forging a Sustainable Outlook
Cummins

“Clean energy is our future,” declared Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development for Cummins.

Francisco Lagunas, general manager for the Cummins North American bus market, reiterated the company’s support for the EV market. “Wherever you are in your electrification plans, we will meet you there – and we have a whole ecosystem to assist you,” he confirmed.

Matt McGinn, senior director of EV sales and business development for Cummins, noted that districts can see current energy market shifts as an opportunity to diversify rather than as an obstacle.

When it comes to future-proofing, Garvin added that securing funding sources like grants is a big part of it. McGinn said that the best solution for each district depends on its location and goals. Senior Gas Sales Executive Emilliano Pantner confirmed that Cummins is there to help no matter what bus or infrastructure combinations a district needs to achieve those goals.

Pantner, who also oversees microgrids, noted that districts should have a good handle on their current data and metrics to then develop a plan for clean energy that also aligns with operational and student needs. Garvin spoke about the patience that is needed for each district’s “Road to Zero,” which for Cummins has an achievement goal of 2050.

“This is going to be incremental rather than rapid,” he said. “We need to be transparent and collaborative to reach those goals.”

Comprehensive training, online resources and customer service are integral parts of Cummins’ offerings, panelists confirmed.

Attendees shared their concerns about rampant parts unavailability and questioned what Cummins is doing at the federal level to support EV funding for districts who have begun their electrification journeys and are now facing funding loss. Panelists confirmed Cummins’ efforts in parts tracking, grant seeking and federal lobbying, though they confirmed that some things in flux are out of their control. Cummins is always open to feedback and dedicated to improvement, they stated.

Innovative Parts Management Strategies, Solutions for Fleet Management
IC Bus

“You guys have a lot going on and we want to come up with solutions that make your life easier and make you better at what you do,” said Alex Borror, sales director for IC Bus parent company International.

He shared how OnCommand Connection now comes standard on all IC Buses and allows mechanics visibility to alerts in real time so they can direct the driver to come in for service if needed. Though its focus is vehicle health, it also tracks GPS and driver behavior to allow for training opportunities. Electric school bus operators, especially, can find valuable insights in the dashboard and related app, Borror added.

He also shared that IC Bus dealers can help locate funding for electric and other types of buses through their Incentive Prospecting Tool. Additionally, Sourcewell is legally aligned with the OEM to help streamline the purchasing process.

Gregory Baze, national parts account manager for IC Bus, revealed feedback that school district maintenance professionals were spending a lot of time on the phone or internet trying to locate parts or putting together standard stock orders.

RepairLink is an ecommerce platform designed to help mitigate those pain points by allowing dealer customers to look up and order the parts they need on their own, at no extra cost. Benefits include time saved, greater inventory availability, real-time order updates, a VIN-based catalog, easy reorder of saved carts, and cost-saving promotions.

Baze noted that this service was a positive development due to the trend toward online purchasing which has made its way over to the school bus industry. Setup, search and ordering are easy, and there is a buyback program.

“We do more than sell buses,” Baze summed up. “If you’ve got a problem, don’t suffer through it alone.”

Attendees asked about whether parts can be tracked, like on Amazon, and Baze responded that technology is progressing quickly, with that feature planned for wide rollout. A question was presented on the shortage of electric bus mechanics from dealers, which panelists said is being temporarily alleviated through satellite service stations while district mechanic training is ramped up. Multiple attendees expressed the need for more ESB training, which Baze and Borror encouraged them to get from their dealers and the IC Bus University.

Powering the Future: Practical Insights for Electric Bus Charging
EO Charging

“EV and school bus make a great marriage,” declared Brad Beauchamp, EV product segment leader for Blue Bird.

Adam Wilkum, North American sales director for UK-based turnkey provider EO Charging, noted that EV charging is an area where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Don’t be afraid of vendors,” he quipped.

Marc Riccio, vice president of strategic partnerships for comprehensive charging solutions provider Highland Electric Fleets, pointed out that a flawed infrastructure setup that lacks futureproofing and copious communication with partners wreaks havoc with timelines and budgets. He advised “patience, perspective and persistence” through the process.

Manny Huguez, president of charging technology provider Zerova Technologies, said vendor partnerships cover all bases and help districts not only set up but also optimize their new electrified operation. They must also be carefully chosen since businesses do leave the EV space, as in the case of the recently bankrupt bus manufacturer Lion Electric Company. Districts must be mindful and do their due diligence.

“Pick a partner, not a product,” he advised. “You have to be able to depend on them for the long run.”

Beauchamp reviewed several aspects districts should carefully consider, including Level II versus Level III charger choice and bus to charger interoperability.

Huguez underscored how mission critical such considerations are so students are not left stranded. “We aren’t delivering packages here,” he said. He added that training is being expanded so district mechanics can service ESBs instead of waiting hours for certified technicians to do so.

Riccio spoke on how the fixed schedules and timing of school bus routes, as well as the fact that buses are basically batteries on wheels, makes them ideal for vehicle to grid (V2G) and vehicle to everything (V2X) use cases or emergency response situations where the main electrical grid is down.

The panelists spoke to the ever-changing and improving nature of EV technology and looked to the future with optimism. Beauchamp stated that, despite federal Clean School Bus Program funding slowing down, EV isn’t going anywhere and will continue to grow.

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Magic tricks, Wi-Fi updates, an OEM panel, data security, leadership advice, evacuation training in a smoking bus and more! Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss highlights from STN EXPO West that wrapped up last week in Reno, Nevada.

Read more STN EXPO West coverage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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Message from School-Radio.

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His cellphone notification pierced Jim’s normally quiet 6 a.m. coffee time at home. The alert pertained to school bus 12, prompting the transportation director to pull up the live feed from REI’s ARMOR Software Suite on his mobile device.* Because of the bus’s cellular-connected DVR, Jim saw bus 12 on its side along a rural gravel road.

He immediately contacted the driver to confirm everyone’s safety, then called 911. Shortly after, Jim reviewed the video clip that had uploaded to ARMOR Cloud from the DVR.* The cause was apparent: Washed-out gravel from a recent downpour caused the bus to slide off the road and overturn.

Within minutes, he sent video clips to school administrators, answered questions from parents and law enforcement, and did it remotely without leaving home. Additionally, the event video stored automatically and securely in the cloud for future reference. This streamlined process would facilitate speedy event resolution for your operation as well.

While Jim accessed ARMOR Cloud for safety reasons in this instance, the platform also provides additional benefits for transportation departments like yours:

Improved Efficiency

REI’s experienced cloud administrators manage your ARMOR server, licensing, updates and scalability. This removes technical overhead and allows your transportation staff to focus on managing the fleet instead of managing IT.

Reduced Costs

ARMOR Cloud eliminates the need for on-site servers and additional IT resources. REI handles the hosting, infrastructure and personnel needed to keep the system running smoothly.

Easy Access

Fleet data and video clips are uploaded automatically from cellular-connected DVRs and stored in a secure cloud environment. Your staff may access the system 24/7/365 from anywhere with an internet connection to review footage, check alerts, monitor vehicle activities and locations in real time, access REI equipment reports and more.

Data Security

All data and video are backed up in regional and national locations to reduce the risk of loss during power outages, storms or other disruptions.

Reduced Stress

Knowing that experienced IT professionals maintain system performance and protect your fleet data gives you and your team greater peace of mind.

Many school districts around the U.S. currently realize the benefits of ARMOR and ARMOR Cloud and appreciate their abilities to simplify operations. Contact REI today to learn how these solutions could transform your team’s approach to fleet management.

_{*Requires additional hardware and/or specific cellular service plans. Ask for details.}

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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RENO, Nev. — The STN EXPO West Trade Show gathered dozens of vendors and hundreds of attendees to connect on the latest in school transportation products and services.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative. 

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David Weber, business development manager for School-Radio, analyzes new bus radio and communication technology solutions that can optimize district operations.

Regional Sales Manager James Holtz gives us a glimpse of the innovative new electric school bus Blade Battery from RIDE.

Amidst rapid developments in the clean fuel school bus market, Francisco “Paco” Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, and Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development, present answers from the energy leader.

Director of Transportation Teri Mapengo discusses operations, technology and fostering the kind of positive workplace culture that won Prosper Independent School District in Texas a Top Transportation Teams award at this week’s STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada.

Read more STN EXPO West coverage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Conversation with RIDE.

Conversation with School-Radio.

Conversation with Cummins

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The post (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

RENO, Nev. — Transportation directors from six school districts across the U.S. shared the grand and simple techniques they use to increase employee satisfaction and win a Top Transportation Teams Award.

The Top Transportation Teams award is in its third year. The three winning districts in the category with 100 or more employees consist of Hoover City Schools in Alabama, Prosper Independent School District in Texas and Goddard Public Schools in Kansas. The remaining three districts won for the under 100 employees category: Pembroke Central School District in New York, Wa-Nee Community Schools in Indiana, and Franklin Square Union Free School District in New York. Pembroke CSD won the highest overall rank and Prosper ISD had the most people participate. Antonio Civitella, president and CEO of award sponsor Transfinder, led a Monday Lunch and Learn panel with the districts’ transportation directors at STN EXPO West to discuss the reasons for their success.

“We’re not just coworkers, we all look out for each other,” said Gregg Fox, director of transportation for Franklin Square. He said he encourages his drivers to have a positive impact on every child’s day.

Julie Lawson is the transportation supervisor for Pembroke CSD, which also won in 2023. She said it’s all about relationships since her district is in a small town with students and drivers often knowing each other.

Amy Rosa, director of school safety and transportation Wa-Nee Community Schools – another repeat winner from last year – spoke to the good wages and positive relationships with district administration that make her school bus drivers feel supported.

Transportation is often the forgotten department in a school district, noted Sean Hollas, transportation director for Goddard Public Schools. Due to his previous role as a school principal, he said he knew making workplace culture a priority was key to employee satisfaction.

“It’s all about the people,” concurred Brad Hayne, director of transportation for Hoover City Schools, who made it a point to bring several team members to STN EXPO. “You have to be thankful that they’re there, because they could be driving for anyone.”

Teri Mapengo, transportation director for Prosper ISD, agreed that it was important to visibly support bus drivers and keep an open-door policy, so they feel heard.

Focused on Workplace Culture

Goddard Public Schools’ workplace culture was severely lacking when Hollas arrived. He observed from his experience in improving it, that keeping employees with ambivalent or hostile attitudes can harm overall team morale.

When making changes like implementing new technology, Hayne said, “You have to seek out the people who have sway in your department. Get them into your vision.”

Mapengo agreed that getting the loudest people on your side can greatly progress a leader’s ideas.

Fox said he drives the day’s earliest school bus route so he’s visible to his team members and the community, showing that, “I’m one of them, I’m in the field with them.”

Lawson said she likewise sits near drivers in the morning and throws pizza parties to make them feel comfortable talking with her.

“That’s what makes culture stick,” Civitella enthused.

Related: STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’
Related: Building an Elite School Transportation Team
Related: (STN Podcast E233) Fraud in New York & Cohesive Indiana ‘Top Transportation Team’
Related: (STN Podcast E230) Ingredients for Success: Driver Retention & N.Y. District Teambuilding
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO Reno 2024 Live Stream – Top Transportation Teams

Rosa shared that she has no driver shortage, which she attributes to good wages and benefits, positive word-of-mouth and the feeling that it’s a mission not a job. Being flexible with scheduling has netted her first responders and school staff who are able to drive part-time. “Now we have a line of people waiting to get in,” she said.

Civitella agreed with panelists that so-called small things like happy birthday wishes, handwritten notes, and emailed congratulations go a long way. “It’s all part of getting people recognized,” he said. One attendee who used to work for Mapengo got emotional as she shared that she still kept her former boss’ handwritten notes to look at.

Fox switched from a catered meal to a potluck to better reflect the cultural diversity and honor the contributions of all his employees. Mapengo added that potlucks are good opportunities for districts with tight budgets to still bring their teams together.

Panelists agreed that making improvements to broken or dirty appliances and break room furniture helps show transportation employees that they are valued and gets them more engaged.

Other techniques attendees added included themed dress-up days, holiday celebrations, March Madness brackets with prizes like having your route covered, personal holiday texts, and personalized conversations.

Mapengo added that a small but significant modification she made was changing “substitute drivers” to “support drivers” for a more inclusive feel.

Could Your District Be a Top Transportation Team?

All panelists agreed that the Top Transportation Team process was a worthwhile experience and they will try to win another award for their teams next year.

Fox stressed the importance of offering employees the chance to give their opinions, even negative ones. He and Rosa agreed that the national recognition by School Transportation News, presenter of the STN EXPO, is a nice change from the usually negative press that transportation gets, even as professionals successfully and quietly run multi-million-dollar organizations every day.

“Remember to keep it about the people,” Hollas said. He also advised cultivating good relationships between drivers and students’ parents.

Hayne noted that data, like the employee surveys that are used to determine the Top Transportation Team award winners, are important and inform his future operations. Show your people their voice matters, he said.

“It’s good to be good but it’s better to be great,” Mapengo commented.

Rosa said she sometimes zooms out on Transfinder’s bus routing map to see operations across the country to gain perspective in the midst of heated situations with a parent or principal. “We’re all in this together,” she stated.

Civitella reminded attendees that the Top Transportation Teams program is free for school districts to enter and includes a copy of the employee survey results. They also don’t have to be a Transfinder client to participate. The winners receive complimentary STN EXPO Main Conference Attendee registration, hotel and airfare.

“There’s always going to be ways you can improve,” he said.

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Following the presentation of the 18th annual Peter J. Grandofo Memorial Award of Excellence to Katrina Morris of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, Jon Petz delivered a touching, magic-filled keynote address.

Green Bus Summit sessions and Bus Technology Summit labs and demonstrations continued for a second day. Breakout sessions covered topics such as KPIs, electrification, special needs, AI, the recent 17th National Conress on School Transportation, and fuel and energy. A lunchtime panel gathered the six winners of Transfinder’s 2025 Top Transportation Teams award to share their advice.

In the evening, attendees and vendors enjoyed dinner, drinks and networking on the Trade Show floor, with entertainment from roving magic acts.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative & STN staff. 

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RENO, Nev. – A Sunday Green Bus Summit session at STN EXPO West featured the opinions of two transportation directors and a fleet maintenance supervisor that use propane in their bus fleets.

Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird, charted how the California Air Resources Board will require heavy-duty NOx emissions to meet the standards of 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027. The propane school buses offered by Blue Bird and its drivetrain partner ROUSH CleanTech exceed these standards at 0.02 g/bhp-hr, he said. He also reviewed the safety and abundance of propane autogas as well as the ease of fueling.

Panel moderator Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas for the Propane Education and Research Council, asked the three transportation employees who made up the rest of the panel about their experiences with propane school buses.

Peninsula School District in Washington is the third bus fleet that Director of Transportation Dawnette Wright has transitioned to propane. She advised building trust by bringing in vendor partners to answer questions and educate both drivers and mechanics. Her diesel bus total cost of ownership (TCO) is $1.10 per mile while her propane bus is 56 cents per mile. She shared that the $50,319 she saved in one year by using propane buses will enable the hiring of another staff member.

Casey Jebens, director of transportation for Sherwood School District in Oregon, has 40 buses, about half of which are propane. He noted that as a former driver-trainer, he understood the importance of obtaining both stakeholder and staff buy-in on such a project. It wasn’t a hard sell, however. With Sherwood being a small town near Portland, student health due to low air quality around diesel buses was a concern. Fuel cost effectiveness and maintenance ease sealed the deal.

“When the cost to run your propane bus is about half that of your diesel bus, it pencils out very quickly,” he added.

Wright and Jebens underscored the need to communicate with and rely on fuel vendor partners to accommodate unique district needs, access wet fueling via a mobile tanker if needed, and perform necessary maintenance as part of the contract.

Related: Propane ‘Easy Button’ to Replace Diesel School Buses, STN EXPO Panel Claims
Related: Propane Bus Grant Provides Funding Opportunities for Missouri Districts
Related: (STN Podcast E255) Amazement Artist: Preview Upcoming Discussions on Safety, Green Tech & Leadership
Related: Roundup: Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO East Sounds Optimistic Tone
Related: Gallery: Ride & Drive Caps Day of Technology Demos, Green Energy Panels

Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Raymond Manalo, Jr., explained that San Juan Unified School District near Sacramento, California is both urban and rural and transports about 1,000 students with special needs. Desiring to diversify the bus fleet and recognizing the lack of support for electrification at the federal government level, the district has recently added 35 propane buses to its fleet. Drivers are skeptical but undergoing expert training and ROUSH CleanTech is training technicians. Wet fueling is taking place as infrastructure is still being planned.

Although there are hurdles in introducing propane autogas to a district that hasn’t experienced it before, Manalo expressed optimism for success through training and partnerships. Shop modifications and specialized training would be more intense with electric buses than with propane, he commented, drawing from his experience as vehicle maintenance manager at nearby Twin Rivers Unified School District, which made headlines for its enthusiastic electric school bus adoption.

All the panelists agreed that there were no significant issues sending their propane buses on the road for regular routes. Jebens said that if anything, older diesel buses elicit more reliability concerns. He added that education helps familiarize the community with the new vehicles as well.

Wright and Jebens expressed appreciation for the cleanliness of propane buses due to lack of particulate matter as well as their quietness, two factors that reduce student behavior incidents.

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RENO, Nev. – The morning began with a presentation of the Innovator of the Year award to Gaurav Sharda of Beacon Mobility and a CEO “Tech Talk” by Zonar CEO Charles Kriete.

Attendees gathered in-depth information and hands-on experience during sponsored Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit sessions throughout the day. More sessions took place on school bus Wi-Fi, passenger safety, clean bus implementation, funding sources and mock casualty exercises.

An all-day electric circuitry training was led by David Roper, a veteran automotive instructor who works with Clean Cities in Southern California.

The evening’s Ride & Drive + Live Technology Demonstrations took place outdoors and provided not only opportunities for vendor connection but also the chance to get up close and personal with the latest in clean bus technology.

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RENO, Nev. – Zonar CEO Charles Kriete promoted technology-driven solutions to the many challenges facing school transportation such as school bus driver deficits, illegal passings, onboard student bullying and budget squeezes.

“The path forward is a connected data system,” he declared during his CEO Tech Talk Sunday morning at STN EXPO West. He explained that elements, including AI-powered video leading to actionable insights, telematics, route optimization, and real-time parent connection, can be used to help inform school district personnel and vendor partners for a smoother overall operation.

He explained Zonar’s all-in-one solution with optimized routing, turn-by-turn driver directions, electronic vehicle inspection, electric school bus monitoring, GPS, stop arm cameras, real-time diagnostics, internal cameras, maintenance data, student ridership tracking, a parent app and more.

The company listened to what student transporters wanted and is leveraging AI to optimize operations, Kriete underscored.

“Not artificial intelligence, actionable intelligence,” he quipped. “Data is a very valuable thing but there’s a lot of time spent trying to convert that data into something useful.”

Safety and efficiency are paramount, he summed up. He encouraged attendees to remember that they are in the business of student access to education and must keep that as the priority.

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INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Jon Petz, a former sales executive turned professional magician and the “World’s Only Amazement Artist,” demonstrated through magic tricks and puzzle solving that “moments of amazement” can provide opportunities for real connection.

“We fall in love with how difficult a problem is, but what if we tried to simplify it?” he queried at the Transportation Director Summit on Saturday morning. He presented a series of brainteasers with simple solutions, like the college student who suggested letting the air out of the tires of a truck stuck under an overpass.

The transportation directors, managers and vendor partners gathered in the room at The Chateau at Incline Village to discuss examples of novel solutions that they or their teams had come up with in their districts. These included developing an in-house student behavior management class with input from teachers, having a vendor refuel buses to avoid driver overtime and accidental school bus damage at the gas station, and inviting district administrators to work a day as a school bus driver so they gain empathy before making detrimental rules.

While some problems may have simple solutions, Petz confirmed that the jobs transportation directors perform is not at all simple. He posed a word problem: A plane is going down and some passengers need to be thrown off to reach the weight limit. He provided sheets with fictional passengers’ ages, weights and employment status and had the tables discuss who should be thrown off the plane. The exercise showed that everyone comes to different moral and ethical conclusions.

Big decisions cannot be reduced to numbers on a page, he said, which is why leaders must get curious about their employees and clients. He shared a story of a room he once  observed, where a company leader celebrated huge revenue numbers while the team members seemed disengaged.

“Think about those people we serve and how we can serve them better,” Petz stated.

Throughout the day, he called attendees on stage to assist in magic and card tricks, enrapturing the crowd. He demonstrated the need to maintain a poker face in certain difficult situations, like when speaking with a difficult administrator or employee, by passing out playing cards to participants and using their facial cues to guess the correct cards.

Another way to connect with team members is to get vulnerable and share scary or “scarry” — referring to scars many of us still carry — stories. Attendees shared harrowing or gory tales with their tables and then the whole room as Petz explained that such exercises teach us so much about the people we see and work with every day.

“As leaders, we have to put ourselves out there,” Petz stated. He held up a $20 bill and asked who wanted it. Nearly every hand in the room went up but only two people got out of their seats and came forward to get it.

“You become a leader by title, but that doesn’t make you a leader,” Petz said. “Purpose is what drives your passion to do more than what you have to do.”

He recounted a stellar experience at a grocery store, when all employees enthusiastically told him about each department and sent him off with food samples. The CEO later told him, “I empower my people to make decisions that are best for each customer.”

“How do you empower your people?” Petz asked, adding that the ideas discussed during his presentation can help attendees not only better connect with others at the conference, but also their district team back home.

He lastly led attendees through a mimed event in which the audience supported the illusion of a magic trick, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the right moments so that the recipient had an unforgettable moment.

“The simplest of moments are significant for those who we serve,” Petz summed up.

Related: STN EXPO East Offers Sports Lessons for Transportation Leadership
Related: (STN Podcast E262) Assess & Fix: The NJ Transportation Director Managing 63 Contractors
Related: Donning a Leadership Cap
Related: (STN Podcast E199) Managerial Perspectives: From Dairy Farming to Black History Month
Related: Hypnotist ‘Trance-forms’ Transportation Director Summit Minds

Jon Petz will present his keynote “Significance … In Simple Moments” Monday morning at Peppermill Resort Casino.

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RENO, Nev. — The National School Bus Inspection Training Program developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey, formerly the director of maintenance for the South Carolina Department of Education, trains technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance.

Friday’s agenda included six hours of classroom instruction, including preparation for a written exam. On Saturday, attendees traveled to Washoe County School District’s south transportation facility, practiced identifying defects on real school buses and got an overview of electric school bus high-voltage identification.

The class was taught by school district fleet maintenance professionals and representatives from Long Beach (California) Clean Cities, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

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RENO, Nev. — Jon Petz, a former sales executive turned professional magician, led dozens of transportation supervisors and vendor partners in discussions about creating genuine team connections.

Another group was bused Saturday to nearby Washoe County School District for the hands-on portion of the National School Bus Inspection Training, which included hands-on identification of defects on real school buses and an overview of electric school bus high-voltage components.

Back at the Peppermill Resort Casino, Darren Reaume of sponsor Q’Straint/Sure-Lok led an advanced course designed for experienced transportation directors, supervisors and trainers on wheelchair securement, troubleshooting techniques and best practice recommendations.

Additionally, the “So, You Wanna Be Transportation Supervisor?” seminar returned with an all-star panel of student transportation experts that provided best practices for attendees who wish to transition into a supervisory role, or who are looking to brush up on their managerial skillsets.

The day closed out with a “Fire & Ice” themed welcome party sponsored by Transfinder and School Bus Logistics.

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RENO, Nev. – STN EXPO West kicked off with a welcome reception on Thursday evening and proceeded into intensive training classes on Friday.

Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter, who together have over 100 years of service in pupil transportation and are both are expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions, led a class on school bus accident investigation.

The specially developed National School Bus Inspection Training Program and the official NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training also took place, as well as a new 4-hour seminar on school bus routing.

AMF-Bruns also presented its Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement Training Certification Class.

The education continues Saturday.

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An Arkansas transportation director and payroll specialist sang the praises of integrated technology company Bytecurve.

Using manual paper timekeeping is a common issue in the industry, said Bryan Mitchell, marketing director for Bytecurve parent company Transit Technologies, during a sponsored webinar Tuesday. He reviewed how school bus operations are complicated by elements like increased transportation costs, driver shortages, inflation, angry parents, payroll errors, union pressure and siloed tech systems. He noted that while half of U.S. students rely on bus services, school bus drivers have decreased by 15 from 2019 to 2023.

“There is so much pressure on transportation to operate darn near perfection,” he quipped. “These challenges are profound.”

Jonathan Agenten, director of North American sales for the scheduling, dispatch and payroll solution that is Bytecurve, reviewed how combining GPS tracking, routing and payroll systems though a customizable dashboard helps districts provide automation and easy answers for both parents looking for their kids and staff needing to get paid.

“You as transportation professionals should not have to spend time on the things that run well,” Agenten said. “Our system is dying to be customized specific to your department’s needs, your rules and the way you pay your people.”

Russellville School District in central Arkansas transports 3,200 students on 43 daily routes covering 99 square miles. Transportation Director Christopher King said payroll was previously a process taking up to 15 days per month and involving inaccurate entries, extra time required to verify them and a 4 to 5-inch stack of timesheets to be signed.

“We were spending hours and days on tasks that should take us minutes,” he said. “It was almost a stone tablet and chisel, that how we did payroll.”

King shared how the district modernized by replacing those outdated, paper-based payroll and dispatch systems with a fully integrated solution powered by Zonar GPS and tablets along with Bytecurve’s digital timekeeping and payroll platform. He shared that tracking the time spent, staff needed and stress involved in the manual processes helped convince administration that the Bytecurve solution was a good investment.

Christina Herdman, Russellville School District’s payroll specialist, spoke to how the phased roll-out required school bus drivers to accept the new processes. Most drivers are between 50 and 80 years old and some needed her help to set up the apps on their phones. Having rapport goes a long way, she added. “When they come into your office, give them your time. It goes a long way,” she said.

She relayed that over 95 percent of Russellville’s drivers, even those who use flip phones and are “terrified” of technology, have adjusted. She shared how staff are pleased with how easily they can clock in and out or adjust their timesheets.

Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E259) Feel the Passion: Debates on Wi-Fi, Technology, Alternative Transportation & Safety
Related: Roundup: Bus Technology Summit at STN EXPO Charlotte 2025
Related: (STN Podcast E252) Onsite at STN EXPO East in Charlotte: School Bus Technology Interviews
Related: New Technology Provides Data to School Bus Routing

Stats shown during the webinar confirmed that the district has nearly eliminated payroll errors. This has saved 10 hours per week in driver communications and payroll reconciliation, and resulted in $15,000 monthly labor cost savings, even after wage increases.

Having a one-stop shop to monitor school buses and handle employee information streamlined operations and saved valuable time, King confirmed. Herdman noted that procedural changes and driver substitutions can easily be made through the system and pushed out digitally to affected parties. Communications are vastly improved and any type of reports needed can be quickly pulled.

“It has changed our lives, changed the way we operate,” King declared.

“It’s amazing,” Herdman agreed. “Payroll went from 1,000 manual tasks to [pressing]five buttons.”

Both King and Herdman praised Bytecurve’s customization and customer service, with most questions answered in hours.

Bytecurve technology is used on 55,000 buses and by over 60,000 employees nationwide, said Mitchell. Field trip management software busHive, interior cameras, and AI-powered safety solutions like driver monitoring systems and lane departure warnings can be used in tandem.

Leveraging technology thoughtfully and accurately helps put dollars back into the classroom and save administrative staff’s time, he added.

Watch the webinar on demand. 

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The official app sponsored by Transfinder gives attendees of STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, all the event information they need, as well as a place to make connections.

1. Download the EventScribe App

Search for “Eventscribe” on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Alternatively, scan the QR code below with your phone and it will automatically direct you. 

Install and open the app. Find your event icon in the Upcoming Events (bottom row) or search for STN EXPO West.

2. Log in to the App

Once the event is selected, you will be prompted to log in. Enter your email address and password (the same credentials you used to register for the event – password is your Registrant ID).

3. Access the Event Features

After logging in, you can access event schedules, session details, speaker information, exhibitor lists, and more.

Browse the event information and create a personal schedule by tapping on the star next to presentation titles. If you pre-registered for a session, it will show up as a “Favorite” session.

Tips!

Download the app before you go! Wi-Fi connection onsite can affect the functionality of the app.

The four icons at the top of the home screen allow quick access to information on Schedules, Speakers, Exhibitors, and the Activity Feed. Also on the home screen are shortcuts to the Scavenger Hunt, Trade Show Floor Plan, list of Attendees, and Event Information.

Use the Schedule tab to see all the available sessions and select the star button next to your chosen ones to create personalized schedules for the week.

From the app homepage, access lists of Attendees and Trade Show Exhibitors. Send connection requests to other attendees and mark the star next to vendors who you meet and chat with to keep the conversations flowing even after the conference.

Share your thoughts! After each session, complete a quick three-question survey to provide feedback. Near the end of the conference, an overall evaluation will be available for your general impressions. Your input is greatly appreciated!

The Illusion Challenge Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday, July 14, the day of the Trade Show. Visit vendor booths to scan QR codes and unlock questions to answer. The more Trade Show booths you visit and correct answers you give, the faster you climb the leaderboard toward some slam-dunk prizes!

As always, stay tuned at stnonline.com and social media channels for extensive conference and trade show coverage, including articles, photo galleries, videos and more.

Related: STN EXPO East Presents Tour of Thomas Built Buses Plant
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina
Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders

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Learn more about STN’s Innovator of Year in the new July issue and get excited for STN EXPO West this month. Additionally, Washington D.C. experiments with speed limiters.

Christopher Faust, transportation director for Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 in Illinois and a 2024 STN Rising Star, discusses leading a new district, surviving tornadoes and a windstorm that blew away part of a facility, facilitating technology and teamwork improvements, and anticipation for STN EXPO West.

Read more about operations and see the STN EXPO agenda.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from RIDE.

Message from School-Radio.

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

The post (STN Podcast E264) Tornado Warning: Illinois Rising Star Discusses Leadership, Operations appeared first on School Transportation News.

Legislative and geopolitical updates that will affect school bus Wi-Fi, clean fuel decisions, bus manufacturing and more.

Kerry Somerville, CEO of Transportation Planning Solutions, shares tips on routing technology, AI and data security. Join him for a deep dive in his “School Bus Routing 101” session at STN EXPO West on July 11, 2025.

Read more about routing and see the STN EXPO agenda.

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, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E263) Not an Easy Button: Expert Gives School Bus Routing Technology Tips appeared first on School Transportation News.

School districts attempt to navigate the clean fuel struggle between the California Air Resources Board and the Trump administration. Chicago uses multimodal systems to provide student service.

Quanika Dukes-Spruill, executive director of transportation services for the Newark Board of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation in New Jersey, discusses working with contractors, securing Medicaid reimbursements, and implementing electric buses and alternative transportation.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School-Radio.

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

The post (STN Podcast E262) Assess & Fix: The NJ Transportation Director Managing 63 Contractors appeared first on School Transportation News.

The exclusive two-day Transportation Director Summit at STN EXPO West will take place from July 11-12 and feature numerous opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration.

This event held in nearby Lake Tahoe is included for qualified decision makers at no cost with purchase of their main conference registration. Day one takes place at the Peppermill Resort alongside a networking mixer with appetizers and drinks. It features a discussion on top challenges with STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin and a veteran of student transportation who is typically announced day-of.

For day two, attendees are bused off-site to The Chateau at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe for a full day of focused higher learning and networking sessions with a series of vendor partners. A customized matching system ensures that transportation leaders meet with manufacturers and suppliers of products and services that they have expressed interest in buying to assist with their unique day-to-day operations.

Providing the training for this year’s experience is Jon Petz, a best-selling author, professional magician, and world’s only “Amazement Artist.” He pulls back the curtain on the art and psychology of true amazement – when wonder is discovered and engagement intensifies to create powerful and impactful moments. Attendees will witness a real-time engagement on stage and learn how to apply three essential rules for amazement in their daily lives and workplace culture to create more value than ever before.

Roundtable discussions will follow on how to implement the lessons learned into everyday life as a transportation director.

Related: STN EXPO West Attendees Can ‘Bet on Yourself, Bet on Your Team’
Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West to Feature ‘Routing 101’ Seminar
Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West
Related: New Electrical Systems Diagnosis Technician Training Offered at STN EXPO West

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are provided throughout the day. A golf range sits just outside the meeting room and walking trails are easily accessible.

Recent trainers for this signature event include author and trainer Scott Welle, who related aspects of sports psychology to leadership enhancement in the workplace; speaker and trainer Christine Cashen, who shared effective communication “magic words” and techniques; peak performance expert Wayne Lee, who used hypnotism exercises to demonstrate the power of the mind in achieving goals; body language expert Traci Brown, who delved into how lie detection, body language and noticing verbal cues heightens awareness about students and coworkers; and international leadership expert Sylvie di Giusto, who highlighted 15 different selling points that makes one unique and gives them an advantage in the workplace.

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