CONCORD, N.C. — A powerful and emotional session at STN EXPO East highlighted a reality transportation leaders hope to never face: A catastrophic school bus crash, the chaos that follows, and the need to have strong relationships with first responders.

The conference discussion between Tracie Franco, director of transportation for Leander Independent School District in Texas, and STN Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gray centered on real-world lessons from a recent rollover crash and broader strategies for working effectively with first responders. Joshua Hinerman, state director for Tennessee, was scheduled to be on the panel but canceled days earlier after a fatal school bus crash.

“This industry is so predicated on safety training,” Gray said. “But there are so many other forces on the road to contend with.”

Franco recounted Leander ISD’s first day of school crash in August that included 46 students aboard a bus that rolled over twice on a rural road. “When I got there … my heart just dropped,” she said. “You had students on the side of the road … people crying … my driver had blood coming out of his head. It was just chaos.”

Actionable Takeaways for School Districts

 

The First Responder Coordination Session at STN EXPO East March 29 delivered several practical strategies for transportation leaders:

 

1. Build relationships with first responders now.

Tracie Franco, director of transportation for Leander ISD in Texas, admitted her department had limited prior coordination with local agencies when a school bus crash occurred in August. “We had really not had any training with the firemen, with EMS, with police,” she said.

Post-crash, the district strengthened partnerships, including donating a retired school bus for emergency training.

 

2. Train together using realistic simulations.

Hands-on exercises — including smoke-filled buses and timed evacuations — help staff build muscle memory. “You go from panic to action,” Franco explained.

 

3. Establish clear command structure and communication.

Confusion over who is in charge can slow response efforts. “Have a plan … who’s in charge of the scene, who’s in charge of the students,” Franco advised.

 

4. Prepare for student accountability challenges.

Tracking students during transport to hospitals proved difficult. “I didn’t know where the students were going,” Franco said, noting the need for better systems to identify and track students during emergencies.

 

5. Create a “ready bag” for emergencies.

Leander ISD now deploys a kit with essential tools, including student rosters and ID access, power banks, portable printers and communication devices.

 

6. Plan for reunification and parent communication.

Parents will arrive quickly on-scene, often before systems are in place. “How do they know where to meet? Where reunification happens?” Franco asked.

 

7. Address emotional and mental health readiness.

Preparation isn’t just operational — it’s psychological.

“Be prepared emotionally,” Franco said. “You’re going to see chaos … hurt students.”

She added that post-incident support is critical for both students and staff.

 

8. Reinforce seatbelt usage and safety culture.

Only three students on the bus were wearing lap/shoulder seatbelts that are mandated by state law. “They didn’t move,” Franco said of the restrained students during the rollover. The district now enforces a “no seatbelt, no roll” policy and requires parent acknowledgment.

Seven students were transported to hospitals, some via helicopter. Miraculously, there were no fatalities, Franco said, emphasizing that despite years of preparation, the reality of a major crash exposed gaps.

“No matter how much you prepare … we realized we needed to step it up,” she said. “We needed to really train on different areas.”

One of the biggest challenges at the scene was confusion over roles and communication. “You have EMS, fire, police … who’s in charge?” Franco said. “I don’t know who these students are … I don’t know where they’re going.”

Related: NTSB Calls for Seatbelt Polices, Procedures Following Texas School Bus Crash
Related: Texas School District Updates Seatbelt Policy Following School Bus Rollover
Related: Texas Student Transporter Utilizes Technology to Improve Operations

First responders immediately took control, conducting triage and transporting injured students, often without time to coordinate with school officials, she recalled. The experience reinforced a key lesson: Relationships and protocols must be established before an emergency.

She noted the importance of FEMA officials and first responders already being stationed nearby following the deadly Guadalupe River flooding that took place on July 4 in immediately directing resources to the school bus crash.

Franco repeatedly warned against assuming “it won’t happen here.”

“Don’t be complacent,” Gray added, referencing recent fatal crashes nationally.

Meanwhile, Franco closed out the session with a reminder about mindset in crisis situations. “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them,” she said.

The session reinforced that while crashes may be rare, preparedness must be constant and collaborative. From coordinated training with first responders to clear communication plans and emotional readiness, transportation leaders were urged to rethink how they prepare for the unthinkable.

As Franco summarized: “Have a plan … and just train, train, train.”

Article written with assistance of AI.

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The 2026 STN EXPO East conference in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina featured six days of the best in student transportation training, exciting networking experiences and insightful educational sessions. Check out the videos that captured the real-time energy and events of the conference.

Stay tuned for more coverage on this and our other 2026 conferences, STN EXPO West and Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD).

Related: (STN Podcast E300) Fuse Your Ideas: Connection & Innovation at STN EXPO East 2026
Related: Gallery: STN EXPO East Tech Demos and Ride & Drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Related: Culture That Rocks: Turning Everyday Moments into Unforgettable Experiences

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CONCORD, N.C. — Jim Knight started his keynote address at STN EXPO East like a concert, highlighting that culture isn’t something you talk about. It’s something people feel. And attendees felt that energy as they walked into the room and heard the music playing over the speakers.

His message Monday was clear: If you want a culture that rocks, you have to create experiences people won’t forget. A feeling of culture starts with moments.

Knight, the former head of global training and development for Hard Rock International’s hotels, casinos, dining and entertainment, quickly moved past traditional definitions of culture. Instead, he grounded the concept in something far more tangible: human behavior.

“Fantastic, awesome, world-beating cultures—they only exist because of human behaviors,” he said.

To illustrate, he shared a story about witnessing a fast-food employee near Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, interact with a young girl dressed as a princess. Rather than simply take her order, the employee bowed and declared, “All hail the princess,” prompting the entire staff to follow suit.

The moment lasted seconds but its impact, Knight said, is probably something the girl’s family still talks about. “That’s culture,” he said, adding that culture is not heritage, legacy or the past. “Culture is what’s happening right now.”

The ride to and from school may be routine. The interaction is not. “The student experience has to rock,” he continued. “And that starts with the relationship. How the driver made me feel, that’s what matters.”

At its core, he defined culture simply as “a collection of people,” each bringing their own behaviors into the organization. That definition carries weight in an industry facing persistent driver shortages and turnover.

Side Bar: Jim Knights’ 10 Takeaways

 

1. Fantastic cultures only exist because of human behaviors

2. Celebrate heritage (past), but focus on the present (people)

3. Be Like U2 – Everyone signing off the same sheet of music

4. To avoid four-letter words, don’t provide/endorse mediocrity

5. People crave differentiation – deliver personalized experiences

6. In a world of darkness, be a bright light in each student’s day

7. Treat each person special – Like it’s your first day of work

8. Authentic student obsession creates lifelong raving fans

a. Create generational fans (you have the parents & the kids on your bus)

9. The true path to cultural Nirvana’s through 3C rock stars – YOU ARE THE AMPLIFIER
10. Change your mindset from transportation to creating experiences

BONUS: Position the Job to be Tattoo-Worthy

“Every time somebody joins or leaves [an organization], culture changes,” Knight said, adding that the student transportation industry faces a retention challenge. “If you could hold on to the right people, you’d have exactly what you want.”

Knight used a simple exercise. He asked attendees to close their eyes and point in the direction of true north, to demonstrate how easily organizations drift without alignment. “If everybody’s guessing, you get confusion,” he said. “If everybody’s aligned, you get productivity.”

He compared it to a band, using U2 as an example. While Bono and The Edge may draw the spotlight as lead singer and lead guitarist, respectively, the rhythm section of drummer Adam Clayton and bassist Larry Mullins, Jr., keep the band on the same page.

“Everybody has a role to play,” Knight said. “But you’ve got to be singing off the same sheet of music.”

In transportation, that means consistent communication from leaders to the school bus drivers. Everyone needs to be in tune about expectations, priorities and purpose.

“If you don’t share it, people will make it up,” he added.

One of Knight’s most pointed observations centered on what he called “acceptable mediocrity,” and four-letter words that he hates. Words like “fine,” “good” and “okay” may sound harmless, but he argued they signal something deeper.

“They scream mediocrity,” he said, adding that over time, organizations begin to accept these outcomes as success.

Differentiation Happens One Interaction at a Time

Knight emphasized that creating a standout culture doesn’t require sweeping changes. It starts with small, intentional actions.

“Read the person. Seize the moment. Personalize the experience,” he said, recalling his time at Hard Rock, where he made it a point to engage each guest in a unique way—whether through humor, conversation or simple recognition.

“You do that, you create loyalty,” he said. “You create stories.”

The same principle applies to student transportation. “People crave differentiation,” Knight said. “Deliver personalized experiences, and you build comfort, safety and trust.”

He played a video each Chick-Fil-A location shows to all new employees. The video highlights different people eating at the chain fast-fodd restaurant, with captions about what’s each person has going on in their lives. Everyone is dealing or navigating something. Every life has a story if we bother to read it, he said.

As a result, Chick-Fil-A immediately communicates the culture of caring they want from their employees.

“In a world of darkness, be a bright light in each student’s day,” Knight continued.

For many students, the bus ride is more than transportation. It’s a transition point, and sometimes the first interaction students have of the day. It puts drivers in a uniquely influential position.

Related: Security Expert Shares Key Indicators of Violence for School Transportation Safety
Related: Transportation Directors Receive Rock Star Training on Driver Retention
Related: Multi-Modal Transportation Gains Momentum as Districts Seek Flexible, Cost-Effective Solutions
Related: Gallery: STN EXPO East Tech Demos and Ride & Drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Jim Ellis, director of transportation at Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, noted that culture and the driver shortage tie hand and hand. “If you don’t want to be here, then I really don’t want you,” he said, underscoring the importance of cultural fit in a role that involves transporting children. He pointed to the driver shortage as a complicating factor, making it harder to be selective, but stressed that long-term success depends on building a team committed to more than just driving.

“You’ve got to be the one that fits that culture… making sure that you are that first thing they see.”

Britton Overton, director of transportation for Pender County School District in North Carolina, added that staffing challenges also impact morale, which in turn shapes culture. “It definitely affects culture, but also morale—and morale helps to build that culture or tear it down,” he said, noting that supporting drivers and maintaining positivity are critical to sustaining both.

Knight also challenged attendees to reflect on their own mindset. Think back to the first day on the job, he said, a time when employees arrived early, paid attention and took pride in every detail.

“Somewhere along the way, we lose that,” he said, adding that employees start cutting corners by focusing on their own gain the longer they stay in an organization.

Reclaiming that “day one attitude” is essential to sustaining culture over time, he commented.

Tisha Hergert, transportation director for Onsted Community Schools in Michigan, said Knight was very enthusiastic. “Everything that he mentioned to us, it was so easy to break down and will be very easy to implement. When I go back to my district, I feel like I can fire my crew up.”

Ultimately, Knight reinforced that culture is amplified, or diminished, by the people delivering the experience. He outlined what he called the “three C’s” of high-performing teams: Competence, Character and Culture fit.

“The true path to cultural nirvana is through 3C rock stars,” he said, adding that in student transportation, those rock stars are the drivers.

Knight closed with a mindset shift that tied the session together. “Stop thinking about transportation,” he said. “Start thinking about creating experiences.”

Because while routes, schedules and safety protocols are essential, they are only part of the equation. What students and families remember and what defines culture, is the human interaction.

“Don’t just think about this stuff,” Knight said in his final remarks. “Act on it.”

Overton told School Transportation News that Knight’s keynote was “very inspirational.” He noted that culture has become “a big word in discussion nowadays,” adding that Knight offered practical takeaways that he plans to implement back home. “

“[Knight] gave me some good insight and broadened my thinking of how I can make our transportation better in our district,” Overton added, emphasizing that sessions like the Monday keynote are about learning what works and adapting it locally.

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CONCORD, N.C. – Student transporters took part in a Trade Show + Networking Pit Stop Reception on Monday evening, where the thrill of NASCAR met the excitement of connection. They engaged with eighty vendor companies, informative exhibits and dynamic networking opportunities on the Trade Show floor while enjoying Southern comfort food and drinks.

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CONCORD, N.C. – After a day of Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit sessions, Sunday was capped off with a high-energy, racing-inspired Technology Demonstrations and Ride & Drive + Reception held in the NASCAR Cup Series Garage and the Quarter-Mile Oval Track at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Attendees enjoyed a lively networking reception featuring dinner, drinks and entertainment.

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Photos by STN staff. 

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CONCORD, N.C. – Sunday featured themed sessions as part of the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO East. Vendor and supplier companies presented live or hands-on demonstrations of their technology suites, products and service offerings, as well as panel discussions on cleaner school bus options.

Afternoon sessions covered first-responder coordination, school bus attendants, streamlining team communication, and NHTSA’s latest research on illegal passing.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative. 

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CONCORD, N.C. – A Green Bus Summit panel during STN EXPO East discussed real-world examples and implementation tips for propane autogas in a school bus operation.

Blue Bird’s Steven Whaley, alternative fuels manager for the school bus manufacturer, first reviewed the company’s diesel, gasoline, propane and electric school bus options as well as deployment numbers, pricing comparison and clean energy statistics.

Propane, he said during Sunday’s Lunch and Learn session, has a low carbon intensity footprint, is safe enough to use for cooking and is domestically produced. Blue Bird’s propane bus, he specified, was certified to an ultra-low NOx emissions level. He added that propane buses are suited for both rural and urban settings, plus their quiet operation means students arrive at school calmer.

“The [propane] fuel system itself is very simple, integrates seamlessly just like your diesel technology does,” explained Tom Hopkins, a former Detroit-area fleet manager and current business development manager for Blue Bird’s propane school bus powertrain partner ROUSH CleanTech.

He reviewed the technical specifications of the Ford 7.3L engine powering Blue Bird’s Type C Vision bus and the complimentary training offered to operators.

Bibb County School District in Georgia started using propane school buses in 2014. Transportation Director Anthony Jackson said he was initially skeptical. Seventy percent of his 213 buses are now powered by propane, and he reported savings both at the fuel pump and maintenance costs. Propane saves him a combined 50 cents per mile over diesel, he added.

That equals a savings of $1 million dollars per year, Whaley pointed out. “These are numbers that folks just can’t ignore anymore,” he said.

Declared Jackson, “I can’t see myself venturing back to the diesel side of this because of what I’ve been able to see and what we’ve been able to realize with the propane application.”

He said once his drivers were trained on fueling, they readily accepted propane, which performs better during colder weather than diesel. Additionally, he verified that his mechanics are “ecstatic” that the propane buses are cleaner and easier to work with.

“We will do everything as a propane industry that we can … to set up your fueling for you,” confirmed Monte McLeod, account manager for Sharp Energy and representative for session sponsor Southeast Propane Alliance.

Temporary propane fueling options include a delivery driver who individually fuels the buses, or mobile trailer units parked on site. McLeod reviewed permanent fuel infrastructure where setup, permits and training are generally free to the district.

McLeod said personal protective equipment is not needed when drivers fuel propane school buses since it is “a clean, simple operation that anyone can do.” Whaley noted that the EPA does not even regulate propane seepage since it is not carcinogenic and simply evaporates into the air, in contrast to soil contamination that occurs with diesel leaks.

“There’s a number of redundant systems in place to make sure that this is the safest fuel that you can possibly put in your bus,” McLeod stated.

When school buses are on the road, Whaley noted, they can use an alternative fuel station locator via an app provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Jackson shared that his diesel prices doubled due to the Iran war, but his propane price recently fell. “The more you use, the less it is,” McLeod agreed.

“Get behind the wheel and drive it,” Jackson advised in response to an attendee question on staff buy-in before implementation.

Hopkins pointed out that there were several transportation leaders in attendance from school districts currently running propane buses. He suggested districts considering propane should “get their raw unfiltered feedback.”

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CONCORD, N.C. — Keynote speaker and best-selling author Jim Knight led the second day of the Transportation Director Summit at Topgolf Charlotte – Southwest, using the visceral backdrop of Rock ‘n Roll and several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Global Training & Development to discuss key strategies to transform any organization’s culture, regardless of the company’s cultural history or status.

Also offsite at Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools, the National School Bus Inspection Training Program continued with hands-on identification of defects in the engine compartment, throughout the chassis, and inside the driver and passenger compartments, with participants able to compete for time and accuracy.

Transfinder led a special training on improving technician workflow and shop organization while Denise Donaldson taught on child safety restraint system use in school buses versus alternative transportation vehicles and Dave McDonald’s training covered proper mirror adjustment and distracted driving.

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CONCORD, N.C. — As school districts nationwide confront tightening budgets, driver shortages and changing student needs, multi-modal transportation options are emerging as viable strategies to expand service while controlling costs.

During the first day of STN EXPO East Friday, transportation directors and an industry expert discussed how blending traditional yellow bus service with alternative modes — including public transit, walking programs and contracted services — can help districts adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.

The concept is increasingly being implemented in practice. “Multimodal is really about expanding that definition of who ‘we’ are,” said Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group, and the session moderator. “We might not be able to do everything ourselves anymore, so we need to think about how to integrate different providers into the system.”

Ammon, who also spoke earlier Friday on school transportation funding, said the growing interest in multi-modal transportation is closely tied to mounting fiscal pressures facing school districts, as flat federal funding, uncertain state and local revenues and rising operational costs force leaders to rethink how services are delivered. He noted that with costs outpacing available funding, districts must find ways to reduce expenses without significantly cutting service, making alternative transportation models an increasingly practical solution to maintain access for students while improving efficiency.

Related: Funding Uncertainty, Rising Costs Intensify Pressure on School Transportation Operations

Expanding Beyond the Yellow Bus

For decades, the yellow school bus has been the backbone of student transportation. While it remains the safest form of student transportation for its vehicle construction and driver training, transportation directors are now rethinking that model as financial pressures mount and operational complexity increases.

Ammon noted that rising costs and constrained funding are forcing transportation departments to evaluate alternatives that can complement, not replace, traditional service.

“If it costs us $1,000 a kid to transport and we can find somebody who can do it for $800, that’s a 20 percent reduction in cost,” he said. “We’ve got to start thinking about that as an equation if we want to continue serving the maximum number of students.”

Multi-modal systems can include partnerships with transit agencies, use of smaller vehicles for specialized routes, and coordination with private transportation providers. It can include working closely with Safe Routes to School programs that focus on walking and biking. The goal is to match the right mode to the right student’s needs.

Keba Baldwin, director of transportation for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, said the decision to explore alternative modes often begins when demand outpaces available resources.

“The demand for services is greater than my supply,” said Baldwin, the 2026 STN Transportation Director of the Year.

He continued that PGCPS faced a shortage of more than 200 drivers while managing over 1,000 routes.

Baldwin said factors such as increasing McKinney-Vento transportation needs for students experiencing homelessness, specialized programs and longer-distance routes require districts to expand beyond traditional service models.

“When you start thinking about when to discuss the multimodal mix, that’s when,” Baldwin said. “We want to be able to provide options … and not close ourselves in to just one path.”

Bernando Brown, director of transportation for DeKalb County School District in Georgia, echoed similar challenges. He emphasized the importance of acting before systems begin to fail.

“You don’t want to wait till the system breaks,” he said. “You basically act when you see the pressure building.”

Brown noted that his district has struggled to maintain driver staffing levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing leaders to rethink how services are delivered. “We’re constantly hiring, but through attrition … we’re losing as well,” he said.

Communication and Stakeholder Buy-In Critical

Panelists emphasized that implementing multi-modal transportation requires more than operational changes and instead requires clear communication and stakeholder alignment.

Brown said districts must proactively address concerns from parents, staff and community members, particularly around safety and job security.

“Silence creates confusion. Communication builds trust,” he said, stressing the importance of transparency throughout the process.

He added that explaining the “why” behind changes is essential to gaining support.

“Most people may not always agree … but when people know the why, it’s easy for them to understand,” Brown said.

Baldwin noted that engaging stakeholders early, including unions, school boards and parent groups, helps control the narrative and prevent misinformation.

“We wanted to lead the narrative,” he said. “Anything related to our services … we’ve got to get ahead of that.”

As districts integrate multiple transportation modes, Brown and Baldwin said establishing clear systems for oversight and accountability is critical.

Related: ‘Care Less Without Being Careless’ Urges Security Expert to Student Transporters
Related: Gallery: Special Training, Focused Sessions at STN EXPO East

Brown noted that his district assigned a dedicated manager to oversee contracted services, ensuring consistency and clear communication. He also stressed the importance of detailed contracts and defined expectations when working with third-party providers.

“If it’s not written, it will not happen,” Brown said, emphasizing the need for clear safety and performance standards.

Baldwin added that districts must continuously evaluate and refine their approach, particularly when working with diverse providers and student populations.

Integrating Services, Not Replacing Them

Both panelists emphasized that multi-modal transportation is not intended to replace the yellow school bus but to supplement it.

“We don’t try to compete against one,” Baldwin said. “We just figure out what’s going to be the best usage for that student in terms of service delivery.”

Brown agreed, noting that districts must view alternative providers as part of the broader transportation team.

As districts continue to navigate staffing shortages, funding constraints and evolving student needs, transportation leaders said flexibility and strategic planning will be essential. Ultimately, the panelists agreed that multi-modal transportation represents a shift in mindset.

Written with assistance of AI.

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CONCORD, N.C. — Stress may be higher than ever for school transportation professionals, but it does not have to dictate performance or personal well-being. That was the central theme during an STN EXPO East conference opening general session, with a keynote that urged attendees to “care less without being careless” in both their professional and personal lives.

Bret E. Brooks, the chief operating officer and senior consultant with Gray Ram Tactical LLC, has worked in pupil transportation security training since 2007, drawing upon a 23-year career in law enforcement as well as 26 years and counting in the U.S. Army National Guard. His forthcoming book, “How to Care Less About Being Careless,” explores the new pressures many people deal with in addition to already demanding jobs.

Technology, 24/7 connectivity, staffing shortages, safety expectations and family responsibilities all collide, he said Friday at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord.

“We are experiencing more stress today than at any point in the past,” he added. “But it is possible to care the right amount.”

Brooks distinguished sharply between being careless and caring less. The latter, he explained, means not giving sufficient attention to critical tasks such as planning for traffic or driving safely, which can result in missed flights, preventable crashes or lax safety practices. Caring less, by contrast, is a deliberate effort to let go of excessive anxiety and over-attachment to minor outcomes so that leaders can think clearly, remain open-minded and solve problems creatively.

He termed this phenomenon the “law of reverse effect,” in which trying too hard produces negative results. He pointed to student-athletes, like his own daughter, who false-started in her first race the day before because she was too obsessively focused on not false-starting. Similarly, motorists who constantly change lanes in heavy traffic find they only continue to fall behind by over-correcting.

A turning point in his own understanding of stress came during a deployment to the U.S. southern border with the National Guard. Brooks was unexpectedly placed in charge of the Joint Visitors Bureau, responsible for planning every VIP visit along 2,000 miles of border, including trips by vice presidents, generals, governors and members of Congress. He described working 20-hour days, seven days a week for six weeks, losing weight, sleeping little and watching his internal “carometer” ping into the red.

Eventually, his commander pulled him aside and told him to care less, but don’t be careless. Brooks said that simple phrase forced him to reconsider whether a mayor waiting 10 minutes for a vehicle or a general missing a helicopter tour was worth sacrificing his health and effectiveness. That mindset later shaped his training work with school districts and conference audiences nationwide.

Throughout Friday morning’s session, Brooks reminded attendees that many of their current stressors did not exist 25 years ago. Streaming subscriptions, smart devices and constant Internet access now occupy mental space that once did not exist, he noted, yet much of that stress is optional and can be reduced. To make the point concrete, he asked attendees to privately write down their top three stressors and, later, their top three life priorities. He then challenged them to compare the two lists.

When stressors and priorities do not match, he said, leaders may be pouring energy into issues that do not support their long-term goals, either at work or at home.

Brooks encouraged participants to look at their lives from a “30,000-foot view,” like the perspective from an airplane window, and to distinguish between “meat” and “gristle” on their plate, citing the famous “Old 96er” scene in the 1988 John Candy movie “The Great Outdoors,” where the late actor John Candy’s character thinks he has finished a 96-ounce steak at a restaurant only to find out he also needs to finish the gristle.

The meat on our collective plates, Brooks said, represents truly essential tasks and responsibilities. The gristle is made up of duties and expectations that can be delegated, rescheduled or removed entirely.

He shared a story about insisting his son clear his plate during a celebratory family dinner to illustrate how easy it is to lose sight of the bigger picture. The point of the outing, he acknowledged in hindsight, was not caloric intake but celebrating his son’s achievement. But focusing on the uneaten food, he left the restaurant with a sick stomach and an unhappy family.

Citing leadership and time-management thinkers Stephen R. Covey and Simon Sinek, Brooks urged transportation professionals to clarify their “why” for being in pupil transportation, to explicitly name their top priorities, and then to schedule those priorities before filling the calendar with routine tasks. He echoed Covey’s guidance that what people do reveals their real priorities more than what they say, stating, “Action expresses priorities.” A leader may claim that spending time with family or focusing on recruitment and retention is a top priority, he observed, but if those items never appear on the daily agenda, they are not true priorities in practice.

Brooks recommended that attendees adopt the “WIN” framework by asking, “What’s important now?” whenever priorities collide. He acknowledged the tension between professional obligations and family events by recounting his own decision to miss his daughter’s regular season track meet to open STN EXPO East. The conference, he said, takes place on a single day and offers a unique opportunity to share information with peers nationwide, while his daughter will have multiple meets later in the season. In other circumstances, such as a state championship or once-in-a-lifetime family event, the equation would change and tip heavily toward making his home life the priority. The WIN question, he said, helps leaders sequence their commitments without abandoning their deeply held values.

The keynote further explored Covey’s urgent-important matrix. Brooks warned against living in the “urgent and important” quadrant, where every day feels like a wrong-way driver bearing down on a school bus. Constant crisis mode, he said, will inevitably push the carometer into dangerous territory.

Instead, he urged participants to move as much of their work as possible into the “important but not urgent” quadrant. In practical terms for school transportation, that means planning back-to-school, in-service training months ahead, forecasting routing, staffing and fleet needs well before school starts, and addressing long-term safety and recruitment strategies before they become emergencies. By contrast, he described much of what appears on television or in sensational news coverage as either “not important and urgent” or “not important and not urgent,” both of which can waste time and attention.

Brooks also addressed conflict management, encouraging a “win-win” mindset with parents, staff, administrators and outside partners. Using simple examples such as a customer buying a Big Mac at McDonald’s, he demonstrated how both sides can walk away with value when solutions are constructed thoughtfully.

He cautioned against turning disagreements into “mutually assured destruction,” where both parties end up worse off, and noted that adversarial approaches in marital or workplace arguments often land in a lose-lose outcome rather than the win-lose or lose-win people imagine.

Related: Arizona Mom Trades Stressful Job for Career as School Bus Driver
Related: Healthy Reaction to Stress Requires Mindfulness, Expert Tells NASDPTS Webinar
Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress

Regarding work-life balance, Brooks rejected the idea that people should strive for equal hours on each side of a scale. Instead, he said, the real challenge for school transportation professionals is to weigh events appropriately. A routine workday is roughly equivalent to a routine family day. A major training event or the first day of school, with new routes and new drivers, may outweigh a standard evening at home. On the other hand, a child’s state championship, a wedding, a birth or a funeral should outweigh almost any ordinary work commitment. The goal, he said, is not a perfectly level scale but to ensure it tips in the right direction at the right time and for the right reasons.

Brooks closed by underscoring Covey’s seventh habit of “sharpening the saw.” He shared a story from his family’s farm in Missouri, where he spent a full day cutting trees in an overgrown field without taking breaks. His brother, who arrived later, paused often to hydrate and sharpen his chainsaw, and ultimately felled more trees.

The incident, Brooks said, taught him that grinding nonstop without rest or renewal eventually leads to diminished returns. For transportation leaders, sharpening the saw means attending conferences like STN EXPO East, taking real vacations without working through them, scheduling regular getaways with a spouse or family, and respecting both their own downtime and that of their staff. Calling employees during vacation for non-critical issues, he added, undermines their ability to reset and return ready to perform.

“Life is not an eating contest where you have to finish everything on your plate,” Brooks told the audience. “You can push some things off. You can care less about the right things and still never be careless where it counts, especially when it comes to student safety.”

Article written with the assistance of AI.

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CONCORD, N.C. — School transportation leaders across the country are bracing for continued financial strain as flat federal funding, shifting state policies and rising operational costs converge to create what an industry expert described as a “fiscal cliff.”

During the first day of the STN EXPO East conference, Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group and a longtime industry insider, warned that school districts are entering a period where funding uncertainty and reductions are colliding with increasing expenses, which will impact transportation departments.

“Flatline funding associated with increasing cost is, in effect, a cut,” Ammon said, noting that federal education appropriations remaining steady year-over-year fail to keep pace with inflation and rising service demands.

While federal funding accounts for roughly 10 percent to 15 percent of school district budgets, the remainder comes from state and local sources — both of which are facing growing funding uncertainty. Meanwhile, transportation makes up around 10 percent or less of the overall district budget. Declining income tax revenues at the state level and widespread property tax reform efforts are expected to reduce or constrain funding streams that districts rely on.

COVIDE-era Funding Runs Out

At the same time, pandemic-era relief like federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are expiring, removing a critical financial cushion many districts used for staffing and operations. Ammon emphasized that the combined effect is forcing school systems to reconsider how they deliver services.

“What we will be thinking about … is how do we have to manage services to reflect a set of cost increases that are outstripping the available funding that we’re getting?” he asked.

Transportation departments often operating on tight margins are particularly vulnerable. Rising fuel costs are also adding new volatility, with some districts already reporting budget concerns tied to the War on Iran’s impact on oil prices.

Compounding the issue are demographic trends. Declining student enrollment in many regions is reducing funding tied to the number of students while not necessarily lowering transportation costs. In fact, data Ammon presented showed that in districts with declining enrollment, 83 percent still experienced rising transportation expenses.

“Your job doesn’t get easier because there are fewer kids. It gets harder,” Ammon said, pointing to longer routes, dispersed populations and unchanged service requirements.

Policy changes are also reshaping the funding landscape. The expansion of school choice programs and private school vouchers means funding increasingly follows students out of traditional public school systems. This reduces district revenue while leaving many transportation obligations intact.

Additionally, mandated services such as special education transportation and McKinney-Vento services for homeless students continue to grow, further straining limited budgets.

Ammon described the current environment as a convergence of multiple pressures: Funding reductions, policy shifts and operational changes. Together, these factors are making long-term planning more difficult and increasing the likelihood of significant service adjustments.

Districts may soon face tough decisions, including reducing routes, consolidating stops, adjusting bell times or even eliminating buses. In more severe cases, school closures and major system redesigns could follow.

Related: Action Plan Puts National Spotlight on Hidden Toll of Illegal Passing
Related: Bus Stop Fight Claims Life of 12-year-old Georgia Girl
Related: Industry Veteran to Address Student Transportation Funding Uncertainty at STN EXPO East

“I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it’s coming,” Ammon said. “Somebody [will be] coming down the hall and saying … ‘I need you to cut 10 buses next year because we’re going to get less funding.’”

Explore Alternative Funding

To prepare, transportation leaders are encouraged to better understand their funding sources, track enrollment trends and collaborate more closely with district planners. He also suggested exploring alternative service models and reevaluating traditional routing strategies to improve efficiency.

Ultimately, the message is clear: School transportation is entering a period of structural change. Those who proactively adapt to evolving financial realities may be better positioned to maintain service levels, while others risk being forced into reactive, and potentially disruptive, decisions.

As Ammon noted, the challenges are not isolated to specific regions or district sizes but represent a broader, systemic issue facing public education nationwide.

Article written with the assistance of AI.

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Friday at STN EXPO East began with the National School Bus Inspection Training Program, an intensive, full‑day course designed to train technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance.

Security expert Bret Brooks presented two sessions, one on realignment and refocusing of priorities for managing stress and work-life balance, and the other on recognizing early signs of violent behavior. Other session topics Friday included navigating funding cuts and budget issues, and multi-modal transportation.

Transportation directors gathered in the late afternoon for a leadership discussion to kick off the two-day Transportation Director Summit (TD Summit). Led by Tony Corpin, STN president and publisher, the transportation director participants gathered with vendor partners to discuss current challenges and share solutions.

The TD Summit continues Saturday. The event requires prior selection based on completion of a survey and a review of job qualifications and experience.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative and STN staff. 

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Registration is now open for the STN EXPO West conference, an innovative six-day training and networking event by School Transportation News taking place this summer in Reno, Nevada.

STN EXPO West brings together student transportation leaders to have conversations that are making the difference in the pupil transportation industry. The conference and trade show is scheduled to begin July 9 at the Peppermill Resort with a four-hour seminar providing modules on school bus and transportation security response from law enforcement officials. It concludes July 15 with a special half-day seminar taught by renowned industry trainers Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter, both National Association for Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame members.

STN EXPO West Overview

Other exciting experiences return this year, including the Transportation Director Summit, an exclusive leadership event that begins July 9 at the Peppermill and continues July 10 at the picturesque Chateau at Incline Village at Lake Tahoe. The Ride and Drive event in conjunction with the Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit are on July 12. The STN EXPO Trade Show “Wonderland of Ideas” opens the evening of July 13 to expose attendees to the technological and green solutions needed to optimize their operations. The Trade Show continues the morning of July 14.

First, keynote speaker Bruce Turkel will deliver an impactful presentation July 13 on how to cut through the constant information overload and how to market your communication to stand out in the crowd.

Michelle Atwell, chief of safety countermeasures for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also joins the STN EXPO West agenda to highlight federal actions taking place to combat illegal passing of stopped school buses.

Other special training opportunities include the National School Bus Inspection Training Program, “So You Want to Be a Transportation Supervisor?” and hands-on wheelchair securement classes. Educational sessions will break down the pressing issues that face the student transportation industry and provide practical solutions and strategies, including the use of AI, lap/shoulder seatbelt research, budgeting and employee culture.

Save $200 on main conference registration with the Super Early Bird special pricing, only available through April 10, 2026. Learn more about unique experiences and stay tuned for more agenda updates at stnexpo.com/west.

Related: WATCH: STN EXPO West 2025
Related: Roundup: Informative Green Bus Summit Held at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO Keynote Reveals the Impact of Simple, Intentional Moments

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School bus video cameras have become an important part of the school bus safety infrastructure. But as a part of proper usage, it’s crucial for student transportation leadership to understand the policies and procedures needed to ensure timely review of the footage.

A March 30 panel discussion, “Proper & Timely Review of Video Recorded Incidents,” at STN EXPO East in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina will feature three student transportation professionals. Launi Harden, a consultant and former transportation director at Washington County School District in Utah, will moderate the session with Bernando Brown, director student transportation at DeKalb County School District in Georgia, and Teena Mitchell, special needs coordinator at Greenville County Schools in South Carolina and past National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) president.

During the session, Harden, Brown and Mitchell will look at the logistics of managing video footage for school bus fleets and detail the need for processes and policies to know what’s on the footage and respond to it. The panelists will discuss their own experience with school bus video cameras including best practices and the impact of the hardware and software on driver and student safety. They will also review the variety of considerations involved in creating school bus video camera review policies, from legal requirements to open records requests, impacts on IEPs to technology considerations.

Other topics to be discussed include reviewing footage to flag concerning behavior, the importance of consistent review for early detection of violent or sexual assaults, and communication with parents of video-related policies. Attendees will hear conversation on the proper storage of footage, archiving it for the right amount of time, how to create a documented process for allowing district employees to view the videos, and how these policies are in the best interest of district and transportation employees.

Attendees will leave the session with practical strategies to improve communication and collaboration across their district, with their larger community of students and families, law enforcement and contractors regarding this important facet of school bus safety.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. Registration will give access to this and dozens of other educational sessions, hands-on trainings and networking events including the Ride and Drive/Technology Demo, Trade Show and Thomas Built Buses tour, all held over the six-day conference. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Security Expert to Share Indicators Violent Behavior at STN EXPO East
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Features Exclusive North Carolina Thomas Built Buses Tour

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Training school district employees to recognize early signs of violent behavior is crucial to safe student transportation, especially when school bus drivers are the first school employees to interact with the children each day. And they are often the first to encounter perpetrated acts of violence.

Bret Brooks will discuss this challenging topic at the STN EXPO East conference in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina on March 27. Brooks will equip attendees with a practical framework, built not just from his experience as a student transportation safety and security consultant but also his background as a U.S. Army major and retired member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

This general session will discuss behavioral indicators, environmental cues and communication patterns that could signal potential violent behavior from a student. Using case-analysis, real-world scenarios and behavioral research, Brooks will explain how acts of violence can often be identified on school buses before they happen by recognizing verbal and non-verbal indicators.

Understanding Violent Behavior

The session will highlight the importance of discerning behavior patterns from isolated behaviors, such as changes in speech, mood, posture, speech and eye contact, and identify what are escalating behaviors that require review. Brooks also plans to discuss different types of violence onboard the school bus and how exposure to violence is impacting student behavior.

Attendees will not only learn to recognize the signs and increase their situational awareness but take the appropriate steps to address the risk and respond appropriately. This session is beneficial for school bus transportation professionals and school administrators looking to equip their staff to increase situational awareness, be trained in de-escalation, prevention and make informed decisions that enhance safety in educational environments.

Early Bird savings ends Feb. 13. Register for the conference by the deadline to save $100 on main conference registration. Registration will give access to this and dozens of other educational sessions, hands-on trainings and networking events including the Ride and Drive/Technology Demo, Trade Show and Thomas Built Buses tour, all held over the six-day conference. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

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The STN EXPO East conference will close for attendees with an exciting behind-the-scenes Thomas Built Buses factory tour at the Saf-T-Liner Plant in High Point, North Carolina.

The Thomas factory tour is scheduled for March 31 with attendance limited to the first 100 signups.

Attendees will be transported to and from the plant by bus in two groups of 50 from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. They will then be escorted through the plant in groups of 10 by Thomas Built Buses regional sales managers, who will explain the inner workings of the plant and manufacturing processes. Tour attendees will see in real-time the production of Thomas Type C and Type D buses as well as automation on the assembly line, welding, painting and body mounting processes.

Attendees will also see the latest in OEM offerings from the company. Last year, Thomas announced that all Type D school bus production, including the Saf-T-Liner HDX2, as well as the new Saf-T-Liner EFX2 Type D bus had been fully transitioned to the North Carolina Saf-T-Liner plant. Thomas also unveiled its second-generation Type C Jouley electric bus and its new Type D Wattson electric bus.

All tour attendees will enjoy lunch at the plant, industry updates and networking with Thomas Built Buses representatives as well as receive a special gift bag to take home with them.

Space is limited so reserve your spot today. Early Bird savings end Feb. 14. Save $100 on main conference registration before the deadline. Main conference registration will also provide access to dozens of educational sessions, the interactive Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit experiences, networking events including the Charlotte Motor Speedway Reception, and the STN EXPO Trade Show. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Ride and Drive, Technology Demo Return to Charlotte Motor Speedway in March
Related: Transportation Director Summit Provides Exclusive Leadership, Networking
Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East

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The Transportation Director Summit hosts student transportation leaders from across the country for a two-day event at STN EXPO East, focused on collaborative problem-solving and targeted training.

The Transportation Director Summit begins Friday, March 27 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina with a “Transportation Director Leadership Discussion” hosted by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. The event includes a networking mixer with appetizers and beverages provided. Discussion prompts will be based on the top challenges and changes facing the student transportation industry, as reported by participants via a survey.

On Saturday, the Transportation Director Summit participants head to Topgolf for an exclusive presentation from STN EXPO East keynote speaker Jim Knight. He will explain how to create “Leadership That Rocks” and build strong organizational culture. The day’s schedule will include multiple focused roundtable discussions as attendants are matched with different vendors to discuss the most pressing needs of their operations.

Participants will be provided with food, drinks and open golf bays as they network with other transportation directors and vendors.

Applicants must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent and be able to attend both days of the Summit. Email kristine@stnmedia.com for more information about qualifying for the Transportation Director Summit.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 off full conference registration. Browse conference agenda and explore other unique experiences at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: WATCH: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture
Related: Industry Veteran to Address Student Transportation Funding Uncertainty at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress

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The annual school bus inspection training that goes above and beyond state and federal Department of Transportation requirements brings back OEM training and looks to add post-crash inspection criteria in addition to hands-on detection of defects.

Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey for the South Carolina Department of Education, the in-depth training at STN EXPO East starts with classroom instruction on Friday, March 27. The eight-hour training will also include a written exam on the National School Bus Training manual.

On Saturday, participants attend a morning maintenance software session sponsored by Transfinder. They will then be transported to a local school district in Charlotte, North Carolina for the hands-on training which includes an overview of high-voltage school bus electrification followed by instruction on finding real defects on real school buses. Class attendees will learn how to avoid costly repairs with early detection, which also leads to less vehicle downtime and a more efficient school bus maintenance schedule in the garage.

This year, inspection training participants will also participate in a competition. They will be split into three groups to identify defects hidden on three school buses. The fastest group with the most identified defects wins prizes provided by the South Carolina Department of Education. 

Afterward, representatives of Blue Bird, IC Bus, RIDE and Thomas Built Buses will provide one-hour overview training on aspects of inspecting various components on their school buses. Topics include inspection of a propane-autogas system, inspection of a wheelchair lift, an introduction to CEEA+architecture covering system layout, XMC inputs and outputs, CAN communication, power and ground distribution and more. 

Meanwhile, the inspection training is designed based on best practices from the South Carolina Department of Education, which operates the only state-owned and operated fleet in the country. The department’s maintenance team, which serves as the hands-on inspection and classroom instructors at STN EXPO East, was recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 Garage Stars last August by School Transportation News. Participants of the training will be learning directly from some of these recognized student transportation professionals.

School bus inspection training class size is limited to 50 participants to ensure the instructors will be able to provide a thorough training experience for everyone registered. Separate registration and fee are required to attend.

Save $100 on conference registration by registering before Feb. 14. Find the full conference agenda, list of unique trainings and experiences, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: Industry Veteran to Address Student Transportation Funding Uncertainty at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Agenda Addresses Industry Challenges, Outlines Innovative Solutions
Related: WATCH: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

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STN EXPO East speakers will not only speak to present day challenges, but how today’s changes could affect student transportation, most notably a potential redirection of educational funding.

The Fall 2025 Fiscal Survey of the States conducted by the National Association of State Budget Officers found that expected fund spending in 23 states will either drop or stay flat in fiscal year 2026. Tim Ammon, owner of Ammon Consulting Group with 25 years experience in the student transportation industry, will present “Navigating the Funding Cliff” session on Friday, March 30 during the STN EXPO East conference. He plans to address the reassessment, realignment and expiration of funding options by the federal and state government and how they will directly impact the funds used for transportation.

Another hot topic in the industry is enrollment changes, which Ammon will discuss regarding how they specifically affect transportation due to funding models, zoning changes, and school site closures. Being aware of these trends as well as economic shifts can aid transportation as Ammon will explain how any necessary budget redesigns and cuts may look different based on district needs and unique situations.

In an era of constant change and oftentimes a feeling of “doom and gloom,” Ammon plans to provide a candid view of potential impacts, how they could affect various states, and what districts might need to do to trim budgets or allocate funds differently. Industry professionals won’t want to miss this informative session to prepare their budgets for the 2026-2027 school year.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 on conference registration. The STN EXPO East conference will be held March 26-31 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in North Carolina. Find the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress
Related: STN EXPO East Agenda Addresses Industry Challenges, Outlines Innovative Solutions
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

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STN EXPO East attendees will experience “A Day at the Track” as the Charlotte Motor Speedway is transformed into an immersive student transportation event.
The Ride and Drive and Product Demo is scheduled for Sunday, March 29 during the STN EXPO East conference and trade show held at the nearby Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina. The Ride and Drive and demo networking events are featured as part of the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit.

Bus Technology Summit will begin with product labs presented by individual vendors that are creating cutting-edge technology options to address student transportation industry needs. The Green Bus Summit starts the same day and features panel discussions with industry manufacturers and clean energy organizations as they provide an overview of green fuel and energy options available. Both Summits continue Monday, March 30.

At the Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday evening, attendees will take part in a racing inspired event held in the NASCAR Cup Series Garage. The reception will feature dinner, drinks and entertainment. Attendees can then visit the sponsor stations to demo different products and ride different school bus models around the quarter-mile oval track. This iconic venue provides an unforgettable experience centered around connection, collaboration and innovation.

Ride and Drive and Technology Demo title sponsor Zonar will showcase its product line is joined by platinum sponsors Blue Bird, First Light Safety Products, IC Bus, Micro Bird, RIDE, Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA), and Transfinder. A full list of sponsors is available online.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 on conference registration. Find the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture
Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

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