“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.

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

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“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.”

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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

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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.

The School Superintendents Association, AASA, announced its four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year Award. The winner will be named at the annual National Conference on Education in February.

AASA along with award co-sponsors Corebridge Financial and Sourcewell will recognize on of the finalists “for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities,” a press release noted.

The following finalists were nominated by their state associations and honored with the title of State Superintendent of the Year. They were measured against criteria such as leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

Demetrus Liggins, superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools in Kentucky joins Roosevelt Nivens, superintendent of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, Heather Perry, superintendent of Schools at Maine’s Gorham School Department, and Sonja Santelises, the chief executive officer at Baltimore City Schools in Maryland.

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Related: Superintendent Defends School Bus Driver Accused of Erratic Driving, Potential Impairment
Related: First Alabama Educator Named 2025 AASA Superintendent of the Year
Related: Superintendent Snapshot: Florida District Depends on Transportation
Related: Superintendent Snapshot: Staying Connected with Departments, Students

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“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” stated David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director. “Their visionary leadership uplifts students and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing every child with the opportunities, experiences, and education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world. We are honored to celebrate their incredible success and accomplishments.

The winner will be announced on stage during the National Conference on Education, Feb. 12-14 in Nashville, Tennessee. A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year to a student who attends the high school from which the superintendent graduated or a school within the district.

The full list of 50 state superintendents of the year is online.

The post AASA Announces 2026 National Superintendent of Year Finalists appeared first on School Transportation News.

An RSU-13 school bus driver is on administrative leave following a collision with a student pedestrian who had just exited from his school bus and later died. The incident remains under investigation.

On Nov. 21 at around 2:20 p.m., Rockland Police and Rockland Maine Fire & Rescue EMS responded to a vehicle-pedestrian crash at an intersection. The Rockland Main Police Department noted that the incident involved an RSU-13 student who was struck by a school bus. The student was life-flighted to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The student, identified by local media as 12-year-old Brayden Callahan, died Friday.

STN reached out to the Rockland Police Department for more information but had yet to hear back at his writing. Local media reported preliminary information from the police indicated that school bus driver Jeffery Colburn, 65, did not see the student. Articles add that Callahan had just exited the bus and was entering the crosswalk when Colburn pulled into the street.

Video footage reportedly shows that the crossing arm was not deployed at the time, the driver was leaning too far to the right in his seat, and that the bus first ran over Callaha  with the front passenger-side tire, then again with the two rear passenger-side tires.

RSU-13 Superintendent John McDonald said in a letter to parents Sunday the school bus that struck Callahan has been decommissioned and a substitute driver was assigned to pick up students on that particular route.

“We have been working with the [Maine] Department of Education on a plan to have a replacement bus in our fleet up and running soon, and we appreciate their quick response in supporting us in this effort,” McDonald said, adding that counselors were available on the route and at school.

Rockland Police Chief Carroll added in a Facebook post that the investigation will be time-consuming due to the nature of the crash and the number of passengers on board who witnessed the incident.

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Related: WATCH: Maine District Highlights Drivers for Love the Bus Month
Related: 6 Students Killed in Danger Zone, All by School Buses
Related: Louisiana Boy Waiting for School Bus Allegedly Killed by Impaired Grandmother
Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York

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“I also want to address the negativity, blaming and other rumors that inflame the emotions of everyone, doesn’t help with this process,” he wrote. “This is a time to grieve and support the family that has suffered a great loss. This is not the time to distract with other non-related things that have nothing to do with this tragedy itself.

“Let the investigation tell the story. Again, I assure you, we will complete a thorough investigation and provide a true series of events that lead to this horrific event,” he continued. “Recognize that we are all suffering. But in the end, let’s keep Brayden’s family in your prayers.”

This is a developing story. STN will provide an update as more information becomes available.

The post Maine Student Struck by School Bus Dies from Injuries appeared first on School Transportation News.

Gov. Janet Mills wants to make a new department focused on the state’s energy needs and goals.

In her upcoming biennial budget proposal that is expected on Friday, Mills will outline her plan for the current Governor’s Energy Office to be elevated to a cabinet-level department. This would be a budget-neutral initiative that would allow for more comprehensive and consistent management of Maine’s energy system, according to a news release from the governor’s office Wednesday. 

If the budget proposal is approved by the Maine Legislature, the Governor’s Energy Office would transition to the Maine Department of Energy Resources by the end of this year. It would be led by a commissioner, who would be appointed by the governor and subject to legislative confirmation.

In recent years, the Maine Legislature has significantly expanded the responsibilities of the Governor’s Energy Office. For example, the office has secured more than $200 million in federal funding to support grid resilience and innovation, energy efficiency and workforce development. 

“By designating a cabinet seat focused solely on energy issues, Maine will be in a stronger position to deliver more affordable energy, advance our energy goals, and grow the state’s economy,” said Dan Burgess, director of the Governor’s Energy Office. 

The new energy department would be the lead agency on energy resources, policies, planning, data, markets, energy security and program implementation; all of which currently fall to the Governor’s Energy Office. 

Like those in other states, Maine’s new department would have additional authority to conduct competitive energy procurements to meet the state’s power demands and reliability needs. It would also continue to coordinate with the Maine Public Utilities Commission and other state, regional and federal partners. 

State law requires Maine to transition to renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; however, it must be done while ensuring that Mainers will still have access to affordable, reliable and secure energy, said Maine Sen. Mark Lawrence (D-York) and state Rep. Melanie Sachs (D-Freeport), who serve as co-chairs of the Maine Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, in a joint statement.

In 2022, Mills signed into law a state goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The next year, she set a new target of 100% clean electricity by 2040. She also established the Maine Climate Council, which is responsible for maintaining the state’s four-year roadmap to meeting those and other climate goals.

“Regular planning, evaluation, and education delivered by a dedicated agency will ensure the consistency needed to keep Maine on a path toward these goals,” Lawrence and Sachs said in the release. “There’s a reason why this concept has been proposed previously in bipartisan fashion.”

Maine also has a goal of creating three gigawatts of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine — enough to power between 675,000 and 900,000 homes — installed by the end of 2040. While the state was awarded a lease for a research array with up to 12 floating turbines to help inform how floating offshore wind operates and interacts with ecosystems in the water, the future of the renewable energy source hangs in the balance with President-elect Donald Trump having said he would seek to halt all offshore wind projects. 

In 2017, during the LePage administration, state Rep. Kenneth Fredette (R-Newport) introduced legislation to establish an energy seat in the cabinet that would be responsible for energy planning, data analysis and the implementation of an oil dependence reduction plan. The bill was supported by the Legislature’s energy committee at the time, but died upon adjournment.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday it supports Mills’ proposal, noting that energy is one of the most pressing issues for the state’s economy.

“Addressing energy affordability and meeting our state’s climate targets will require careful planning and execution and the Chamber looks forward to working with the Administration on those efforts with a cabinet-level Energy Department leading that effort,” said President and CEO Patrick Woodcock in the release.

Maine governor proposes cabinet-level department focused on energy needs and goals is an article from Energy News Network, a nonprofit news service covering the clean energy transition. If you would like to support us please make a donation.

A Massachusetts university is developing technology that aims to use lasers to drastically cut emissions and energy use from Maine’s paper and pulp industry. 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute recently received a $2.75 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to help ready the industrial drying technology for commercial use.

“We are all excited about this — this is potentially a groundbreaking technology,” said Jamal Yagoobi, founding director of the institute’s Center for Advanced Research in Drying.

In Maine, the paper and pulp business generates about 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, roughly half of the state’s industrial emissions. Much of these emissions come from the process of drying mashed, pressed, and rolled wood pulp to yield paper products. The emissions come mainly from three major operations across the state; three additional facilities contribute smaller amounts.

These plants’ emissions will need to be addressed if Maine is to reach its goal of going carbon neutral by 2045. Furthermore, each of these plants is located in an area with an above-average population of low-income residents, according to data assembled by Industrious Labs, an environmental organization focused on the impact of industry. And two are located in areas with a higher-than-average risk of cancer from air toxins, suggesting a correlation between their operations and the incidence of cancer in the area. 

At the same, the paper and pulp industry remains economically important to Maine, said Matt Cannon, state conservation and energy director for the Maine chapter of the Sierra Club. 

“It’s got real union jobs — the paper industry is still very important to our community,” he said. 

Worcester Polytechnic’s drying research center has been working on ways to dry paper, pulp, and other materials using the concentrated energy found in lasers. The lasers Yagoobi’s team is using are not the lasers of the public imagination, like a red beam zapping at alien enemies. Though the lasers are quite strong — they can melt metal, Yagoobi says — they are dispersed over a larger area, spreading out the energy to evenly and gently dry the target material. 

Testing on food products has shown that the technology can work. Now, researchers need to learn more about how the laser energy affects different materials to make sure the product quality is not compromised during the drying process. 

“For paper, it’s important to make sure the tensile strength is not degrading,” Yagoobi said. “For food products, you want to make sure the color and sensory qualities do not degrade.”

Therefore, before the system is ready for a commercial pilot, the team has to gather a lot more data about how much laser energy is incident on different parts of the surface and how deeply the energy penetrates different materials. Once gathered, this data will be used to determine what system sizes and operating conditions are best for different materials, and to design laser modules for each intended use. 

Once these details are worked out, the laser technology can be installed in new commercial-scale drying equipment or existing systems. “This particular technology will be easy to retrofit,” Yagoobi said. 

Industrial sources were responsible for about 1.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States in 2023, about 28% of the country’s overall emissions, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Heating processes, often powered by natural gas or other fossil fuels, are responsible for about half of those emissions, said Evan Gillespie, one of the co-founders of Industrious Labs. Many industrial drying processes require high temperatures that have traditionally been hard to reach without fossil fuels, giving the sector a reputation as hard to decarbonize, Gillespie said.

“The key challenge here is: How do you remove natural gas as a heating source inside industrial facilities?” said Richard Hart, industry director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “The scale of what is happening in industry is enormous, and the potential for change is very powerful.”

To make the new technology effective, industry leaders and policymakers will need to commit to reinvesting in old facilities, Gillespie noted. And doing so will be well worth it by strengthening an economically important industry, keeping jobs in place, and creating important environmental benefits, he added.

“There’s often this old story of tensions between climate and jobs,” Gillespie said. “But what we’re trying to do is modernize these facilities and stabilize them so they’ll be around for decades to come.”

Paper and pulp mills produce half of Maine’s industrial CO2 emissions. Could lasers help slash their climate impact?    is an article from Energy News Network, a nonprofit news service covering the clean energy transition. If you would like to support us please make a donation.