Student support was the name of the game in a Thursday webinar featuring two leaders with copious transportation director experience.

Viewing Transportation Through an Attendance Lens

Greg Jackson served as the executive director of transportation and fleet services for Jefferson County School District in Colorado for a decade and was named the 2019 Transportation Director of the Year by School Transportation News.

In his current role as general manager of busing services for webinar sponsor EverDriven, he reviewed trends in jobs, housing and family schedules that have resulted in districts becoming more focused on consistent transportation for student access to education.

“Consistency builds routine and routine builds attendance,” he said.

Transportation departments are also expected to be more flexible with fewer resources these days, pointed out Jim Ellis, director of pupil transportation for Virginia’s Henrico County Public Schools and a past-president of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association. He reminded listeners that reliability matters, but rolling with the punches is also non-negotiable.

Ellis agreed that transportation stability is especially important for medically fragile students and those who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Involving Transportation Earlier in Student-Level Decisions

Jackson noted that longstanding processes may overlook or exclude transportation staff from key conversations, so directors must step up to secure a seat at the table and be a part of the decision-making process. He encouraged transportation directors to see themselves as the administrators they are.

When it comes to multi-modal solutions, Ellis concurred with Courtney Pallotta, EverDriven’s chief marketing officer, that it’s important to take the time to create the right solution for each particular student.

Related: Detroit Public Schools Shares Chronic Absenteeism Solutions
Related: TD Summit Attendees Discuss Student Absenteeism, Transportation’s Role
Related: Communication ‘Magic Words,’ Teamwork Tips Shared at Transportation Director Summit
Related: Legal Keynote Opens Attendees’ Eyes to Federal Special Needs Transportation Laws

Strengthening Governance & Cross-Team Communication

Disconnect often occurs when different departments act on their own timelines or pertinent details are left out of notifications, Jackson said. Having aligned teams means less escalation to the superintendent and more focus on students rather than communication snafus, he explained.

“There’s so much in this life where the challenge is in the detail,” Pallotta agreed. “You cannot be clear enough about who’s doing what, especially in busy teams where volatility and change are the norm.”

Ellis added, “If we don’t get together on who manages what, we’re going to be chasing our tails.”

He advised having clear assignments on each aspect of a child’s school experience so transportation can be made available and utilized appropriately. This is especially important when contractors are involved, he added.

Putting It All into Practice

Simply adding a new technology system, that multiple staff members will need to be trained on, isn’t always the answer, Jackson warned. Instead, he said, improving small habits results in significant progress.

Budget constraints, Ellis stressed, must be communicated so all involved parties know what resources are available and what solutions are realistic. It’s not helpful when the IEP, McKinney-Vento and transportation teams are siloed. He further noted that being fully staffed with drivers means not having much wiggle room in the budget.

Alignment among all departments results in less chaos and a better experience for the families the school district serves, Jackson underscored.

Ellis encouraged the audience to look at transportation as more than a ride to school and as a crucial part of the education process. “Our families want transportation they can count on,” he summarized.

Jackson and Pallotta noted that EverDriven as a transportation network company looks to assist districts with reducing absenteeism and securing Medicaid reimbursement.

Watch the webinar on demand. 

The post Webinar Gives Student-Centric Transportation Strategies to Reduce Absenteeism appeared first on School Transportation News.

“Smooth communication between administration and transportation operations begins with presence, clarity of vision and strong relationships,” Gorham (Maine) School District Superintendent Dr. Heather Perry told School Transportation News. 

Perry, one of the four finalists for the AASA: School Superintendents Association National Superintendent of the Year award, announced Thursday, continued that it means ensuring the right people are in the right leadership roles, setting clear expectations and maintaining consistent, two-way-communication. “So, transportation leaders are true partners in the district’s educational mission—not just problem solvers when issues arise. Spending time listening, coaching, and supporting transportation leaders helps ensure they are fully aligned with district goals and culture.”

Perry also wrote a blog for AASA outlining five ways the central office can strengthen the behind-the-scenes cultures, including school bus drivers. She noted leaders should integrate program leaders into the district leadership team, publicly celebrate the impact of support staff, provide tailored professional development, establish clear communication loops, and model respect and visibility.

Related: Superintendent of the Year Snapshot: Support, Understanding of Transportation
Related: (STN Podcast E293) Community, Not Individual: Maine Superintendent Collaborates for Student, Staff Success

“My advice to other superintendents is to intentionally invest in and publicly value their transportation teams,” she told STN. “Our bus drivers and dispatchers are often the first and last school connection students experience each day, and those moments shape how students feel about safety, belonging, and school itself. When communication is strong and the work is celebrated, we create a system where every child’s day begins and ends in a safe, welcoming, and caring environment.”

She highlighted the integral role of transportation in one of Gorham’s most significant initiatives, Aspire Gorham, a birth-to-adult, community-wide approach to building aspiration and purpose across the entire educational continuum. This program exposes students to a wide range of careers and possibilities, supports hands-on exploration and provides experiences for older students through internships, apprenticeships, Career and Technical Education and Extended Learning Opportunities programs, and community-based learning partnerships.

“The goal is to ensure that every student can see themselves in a future they are excited about and feel prepared to pursue it,” she said, adding that a critical factor in making the vision a reality is equitable access. “And transportation is often the gatekeeper. When learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom to job sites, colleges, training centers, and community partners, reliable and flexible transportation becomes essential. Without it, opportunities can unintentionally become limited to only those students who have access to personal transportation, creating barriers that run counter to our commitment to equity and inclusion. For this reason, strengthening our transportation system to be more adaptive, responsive, and student-centered has been an ongoing priority.”

She explained that transportation is not just an operational function, but an instructional enabler. “It is the bridge that connects students to real-world learning, career pathways, and life-changing experiences that define Aspire Gorham,” she continued. “When transportation is thoughtfully designed and adequately supported, it ensures that every student, regardless of circumstance, can fully participate in the opportunities that help them discover their passions, build skills and confidently step into their future.”

A working relationship with the transportation department, she said, is integral, not only to the program but to the effectiveness of education programs as a whole.

“As superintendent, one of my core responsibilities is quite literally to ensure we have the right people in the right seats on the bus,” she said. “That means building and sustaining high-quality leadership within transportation and providing the support, resources and clear communication they need to do their work well. When transportation leaders are valued as instructional partners rather than simply operational managers, the entire system functions more cohesively and responsively.”

She said a strong relationship also ensures challenges are anticipated, rather than reacted to, with safety and equity remaining at the forefront of every decision.

“When the relationship between district leadership and the transportation department is grounded in trust, collaboration and shared purpose, it creates a seamless system that supports students, families and schools and advances the district’s mission in meaningful, tangible ways,” she said.

Transportation Operations 

Mitzii Smith, the Gorham director of transportation and a former STN Rising SuperStar, said she has felt support from the administration from the start.

“Leadership has been welcoming and open to my ideas and experience,” she said. “Change can be challenging, but transportation consistently has support at the leadership level. That support truly starts with Perry, who values every employee and understands the importance of transportation’s role in the students’ overall educational experience.”

Related: (STN Podcast E245) Pre-Trip Yourself: Green Bus Funding Anxiety, Promoting Emotional Intelligence
Related: From School Bus Driver to Assistant Director: Journey of a Rising Star
Related: Follow the ‘GOLDEN’ Brick Road

She noted that transportation is currently focused on strengthening department training, developing clear driver handbooks and preparing for the expansion of the districts pre-k program to include 3- and 4-year olds. The department also implemented BusRight over the summer, and transportation leaders are actively working through the learning curve that comes with any new routing and communication system.

“Technology is a big part of our operation,” she shared. “We use routing and communication software to improve efficiency, enhance family communication and support safety and compliance. We continue to look for tools that make our operation more effective and transparent.”

Smith noted that while transportation is behind the scenes, it’s essential to student success. “When drivers are supported and leadership is engaged, it shows in the quality and safety of service we provide. I’m proud of our team and the work we doing,” she said, adding that Perry leads with open communication and trust.

“She makes a point to understand the challenges transportation faces and ensures we’re included in district-level conversations,” Smith added. “She’s accessible, responsive and visible throughout the district. As someone who transitioned after 20 years in my previous district, her support made that change smooth and rewarding. Gorham transportation is fortunate to have leadership that truly values our work.”

The post Superintendent Snapshot: Communication, Collaboration Key for Maine School District Success appeared first on School Transportation News.

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

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

Plus, Nivens — who was named the winner Thursday from among three other finalists for the National Superintendent of the Year award at the National Conference on Education — actively engages with employees during site visits, where he expresses appreciation for drivers, mechanics and leadership alike.

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

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

Transportation Operations

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

It employs 275 drivers across three terminals for 265 daily bus routes. The district transports approximately 22,700 students each school day. During the 2024–2025 school year, school buses traveled more than 4.6 million miles, serving both general and special education routes.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocky (and Icy) Top

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The connection between student attendance and transportation is more direct and critical than often acknowledged. While a complex array of factors drives chronic absenteeism — one of the most critical threats to K–12 success — a fundamental and frequently overlooked root cause is the failure of existing transportation mechanisms to reliably connect all students to the classroom.

The student attendance crisis is not just an academic problem; it is a systemic challenge that directly impacts federal and state funding, staffing efficiency, and district stability, making the need for reliable transportation attendance imperative.

This white paper outlines a strategic, data-driven approach for district administrators to move beyond reliance on the yellow school bus alone.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

The post (Free White Paper) Boosting K-12 Attendance With Innovative Transportation Solutions appeared first on School Transportation News.

Running a student transportation fleet means nothing is one-and-done; only continually managed on a day-to-day basis, often by using fleet tech that doesn’t talk to each other. This white paper discusses eight practical ways to reduce technology complexity so you can do more, more effectively.

Download this white paper and learn how to:

1. Connect every dot with real-time visibility.
2. Customize dashboards for tailored, detailed insights.
3. Uphold fleetwide safety standards, daily.
4. Fill communication gaps with transparency.

Plus four more, including maintaining healthy vehicles.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

The post (Free Whitepaper) 8 Ways to Simplify and Streamline School Bus Operations appeared first on School Transportation News.

With more than two decades of experience in transportation, Craig Lipps has become a bit of an unofficial troubleshooter or change agent for school transportation operations.

He led the transportation operation at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District in upstate New York for a couple years, where he helped the district save more than $400,000 annually by optimizing routes with the use of Transfinder solutions.

“In this business, we’re working for the success of kids. That’s the bottom line. You need the best tools to do that. I rely on Transfinder to stay a step ahead of everybody else.”

Then he went to nearby Guilderland Central School District (NY) where he saved the district $2.6 million annually, again with Transfinder’s award-winning solutions.

So how does Lipps do it? Here’s the backstory.

When Lipps arrived at Guilderland, he faced a daunting challenge: a transportation department struggling with inefficiencies, outdated software and ballooning costs. The district was financially upside down, contracting dozens of routes to outside providers while its own buses sat idle.

For Lipps, a veteran transportation leader, the solution was clear—modernize operations with Transfinder technology.

The Problem: Inefficiency and Overspending

Guilderland’s transportation system was riddled with inefficiencies. The district had 115 buses in its fleet but was operating only about 70, while paying contractors to handle 36 out-of-district routes.

“It was very costly,” Lipps recalled.

And it just didn’t make sense.

“They (Guilderland) have the equipment and the drivers,” he said, “so you don’t need to contract when you have equipment and drivers.”

The software in place when Lipps arrived was outdated, locally hosted and lacked the tools needed to identify inefficiencies or optimize routes. The data, he said, “was messy.”

A hands-on kind of leader, Lipps left the office to see for himself what was going on.

“I’d get out there in my own vehicle just to watch what was happening,” Lipps said. What he saw confirmed his suspicions: buses sitting idle for hours. “I’ll never forget the day I saw three yellow buses parked at Crossgates Mall.”

He was curious if there was a field trip at the mall.

“So, the next day I went there, the same three buses were sitting there. And the next day I went there. So, I checked the GPS system and, sure enough, those buses were sitting there every single day for more than an hour. I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s a problem.’”

The Solution: Transfinder’s Suite of Tools

The software product the district was using didn’t provide the tools “to look and find opportunities or inefficiencies,” Lipps said, yet he knew the district needed a cloud-based, data-driven system to regain control.

When Lipps arrived, he put a spotlight on the issues – “The problem was bigger than anyone realized” – and the district moved quicker to Transfinder, a solution he knew well.

The first step was implementing Routefinder PLUS, Transfinder’s award-winning flagship routing solution. Lipps personally sat down with every driver to build routes in the new system. “I have a large TV in my office and we sat at a table and worked from the laptop and built their routes. They watched it unfold before them. They were intrigued by it, and it was cool.”

Accurate data from the student information system was imported, giving the district a clear picture of transportation needs.

Coupled with Transfinder’s field trip management solution Tripfinder, which streamlined field trip management, the district was well on its way to greater efficiency. Previously, trip requests were handled through PDFs—a cumbersome process that led to mistakes and wasted time. “Tripfinder was a no-brainer,” Lipps said. “It integrated seamlessly with Routefinder and eliminated the nightmare of managing trips manually.”

The Results: $2.6 Million Saved in One Year

By the end of the school year, Guilderland had saved an astonishing $2.6 million. “That was one school year—September to June,” Lipps emphasized. “And those savings will continue every year as long as they keep using the tools.

Learn more and read the rest of this transformational journey.

To learn more about Transfinder’s technology and support, email solutions@transfinder.com, visit www.transfinder.com/solutions or call 800-373-3609.

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

The post Troubleshooting with Transfinder appeared first on School Transportation News.

As we headed into 2026, many school transportation operations nationwide continue to battle persistent staffing shortages of bus drivers, aides and mechanics, disrupting routes and student rides. Some school transportation teams are getting the work done. Others are experiencing tightening budgets, leading to route reductions, cancellations and school closures. States like Maine, Missouri and Vermont experienced particularly acute shortages, contributing to route cancellations and heightened chronic absenteeism.

At the recent TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas, attendees told me they have seen improvements in hiring staff but underscored the need for robust retention strategies centered on competitive pay, positive culture, teamwork and professional development, including attending industry events.

The national school bus driver shortage showed improvement in 2025, with employment rising by about 2,300 jobs, or 1.1 percent from the previous year, according to recent data from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The increase appears to be driven by rising wages that have seen the median hourly wage grow by an inflation-adjusted 4.2 percent over the past year, the best since the pandemic. The median hourly wage for school bus drivers nationwide reached $22.45 in August.

However, the sector still had 21,200 fewer drivers—a 9.5 percent decline compared with August 2019. Private school bus contractors saw the sharpest drops, while public sector hiring edged up. The EPI data noted that the end of pandemic relief funds and the attacks on public education by the current presidential administration threaten to reverse this progress.

According to the 2025 State of School Transportation Report by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, in partnership with HopSkipDrive, 81 percent of respondents said school bus driver shortages are a problem in their school district, including 46 percent calling it a major problem. Additionally, 26 percent of respondents reported their school district has addressed these shortages by cutting or shortening bus routes, and 73 percent reported transportation budget shortages have affected their transportation operations.

Competitive compensation remains the cornerstone of retention. Pasco County Schools in Florida introduced monetary bonuses, including $250 for covering challenging routes, alongside recruitment fairs. Try recognition programs, such as the “Driver of the Month” award or periodic retention bonuses, to show appreciation. Consider longevity bonuses, perfect attendance awards and health insurance to compete with higher-paying competitors. Building a supportive workplace culture boosts morale and loyalty.

Districts like Klein ISD in Texas, a previous Top Transportation Teams winner at STN EXPO West, proactively makes staff feel valued through supportive environments and competitive pay. These have helped avoid shortages altogether. John Fergerson, the transportation director, conducts regular feedback sessions to address concerns promptly. He fosters a positive culture and turns employees into recruiters, as engaged staff recommend the job to others.

Teamwork enhances retention by creating a sense of belonging. Cross- training aides or involving mechanics in facility planning builds collaboration. Team events and inclusive initiatives reinforce that akk staff are vital to student success. Districts adopting flexible scheduling or job-sharing options accommodate personal needs, particularly for part-time workers.

Investing in training demonstrates a commitment to growth. Professional development in defensive driving, student behavior management and emerging technologies equips staff for long-term careers. Conferences play a key role as well. Consider STN EXPO West, held July 9-15, 2026, in Reno, Nevada. It will feature specialized training, leadership sessions, technology demonstrations and networking. STN EXPO East occurring March 26-31, 2026, near Charlotte, North Carolina, offers similar opportunities.

The TSD Conference held Nov. 4-10, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, offers training on securement, compliance, evacuations and more. Registering your staff to attend signals an investment in improving their skills that also affects their retention.

Successful districts combine these approaches. Some use routing software for efficiency, easing workloads. Others offer career pathways, like certifications for advancement. Teri Mapengo, transportation director from Prosper ISD in Texas, noted that aggressive recruiting paired with supportive cultures and pay helped operations build stable teams. The district was also awarded a Top Transportation Teams Award last summer.

In 2026, retaining school transportation staff requires intentional, multifaceted efforts. Prioritize strong pay, culture, teamwork and training to stabilize operations, ensure reliable service, and support educational equity.

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

Related: Florida District Introduces Innovative Safety Training for School Bus Drivers
Related: Tech-Forward Approach to Staffing
Related: (STN Podcast E230) Ingredients for Success: Driver Retention & N.Y. District Teambuilding
Related: (STN Podcast E275) Teamwork & Innovation: Alabama Top Transportation Team & Exclusive Zonar Interview

The post Innovative Staffing & Retention appeared first on School Transportation News.

Iowa started the new year with new and controversial school bus driver training courses.

House File 395 revises requirements for training and certification of school bus drivers in the state. It updates the criteria for what constitutes as an approved course of instruction for school bus drivers.

Prior to the new law taking effect, school bus drivers would take a 17-hour online course followed by a three-hour, in-person class. They had six months to complete the course after being hired. Annually, all drivers were required to attend a three-house in person refresher class to maintain their school bus authorization.

Now, the three-hour refresher course is optional.

The Controversy

“The change in state requirements that made annual bus driver training optional came as a surprise,” David Johnson, executive director of the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, said of the controversial driver training update. “Some updates were necessary and were already underway before the bill passed—specifically, updating the online portion of new driver training. Much of this content was already being covered through ELDT, and it was time for an update.

“However, the annual three-hour refresher training is, in my view, very important,” he continued. “Making it optional could make it easier for a school district to provide significantly less training for its drivers. It is my hope that all districts will continue to recognize the value of this professional development and will continue to require their drivers to participate. IPTA will continue to support the training provided by the Department of Education and encourage districts to take part in it.”

The bill was introduced on Feb. 13, 2025, passed both chambers, and was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds on June 6, 2025, taking effect at the new year.

Related: ‘One Type of Driver’ Training
Related: Iowa Rising Star Furthers Driver Safety and Proficiency
Related: (STN Podcast E258) Nuances & Challenges: NCST Recap, Trade Wars, Upcoming Safety Convos

The post Updated Iowa School Bus Driver Hiring Law Adds Optional Refresher Course appeared first on School Transportation News.

The holiday season means plenty of celebrations, including staff parties, decorated school buses, community events and more! View the gallery of photos shared by school districts and transportation companies below.

1 of 33

Related: Kansas School Bus Drivers Deliver Christmas Gifts
Related: Gallery: Student Transporters Celebrate Holiday Season
Related: North Carolina School’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ Drive Returns to Support Local Students

The post Gallery: Student Transporters Share Holiday Festivities appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read online articles from stnonline.com during 2025, which focused on illegal passing incidents, school bus driver misconduct and students injured or killed. Training is needed for students, parents and drivers.

Read all our latest news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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

The post (STN Podcast E288) 2025 in Review: Top STN Online Articles appeared first on School Transportation News.

The most read School Transportation News magazine articles in 2025 explored AI and other emerging technology, leadership, workforce development and evolving student transportation models.

Specific topics included illegal school bus passing prevention, routing optimization, artificial intelligence and future-focused fleet technology, to reflect a transportation industry actively adapting to new challenges and opportunities. At the same time, human-centered stories, highlighting leadership, recognition and professional growth continued to resonate strongly with readers.

Together, these articles underscore the industry’s dual focus on innovation and culture as transportation departments prepare for the future.

STN reports below on the top-viewed article from each monthly magazine issue in 2025, organized by publication month.

January – Atypical Student Transportation

This article examined nontraditional student transportation scenarios that fall outside standard home-to-school routes on school buses. It explored how districts are adapting to serve students with disabilities and special needs who need alternative schedules and specialized programs. The piece emphasized flexibility, collaboration and policy considerations required to safely and effectively manage atypical transportation models.

February – Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Focusing on one of the most persistent safety threats in pupil transportation, this article addresses strategies to reduce illegal passing of stopped school buses. It highlighted the role of public awareness campaigns, stop-arm cameras, and enforcement partnerships, reinforcing the importance of both education and technology in protecting students at bus stops.

March – On the Block

Procurement and decision-making challenges faced by transportation departments, particularly as districts evaluate new vehicles, services and technologies, underscore the importance of planning, transparency and stakeholder input when making large-scale transportation investments.

April – Seeing Into the Future

One of the most-read magazine articles of the year looked at emerging AI trends shaping student transportation. Topics include predictive maintenance technologies, data-driven operations and forward-thinking approaches to safety and efficiency. The article encouraged readers to view innovation as a proactive tool rather than a reactive solution.

May – Q&A: Wyskiel Steers Blue Bird Toward Its Second Century

This Q&A featured leadership insights from Blue Bird President and CEO John Wyskiel, focusing on the company’s vision as it moves into its second century. The discussion touched on innovation, electrification, manufacturing priorities and the evolving needs of school districts.

June – Peeling Back the Routing Layers

Routing remains one of the most complex aspects of school transportation, and this article took a deep dive into the many variables that influence route design. From staffing shortages to bell times to special needs transportation, the piece highlighted how layered decision-making and technology tools can help districts improve efficiency and service reliability.

July – Leadership Perspectives on the Future of AI

This article examines how AI may shape the future of student transportation. Industry leaders share perspectives on potential applications, from routing and predictive maintenance to training and operations, while also addressing concerns around implementation, data, and workforce readiness.

August – 10 Years: Garage Stars

Celebrating a decade of recognizing excellence, this article highlights the critical role maintenance professionals play in student transportation. It honored the dedication, expertise and behind-the-scenes work of garage staff who keep fleets safe, reliable and road-ready every day.

September – Future-Focused Technology

This article explores technology solutions designed to support long-term transportation goals rather than short-term fixes. Topics included vehicle systems, software integration and tools that improve safety, accountability, and operational visibility for transportation departments.

October – Transportation Director Salaries by U.S. Region

Providing data-driven insight into compensation trends, this top-viewed article breaks down transportation director salaries by region across the contiguous U.S. It offers valuable benchmarking information amid ongoing workforce recruitment and retention challenges.

November – Rising Superstars

The most-viewed magazine article of 2025 spotlighted emerging leaders in the student transportation industry. By recognizing rising professionals making meaningful contributions, the article reflects the industry’s focus on mentorship, succession planning and cultivating the next generation of transportation leadership.

Related: (STN Podcast E240) 2024 in Review: Top STN Magazine Articles
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Traveling the world and studying how children get to school has given me a deep appreciation for the difference in how nations approach something as simple—and as complicated—as pupil transportation.

Last month, I compared systems in the U.S. and India. This month, my attention is on Colombia, a country whose breathtaking geography, social dynamics and history shape the school commute in ways that most Americans would never experience in their daily lives. Despite all the differences, the underlying mission remains the same everywhere I go. Communities getting children safely to school so they can learn, grow and reach their potential.

When I think about school transportation in the U.S., the image that immediately comes to mind is that familiar yellow school bus. It’s amazing how recognizable it is—even internationally. No matter where I travel, people know what that yellow bus symbolizes. It represents regulation, structure, stability and the idea that education begins the moment a child steps into a professionally operated transportation system. Nearly 25 million children ride these buses every school day, making it the largest mass transportation system in the U.S. And it operates with a level of uniformity that, in many places around the world, is simply unheard of.

This system isn’t accidental. American school buses are purpose-built from the ground up with safety in mind: Compartmentalized seating, high visibility, reinforced frames, stop arms, flashing lights, emergency exits, and strict federal standards. As someone who has spent years in the fields of safety and security, I’m constantly impressed by the investment our country places in the transportation of its students. And it’s not just the equipment—it’s the people. In the U.S., drivers undergo specialized training not only in vehicle operation but also in behavior management, first aid, emergency evacuation, situational awareness, and increasingly, how to identify potential security threats. Whether you’re in a rural district in Missouri, a suburb in Ohio, or a dense metropolitan area like Chicago or Phoenix, you can expect the same level of commitment and consistency.

Of course, our system has challenges. Anyone who works in pupil transportation knows the constant struggle with driver shortages, bus replacements, new technology integration, and motorists who still don’t understand—or choose to ignore—stop arms. But even with those obstacles, the foundation is solid. There are predictable structures and regulated safety nets that American families have come to trust.

Colombia presents a very different picture—one shaped by dramatic landscapes, economic diversity and a transportation network that must continuously adapt. When I’ve spent time in Colombia’s major cities—Bogotá and Medellín—I’ve seen buses that closely resemble those in the U.S., often operated by private schools or contracted services. These buses usually include attendants responsible for helping younger children board and exit the vehicle safely. The presence of attendants is especially important in cities where the traffic congestion is unlike anything most Americans experience on a regular basis. A 30-minute ride in an American suburb might easily become an hour or more in Bogotá, simply because clogged streets and gridlock are daily realities.

Yet even these city operations are only part of Colombia’s story. Once you leave the urban centers, the transportation landscape changes dramatically. The country’s geography is breathtaking but unforgiving—towering Andean mountains, deep valleys, dense rainforests and winding rural roads carved into hillsides. In small towns and rural villages, I’ve watched children board brightly painted chivas—rugged, colorful buses that are as much a symbol of rural Colombia as the yellow bus is in America. I’ve ridden in colectivos, the shared vans that serve as the backbone of transportation for many families. I’ve seen children climb onto the backs of motorcycles driven by parents or hired riders. In river communities, I’ve watched entire groups of students load into wooden boats at daybreak, drifting along waterways to reach schools that are otherwise inaccessible.

One of the most striking sights I’ve encountered in isolated Andean regions is students traveling to school on horseback or mule-back. For them, it is entirely normal—simply the most reliable way to traverse rugged mountain trails that no motorized vehicle could safely navigate. To an American child, that might sound like something out of a storybook. But in these communities, it is simply life.

These different methods bring different safety challenges. In the U.S., we worry about motorists illegally passing stopped school buses, maintaining aging fleets, rolling out electric buses, securing qualified drivers, and ensuring that our transportation teams are supported and properly trained. The hazards we face largely come from human behavior and modern roadway issues.

In Colombia, the risks can be far more varied and unpredictable. I’ve seen narrow mountain roads so tight that one wrong turn would send a vehicle over a steep drop-off. I’ve seen roads washed out by landslides during the rainy season—forcing communities to carve temporary alternative routes or walk long distances. Some rural roads never see maintenance at all. In certain areas, the presence of criminal or terrorist groups adds an entirely different dimension of risk that American school transportation rarely encounters. Despite these challenges, Colombian communities continue to show remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Many rural drivers have an almost intuitive understanding of the landscape, knowing which curves are the most dangerous, which areas flood quickly, and where rocks tend to fall after a storm.

What stands out the most to me in Colombia is the power of community. I’ve seen neighbors without children pitch in money to keep an old community van running so other people’s children don’t have to trek miles through dangerous terrain. I’ve watched drivers show immense pride in their role because they know they are providing children with opportunities that could shape their futures. I’ve seen parents walk hand-in-hand with their kids along muddy roads, ensuring they reach the main path where they can catch a ride. In indigenous communities, I’ve witnessed elders accompany groups of children through forest paths—viewing education as a shared responsibility rather than an individual task.

Back in the U.S., that same commitment exists, but it takes a different form. Our strength lies in structure—transportation departments with budgets, routing software, regulations, and formalized training programs. Drivers form long-term bonds with students. Administrators work behind the scenes to ensure compliance and safety. School boards debate funding for improvements because they recognize that transportation is not just a logistical service—it’s a vital part of education.

Related: What Differs Between Pupil Transportation in the U.S. and the U.K.?
Related: Report: Inequities in Canadian Electric School Bus Transition Threaten At-risk Populations
Related: Routes Around the World: Quarterly Quotes From Anson Stewart

As I compare school buses in the U.S. and Columbia, I keep coming back to the fact that the vehicles may look different, the roads may be different, and the challenges may come in different forms, but the heart behind the work is the same. Whether a child is riding a chiva in the mountains, a wooden boat in the Amazon basin, a motorcycle through a rural town, or a yellow school bus in Texas, the journey to school symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the shared belief that education matters.

Next month, I’ll continue exploring pupil transportation across the globe as we examine Germany. Every country I visit teaches me something new—not just about transportation, but about culture, community, and the universal commitment to keeping children safe as they pursue their futures.

Bret E. Brooks is the chief operating officer for Gray Ram Tactical, LLC, a Missouri-based international consulting and training firm specializing in transportation safety and security. He is a keynote speaker, author of multiple books and articles, and has trained audiences around the world. Reach him directly at BretBrooks@GrayRamTacticalTraining.com.

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Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read School Transportation News magazine articles from 2025, which focused on student safety, operational efficiency and technological advancement. STN also recognized outstanding individuals and teams in the industry through programs like Innovator of the Year, Garage Stars, Rising Stars and Transportation Director of the Year.

Read all our digital editions.

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The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) sent an email to members providing an update on the 17th National Congress on School Transportation’s (NCST) National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Manual (NSTSP), which was already updated over the summer to fix the inadvertent omission of the new alternative transportation section.

The online version was removed from the National Congress on School Transportation website as of Sept. 19, pending the update. On Sept. 29, the updated NCST was republished to include the alternative transportation section.

However, on Tuesday, NASDPTS said two other updates were made to the book, including pages 61-78 and page 377. Details on the specific updates were not provided. NASDPTS said the NSTSP “is designed to be a living document, meaning it can be updated at any time if necessary.”

Ronna Weber, executive director of NASDPTS, clarified that changes include “grammatical, formatting or inconsistency related to the Congress approved items … .”

“Proposed changes [are] often reviewed and updates are issued from the various committees as needed. However, the NSTSP itself is not officially revised until each Congress votes on the proposed changes,” she added. “Additionally, there is an interim process, which could be employed, should it be necessary between congresses. This process is very rarely used, but it exists should action be needed prior to the next Congress.”

Related: NASDPTS Weber Provides EXPO Attendees with Updates from NCST
Related: National Specifications Manual Republished to Fix Alternative Transportation Section Omission
Related: National Congress Finishes Early After 10-Year Hiatus

The decision on whether to hold the NCST every five or three years has yet to be made, but following last May’s NCST, delegates provided input on suggestions.

The electronic version has been updated to reflect the two updates, and the electronic version of the book is now dated December 2025. Each updated section is also saved as a separate link, should readers want to print the updated sections only.

“Future updates, should they be necessary, will also be handled in this manner, but communications will not necessarily be sent so please check the page periodically and refresh your link as needed,” NASDPTS said in a statement.

The post NCST Book Updated Again appeared first on School Transportation News.

The school bus industry focuses on safety and service amidst students killed by both passing motorists and their own school buses as well as federal shifts in funding and changes to the Department of Education. Plus, we revisit the 2021 murder of a school bus driver and school bus security.

From routing to training, Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella talks top technology trends of 2025 and the upcoming annual Top Transportation Teams competition.

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This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E286) End of Year Review: Safety & Technology Trends of 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Analysis on the annual National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey which found six students were killed by school buses over the 2024-2025 school year, a safety PSA in the works around the upcoming Super Bowl, and new plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

We are joined by the two youngest transportation directors in Washington state, Cassidy Miller (22) of Cashmere School District, also a Child Passenger Safety Technician and a 2024 STN Rising Star, and her boyfriend Bowen Mitchell (24) at Entiat School District. They discuss leadership strategies, operational insights, TSD Conference attendance and more.

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This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from Ride.

Message from School Radio.

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FRISCO, Texas — When Lisa Navarra stood before a room of Transporting Students with Disabilities (TSD) and Special Needs Conference attendees, she didn’t see people who were “just” drivers, trainers, supervisors or directors. She saw leaders. Leaders who manage people, time and safety every day. Those who guide drivers to guide students to be consistent, calm and confident before the first bell even rings.

“Transportation is so much more than transit,” she reminded them durig her Monday morning keynote. “You create the environment that students step into each morning, one that can set the tone for their entire day.”

For Navarra, the journey from special education teacher to school transportation trainer was fueled by purpose, and a realization that behavior management, emotional regulation and growth mindset strategies weren’t just for classrooms. They belonged on school buses, too, she said.

Her message was simple yet transformative: When transportation professionals see themselves as educators and role models, they empower students to feel safe, regulate their emotions and be ready to learn.

She noted the process starts with meeting the kids where they were at.

“But where are we at?” she asked, adding another question to consider is, “What do I need to do to reach this child, to ride safely?”

Supervisors, she noted, need to support and empower drivers to better breakdown the silos between education and transportation.

She said when one sees themself as a professional who is prepared to manage challenges, it gives a sense a validation and thus a sense of purpose. Instead of waiting to see what students are capable of, be proactive in demonstrating and announcing behaviors they want to see on the bus, she advised.

Navarra asked, “Why are we making things so complicated?” She noted the impact of a positive school bus environment, speaking the language educators speak and creating a safe, meaningful environment that kids are ready to learn in.

Sometimes drivers need strategies on how to teach developmentally appropriate behavior, she said, adding that students might not know what safe behavior is. If they don’t explain what safe behavior should look like, she said students will never know how to meet expectations.

For drivers who are stuck in a rut or look at driving as “just a job,” she encouraged attendees to remind them that they are managing the learning environment. Raymond Forsberg, director of transportation at Mesquite Independent School District in Texas, said he tells his school bus drivers they manage people, time and money.

“I remind them how they’re leaders. I compare what they do, to what I do. I tell them how they manage people, time and money,” he said. “Let them know they are part of the ownership. Remind them of how they are leaders. We’re all here for the paycheck. The people drivers manage are the students, for time they have keep to the schedule and the money part is the 150,000 vehicle they’re driving.”

Related: Education Leader Challenges Transportation Professionals to Reimagine Compliance and Student Access
Related: Legal Keynote Opens Attendees’ Eyes to Federal Special Needs Transportation Laws
Related: Mother of Sandy Hook Victim Discusses Tragedy Planning for Students with Disabilities

Additionally, Navarra provided examples and research that illustrates the importance of not praising the ability, but the process and effort that students or even drivers give.

Phrases like “great job” or “you’re so smart” don’t provide the student with context into what type of behavior is correct and needs to be recreated. Instead, she advised, saying phrases like, “You did a great job being safe when you entered the bus and put your seatbelt on.”

Other examples of behavior-specific praise are:

• “I have noticed how you are trying your best to speak quietly today. Thank you.”
• “I admire the way you are trying to keep your feet out of the aisle.”
• “You took a breath when the bus got noisy, and you stayed calm.”
• “You were very thoughtful when you said hello to the new student.”

She underscored the importance of using behavior-specific praise with action and outcome, which can lead to a learning experience. Navarra continued, saying general praise can sound encouraging, but it does not clearly communicate the behaviors we want students to internalize and demonstrate independently.

She provided factors to consider, such as the setting (private or public) and the type of praise (non-behavior specific or specific.)

She provided the following guidelines on how to praise:

1. Be sincere
2. Be specific
3. Praise students on the ‘what’ they can change
4. Be mindful when praising easily earned achievements
5. Be mindful when praising for doing what they love
6. Encourage mastery of skills instead of comparing themselves to others

Bobbi Bican, the transportation account manager for Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, said following the keynote positive feedback and not settling for non-specific phrases like, “Great job” resonated for her.

Instead of settling for non-specific praise, she said she’s going to try and re-phrase her praise by saying, “Great job, sitting down in your seat today, being safe.” She noted that she learned the importance of showing the behavior and building that safe environment.

“I’m so excited to have learned that today,” she said, adding she plans to put some systems in place with her drivers and team to “give them the power.”

The post Closing TSD Keynote Bridges Gap Between Student Behavior, Positive Reinforcement appeared first on School Transportation News.

FRISCO, Texas — Transportation safety experts gathered at TSD Conference to address a critical challenge: Teaching school bus safety to students with disabilities through innovative, personalized approaches that go beyond traditional instruction methods.

The session presented Saturday by Jill Metcalfe, a former executive director of student transportation and founder of STSB Training, highlighted the transformative power of social stories and visual aids, revealing that students with disabilities often learn best through carefully crafted, individualized communication strategies. She emphasized the importance of creating visual narratives that speak directly to each student’s unique learning needs.

“If I was in a wheelchair and had never ridden a school bus before, I would lose my mind,” said Metcalfe, a transportation safety specialist, highlighting the overwhelming experience many students with disabilities face during daily transportation.

Her powerful statement underscored TSD Conference’s central messages: Safety education must be compassionate, individualized and carefully designed.

Metcalfe emphasized the transformative power of social stories, describing them as more than just instructional tools.

“These are not just stories,” she explained. “They’re personalized narratives that help students see themselves successfully navigating bus safety.”

By inserting a student’s name into carefully crafted stories and using their own images, educators can create powerful, relatable learning experiences.

The session revealed innovative visual strategies that make safety education engaging and accessible. Educators are now using creative methods like dinosaur figurines to demonstrate safe bus stop positioning, LEGO figures to act out safety scenarios and customized digital checklists that help students track their own safety behaviors.

“We want to make safety learning fun,” Metcalfe noted. “If we can engage a student’s imagination, we can help them understand complex safety procedures.”

She shared examples of social stories that incorporate personalized details, such as teaching a student she named “Anthony” about proper school bus boarding techniques through a narrative specifically designed for him.

The approach recognizes that students with disabilities require more than generic safety instructions. For students on the autism spectrum, this might mean creating highly structured visual guides with predictable, step-by-step instructions. For students with physical disabilities, visual aids might demonstrate wheelchair accessibility procedures or safe boarding techniques.

“The key is preparation and understanding,” Metcalfe stressed. “We need to help students feel comfortable and confident, not overwhelmed.”

This philosophy extends to creating visual aids that reduce anxiety, such as showing exactly where to sit on a bus or how to interact with a driver.

Crucially, the session stressed the importance of collaboration between transportation departments and special education teams. By working together, these professionals can develop tools that are not just informative, but truly inclusive and empowering.

Positive reinforcement emerged as another key strategy. Attendees in the room shared success stories of using certificates, tracking charts and playful incentive systems to encourage safe bus behaviors. The goal is to make safety learning a positive, rewarding experience that builds confidence and independence.

The rise of AI and technology tools like Canva can help educators and student transporters more easily create social stories, though she cautioned that actual student information should never be inputted into AI engines so child’s identity is protected.

“Remember,” Metcalfe concluded, “we’re approaching bus safety calmly, consistently and with care. The stormy period will pass if we remain patient and committed to our students’ success.”

Related: Legal Keynote Opens Attendees’ Eyes to Federal Special Needs Transportation Laws
Related: Mother of Sandy Hook Victim Discusses Tragedy Planning for Students with Disabilities
Related: NC Transportation Manager Channels Passion for Education, Safety into Children’s Books
Related: Connecticut School Bus Company Publishes Bilingual Book to Ease First-Day Bus Anxiety
Related: School Bus Driver Creates Children’s Book to Promote School Bus Safety

The post Safety Expert Shares Transportation Social Story Strategies for Students with Disabilities appeared first on School Transportation News.

In the heart of rural Tennessee, Stewart County Schools spans over 400 square miles, with just two traffic lights and a student population of around 1,900.

For decades, the district’s transportation system relied on the experience and memory of longtime Transportation Director Eric Watkins, who knows every road, house, and student by heart. But as Watkins contemplates retirement, he realized the next person in his role wouldn’t have the same institutional knowledge. That’s when Transfinder entered the picture—and changed everything.

“I’ve always said that my routing is in my head, but my head is getting very old,” he joked, “and it’s getting close to the time for me to call it quits here one of these days. I just said, ‘Listen, the next person that does my job is going to have something [Transfinder] because they don’t know where the roads are, they don’t know where the houses are, they don’t know where the kids are.”

Watkins had seen Transfinder at trade shows for years but always assumed it was too expensive for a small district like his. That changed when he met representatives from Transfinder, who walked him through the full package and pricing.

Watkins took the proposal to the school board with a clear message: “You either do it today or you do it when I leave. But at some point, you’re going to have to do it because I’m not going to be here forever.”

He successfully made his case and “they let me have the entire package,” he said.

Watkins was so confident in Transfinder’s award-winning solutions that he told the board that the technology would save enough money to pay for itself.

He was right.

One of the first major wins came from route optimization. Stewart County operates 32 bus routes, transporting about 1,500 students daily. With Transfinder’s GPS and mapping tools, Watkins could see exactly where each student lived, when they were picked up, and how long each route took.

This visibility is helping him consolidate routes without cutting jobs. When a driver announced an upcoming retirement, Watkins uses Routefinder PLUS to see where he can combine routes among existing drivers.

Watkins said he could easily adjust nearby routes and start shifts 15 minutes earlier which will essentially absorb that route. That single change eliminated the need to hire a replacement and saved enough money to cover the entire cost of Transfinder for the year.

But the savings didn’t stop there.

Using Transfinder’s fleet maintenance and inventory management tool Servicefinder, the district’s mechanics gained remote access to bus diagnostics. If a driver reports a warning light, the garage can instantly assess the issue and advise whether the bus can continue on its route or if it needs to be swapped out. This reduces downtime, avoids unnecessary dispatches, and keeps students on schedule.

Transfinder also helped improve fleet management. Watkins now monitors every bus on a 32-inch screen in his office, tracking location, speed, fuel levels, and more. Even buses on field trips 100 miles away are visible. This level of oversight has improved safety, accountability, and efficiency across the board.

The district is also rolling out Viewfinder, which allows school secretaries to instantly access bus assignments for students—no more radio calls or delays. “We’re in a different world now,” Watkins said. Now school officials can assist those elementary students about what bus to get on.

Tripfinder is another tool Watkins is excited about. Previously, the district used a separate system for field trip scheduling, but Tripfinder will allow drivers to log mileage and time directly, automatically generating invoices and sending them to payroll. It’s a seamless process that saves time and reduces paperwork.

Watkins also championed Stopfinder, a parent app that provides real-time bus tracking. “It was all me,” he said. “I want parents to have every bit of knowledge they can have. Plus, they won’t be calling me asking where the bus is.”

It’s a game-changer.

The impact of Transfinder on Stewart County Schools goes beyond savings. It’s about preparing the district for the future, improving safety, and serving the community more effectively. Watkins, who has served the district for 38 years, sees Transfinder as a legacy investment.

Watkins is sold on Transfinder.

“It’s been exactly what they told me it would be,” he said.

In a place where relationships matter and every dollar counts, Transfinder has proven to be more than just software—it’s a partner in progress.

To learn more about Transfinder’s award-winning solutions, call 800-373-3609, email solutions@transfinder.com or visit transfinder.com.

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

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