Communities in Schools of Western Nevada launched its 10th annual “Fill the Bus” school supply drive, calling on community members to help provide essential classroom materials and hygiene products for students ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, reported Nevada Business News.

According to the news report, the monthlong campaign is collecting donations through July 31 to benefit more than 13,000 students attending 24 high-needs schools in the Washoe County School District. Organizers said the drive helps ensure students have the supplies they need to begin the school year prepared to learn.

Community members can reportedly support the initiative by donating new school supplies or basic-needs items at designated collection sites, making monetary contributions, or sponsoring the campaign. Information on donation locations, needed supplies and sponsorship opportunities is available through the organization’s Fill the Bus event page.

Communities in Schools of Western Nevada is a nonprofit that provides wraparound student support services in Title I and other high-needs schools throughout the district.

The supplies collected during the campaign reportedly supplement year-round efforts to address barriers that can affect students’ academic success. In addition to school supplies, Communities in Schools help connect students and families with resources including food, clothing, transportation assistance, health care, dental services, counseling and housing support.

According to the article, the nonprofit currently serves more than 13,000 students by placing full-time site coordinators in participating schools. These coordinators work directly with students and families through case management, resource referrals and connections to community services, operating from dedicated resource rooms on school campuses.

Communities In Schools of Western Nevada partners with more than 120 nonprofits, agencies and community organizations across the state to provide integrated student support services. The organization said its evidence-based model is designed to remove nonacademic obstacles that can interfere with attendance, engagement, and academic achievement.

The nonprofit’s long-term goal is to expand access to its services, so every student enrolled in a Title I or high-needs school has access to a Communities in Schools site coordinator and its integrated student support model.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A Maryland man has been convicted of criminally negligent manslaughter in a 2024 distracted driving crash that forced a teenager’s vehicle into the path of a school bus, killing one and injuring another, reported CBS News.

John Anthony Gaeta, 40, was found guilty following a trial in Harford County Circuit Court. Prosecutors said via the article that evidence showed Gaeta was distracted and failed to take any action to avoid the Sept. 18, 2024, collision that led to the death of 16-year-old Blake Elliot.

According to the news report, 17-year-old Zachary Griffin had stopped on northbound Route 543 to make a left turn onto Crescent Knoll Drive, when Gaeta’s vehicle struck the rear of Griffin’s car. The impact forced Griffin’s vehicle into the southbound lanes, where it was struck by an oncoming school bus.

Griffin reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he spent 11 days recovering. Elliot, who was riding in the passenger seat, was transported by ambulance to University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health but died shortly after arriving.

Investigators with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team determined that Gaeta never applied his brakes before the collision. A forensic examination of his vehicle’s airbag control module reportedly showed that during the five seconds before impact, he neither braked nor attempted to steer away.

Prosecutors said via the report that the data indicated Gaeta traveled approximately 371 feet while slowing only from 53 mph to 47 mph. Investigators also found his cellphone was unlocked and illuminated at the time of the crash. According to evidence presented at trial, Gaeta had been using several mobile applications, including Her A.I., Instagram and Chess.com, during his drive until about 38 seconds before the collision.

“Distracted driving, especially with the continuing evolution of technology in our society, is incredibly dangerous,” Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey said via the news report. “When the evidence of an investigation of a collision demonstrates the significant amount of negligence and distraction in which this Defendant engaged and a life is taken, those offenders will be held accountable in Harford County because that is a choice to put our community at risk, and it will not be tolerated.”

Healey also called for tougher penalties in distracted driving cases resulting in death, saying current Maryland law does not provide sufficient sanctions or adequately distinguish felony and misdemeanor offenses.

Gaeta faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 17.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Young children climbed on board a school bus to learn safety and proper riding habits during Madison Safety Town, a longstanding community program that teaches accident prevention and emergency awareness, reported The News Herald.

School bus safety was the featured lesson June 16 as part of the annual program, which was held June 15-18 and June 22-26 at South Elementary School. According to the news report, about 45 children ages 3 to 6 attended daily two-hour sessions focused on topics including school bus loading and unloading safety, bicycles, pedestrians, playgrounds, water and home safety.

The school bus lesson gave participants hands-on instruction from driver Jim Hooper of contractor Community Bus Services, which provides transportation services for Madison Local Schools. While the bus remained parked, Hooper reviewed essential safety practices before children practiced exiting the bus and safely crossing in front of it.

According to the article, Hooper emphasized the importance of using handrails in the stepwell while boarding and exiting to prevent falls, remaining seated with backs against the seat while the bus is moving, and never throwing objects from bus windows. He also explained why students should remain quiet when a school bus approaches railroad crossings, allowing drivers to hear potential hazards.

After the school bus safety presentation, children practiced crossing the street in front of the bus using proper loading and unloading procedures. Hooper demonstrated the hand signals drivers use to indicate to children it is safe to cross, after checking mirrors for vehicles that may illegally pass the stopped bus. Children were instructed to stop, look left beyond the front of the bus then right before continuing across the roadway.

Children also had the opportunity to get a closer look at emergency vehicles, including police cruisers and fire trucks.

“The kids seem excited,” Carrie Svigel, co-director of Madison Safety Town, told local news reporters.

Volunteer instructors, including many Madison High School students, accompanied children throughout the activities. Svigel said several returning volunteers came back this year, while others adjusted their schedules to participate.

Madison Safety Town is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Established in 1986 by the Madison Branch of the American Association of University Women, the program continues to be sponsored by the organization’s Northeast Ohio Branch, which Svigel now leads as president.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Two former Parkland School District school bus drivers are facing felony charges after authorities learned of a break-in at a school district bus garage and the illegal accessing of confidential computer records, including student records consisting of photograph rosters, reported WFMZ News.

According to the news report, Shawn Levy, 32, and Tyler Young, 27, are each charged with felony counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit criminal trespass and conspiracy to commit unlawful duplication of computer data.

The two men, who previously worked as school bus drivers for the district, allegedly entered the Orefield Middle School bus garage on the night of June 6 without authorization. School surveillance video reportedly showed Levy and Young arriving together in a Tesla registered to Young around 10 p.m.

Authorities said the pair entered the secure transportation facility, where neither had authorized access and remained inside for nearly two hours before leaving. The investigation began after Parkland School District Director of Safety Dr. Anthony Naradko notified South Whitehall Township Police June 8 about the break-in.

Officials reportedly said the transportation garage supervisor, who was away from work that evening, received alerts indicating new login attempts using his cellphone and computer credentials.

Access of Student Photograph Rosters During Break-in

A subsequent review found multiple disciplinary files had been accessed during the break-in. Investigators also discovered a printed student roster containing photographs of students assigned to Levy’s former bus route. According to the report, the roster had been printed April 25 and could only be accessed through the district’s secure software system by authorized administrative personnel.

Authorities further alleged that an off-site IP address associated with Levy and Young was used at least 55 times between March 25 and June 5 to gain unauthorized access to another district employee’s account. Young was reportedly arraigned Thursday and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 16. Levy surrendered Friday and remained in custody pending arraignment.

Parkland School District said via the article that it immediately launched an internal investigation and cooperated with law enforcement. The district said a forensic audit confirmed unauthorized activity involving specific network credentials and that it is reviewing system permissions, strengthening cybersecurity measures and enhancing system monitoring while the criminal investigation continues.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Pittsburgh Public Schools reported an 8-percent, year-over-year decline in drivers illegally passing stopped school buses, according to the district’s 2025-2026 school bus safety report card released this week, reported ABC 4

According to the article, the report attributes the improvement to an ongoing partnership with BusPatrol, which began in 2023 and equipped the district’s fleet with AI-powered stop-arm enforcement technology designed to identify motorists who illegally pass school buses while students are boarding or exiting.

School officials reportedly said the program is intended to improve student safety by changing driver behavior rather than simply issuing citations. “The purpose of the bus patrol program is not to issue citations; the purpose is to change behavior,” said Michael McNamara, chief operations officer for Pittsburgh Public Schools via the article. “Every violation captured represents a moment where a child could be at risk.”

Between August 2025 and June, the district’s 243 school buses reportedly recorded 10,328 stop-arm violations, averaging 0.39 violations per bus each day. Officials said repeat offenders accounted for just 5.9 percent of the violations.

Officer Toi Kenny of the Pittsburgh Public Schools Police Department said motorists who ignore stopped school buses put children in immediate danger. “When a driver passes a stopped school bus, they are putting children at risk in matters of seconds,” Kenny told local news reporters. “Students may be crossing the street, stepping off the bus, or moving into a driver’s blind spot, and it only takes one poor decision for a life-changing tragedy.”

The report also identified patterns in the violations. Forty-two percent of illegal passings reportedly occurred on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while 43 percent took place during morning bus routes and 57 percent during afternoon routes.

Rick Birt, vice president of government operations and safety at BusPatrol, said via the article that education and enforcement remain key to reducing violations. “They make the selfish choice to put our kids at risk, and our children deserve better,” Birt said. “At BusPatrol, we have one mission, to empower communities through a combination of education and enforcement.”

Pennsylvania drivers cited through the school bus safety camera program face a minimum $300 fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus.

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A retired school bus is serving up more than burgers and baked potatoes for Cleveland high school students. It has become a food truck classroom, where students gain hands-on culinary and customer service experience while earning a paycheck.

The Executive Grille on the Go, operated by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), is the city’s only student-run food truck. Staffed by students enrolled in the district’s culinary arts program, the retrofitted school bus allows aspiring chefs to apply classroom lessons in a real-world business setting before entering the workforce.

Chef Michael Szalkowski, a culinary arts instructor with CMSD, said the program has gradually built a following throughout the community, though many residents are still surprised to learn it exists.

“We get so many people from around the community that now know about us, but still say you must be the best kept secret in Cleveland because we didn’t know your program existed,” Szalkowski said via local news.

Szalkowski said the food truck is designed to teach more than cooking techniques. “No matter what you decide to do in life, you gotta know how to interact with people, find your voice and know how to treat them,” he told reporters. “The kids will come to us because they love to bake or cook, and then they get thrown into the front of the house and they have to take a table order, which gets them over a lot of their anxiety and nervousness.”

Students are responsible for nearly every aspect of the operation. They greet customers, take orders, prepare meals and package desserts, giving them experience in both the kitchen and the front of the house.

Students Not Only Learn to Cook But How to Run a Business

The menu features American favorites, including smash burgers, chicken wings and loaded baked potatoes. Customers can also purchase sorbet and an assortment of cookies baked and packaged by students.

The experience mirrors the fast-paced environment students may encounter in restaurants or other customer-facing careers, helping them build confidence, communication skills and professionalism while working alongside instructors.

Students are compensated through Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a Cleveland-based nonprofit workforce development organization that provides paid employment experiences for young people. The partnership allows participants to earn wages while developing practical job skills that can be applied beyond the culinary industry.

District officials say the program demonstrates how career and technical education can extend beyond the classroom by immersing students in authentic workplace experiences. The converted school bus also serves as a visible reminder of how retired transportation equipment can be repurposed to support student learning in innovative ways.

Despite the Executive Grille on the Go going on summer break, additional information, including the truck’s schedule and locations, is available through the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s culinary arts program.

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A group of Watertown elementary school students and their families spent the spring commuting to school via bicycle, creating what organizers called a “Bike Bus” that promoted active transportation, community engagement and safer travel for young riders, reported Watertown News.

The Bike Bus began May 1, after Hosmer Elementary School student Rory Beatty expressed interest in riding his bicycle to school. The idea grew into a weekly event, with students and parents meeting every Friday, weather permitting, before concluding June 18.

According to the news report, the Bike Bus route started at Casey Park on the city’s Southside and stretched nearly 1.5 miles to Hosmer Elementary, making several stops to pick up additional riders before passing through Watertown Square and arriving at the school.

Parent Maureen Schrader said the organized group ride helped address safety concerns for younger cyclists traveling independently. “Getting to the Hosmer from the southside of Watertown (across the river) isn’t ideal for an elementary school student to do on their own given the traffic that is encountered,” she told local news reporters.

Bike Bus a Community-wide Event

The final ride of the school year featured a special escort from the Watertown Police Department. Motorcycle officers accompanied the cyclists along the route, adding what organizers described as an extra level of excitement while reinforcing the community’s support for the initiative.

“June 18 marked the final Bike Bus of the school year, and the celebration included a special surprise: Watertown Police motorcycle officers joined the ride and escorted the group along the route,” said Kati Kotrc via the article. “The officers’ participation added an extra level of excitement for the kids and highlighted the community support behind the program.”

Kotrc said the Bike Bus encouraged active transportation while creating opportunities for families to connect while making the trip to school safer and more enjoyable for students. She also thanked organizer Jennifer Beatty for helping transform a student’s idea into a community tradition that brought families together throughout the spring.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Indiana authorities arrested a school bus driver after he allegedly he drove dozens of students while under the influence of alcohol, disregarded traffic laws and admitted to heavy drinking hours before his route, reported Fox 59.

According to the news report, 52-year-old Micah McClain was arrested on June 12 following an investigation into allegations that he operated a school bus for Mill Creek Community School Corporation on April 15 after consuming alcohol.

The investigation reportedly began after the school district conducted a routine quarterly drug and alcohol screening for bus drivers. According to court documents, McClain registered preliminary breath test results of 0.111 percent and 0.114 percent blood alcohol content, nearly three times higher than the allowable limit for commercial driver’s license holders.

Police said McClain, who worked primarily as a maintenance employee but also served as a substitute bus driver, transported 15 high school students on one route and 29 elementary school students on another.

Following the positive result, McClain reportedly told investigators he had “drank hard and heavy until 1 a.m.” before reporting to work.

Detectives reviewed school bus video that allegedly showed McClain running multiple stop signs, driving left of center, exceeding the speed limit and failing to use turn signals. At one point, after a student reportedly shouted, “This is the wrong way!” McClain responded, “Yeah, I know.” Later, as students questioned where the bus was going, he replied, “I am doing the best I can.”

The district said via the article that McClain was immediately removed from driving duties and later terminated. Families of students assigned to the route were notified the same day, and the district said it followed all required testing protocols.

Court documents reportedly indicate school transportation officials previously suspected McClain had reported to work under the influence. An employee allegedly noticed the odor of alcohol in October 2024, and officials said McClain had been barred from driving until the 2025-26 school year after agreeing to random breath tests.

McClain faces preliminary charges including neglect of a dependent, operating while intoxicated endangering a person younger than 18, criminal recklessness, speeding in a school zone, and other multiple traffic infractions.

STN EXPO West conference in Reno, Nevada offers a two-hour certificated seminar on reasonable suspicion testing of school bus drivers for drug and alcohol use on July 10.

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Polk County Public Schools is working to fill about 70 bus driver positions before students return to class this fall, as the district continues to face a nationwide shortage of qualified drivers, reported Spectrum News.

Transportation Operations Director George Millar said recruiting additional drivers is a top priority ahead of the upcoming school year.

Millar, who has worked in public school transportation for more than 30 years, began his career as a school bus driver before moving into a leadership role. He said driving a school bus offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on students throughout their academic careers. “It’s very rewarding and you could be a very large success,” Millar told local news reporters.

He said drivers often build relationships with students over many years, from their first days of school through graduation. “All the way from when they’re 5-years-old or even younger sometimes, all the way through seeing them walk across that stage at graduation. It is so rewarding,” he said.

Millar said some prospective applicants may be discouraged by the commercial driver’s license, or CDL, testing process. However, he said via the report that the district provides training materials and support to help candidates prepare for and pass the required written exam.

“For the individuals applying with us, we’ll help them get through that process,” Millar told reporters. “We will give them the training materials to help them study for that test and to be successful.” After completing the exam, new hires continue receiving hands-on training before driving routes independently, he said.

Increasing Pay to Fill Bus Driver Positions

To attract more applicants to fill the 70 bus driver positions, the district recently increased base pay for bus drivers by 2 percent, bringing hourly wages to just over $19. Drivers are also eligible to work seven-hour shifts with opportunities for additional earnings.

Millar said some drivers may have the option to park their buses at home, depending on where they live, reducing commute times and adding convenience. “In some areas you might even be able to park your school bus at home just to make it more convenient for you,” he said.

Millar said the district remains focused on supporting employees while ensuring reliable transportation for students. Applications for bus driver and bus attendant intern positions are available through the Polk County Public Schools website.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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When longtime software engineer Paul Beck began thinking about the future of his career, he saw artificial intelligence reshaping the technology industry and decided it was time for a change, reported Oil City News.

That change led Beck to frozen yogurt. Beck purchased Chozen Yogurt, a downtown Casper, Wyoming business, in January, after its previous owners put it up for sale. His daughters had worked at the shop during past summers and encouraged him to make a bid.

“My daughters are the reason I bought it,” Beck told local news reporters.

Looking for a way to expand the business, Beck reportedly turned to a decommissioned school bus his family brought with them while moving from Texas several years ago. Originally intended to become a recreational vehicle, the stripped-down school bus instead became a mobile frozen yogurt shop.

“We’ve had the bus for a while and had many plans like converting it to an RV,” Beck said via the article. “That never happened.”

With the seats already removed, Beck spent about two months transforming the vehicle into a mobile extension of a Chozen Yogurt shop. He painted the interior, installed electrical wiring, updated the flooring, and added appliances, working several hours each day to complete the project.

Because the school bus does not include a cooktop, it did not require costly fire suppression or ventilation systems, allowing it to pass city inspections with little difficulty. The mobile unit reportedly serves frozen yogurt and sorbet along with churros, pretzel bites and cookies. Beck said it complements the downtown storefront, which has operated since 2019, while also serving as a rolling advertisement during the busy summer months.

The converted school bus made its debut earlier this month and has already appeared at several community events. “I sent out a lot of emails to people asking if there’s a need for an extra food truck,” Beck told reporters. “Some were full, but a lot said, ‘Yeah, we could use some extra,’ so it’s not been hard at all to find events.”

To help customers locate the traveling shop, Beck added a bus-tracking feature to the company’s website and posts regular location updates on social media.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A former Dunklin R-5 School District bus driver has been charged in connection with an alleged driving under the influence incident that occurred while transporting students earlier this year, reported First Alert 4.

According to the news report, Dawna Brennan faces 37 felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child stemming from a Feb. 6 incident in which she allegedly drove a school bus carrying 37 students under the age of 17 after consuming alcohol.

Officers were reportedly called that afternoon to assist with a report of an impaired driver. An initial breath test administered at about 3:20 p.m. showed Brennan’s blood alcohol concentration at 0.029 percent. Authorities said she admitted to drinking half a bottle of Coors Light before driving the bus.

A second breath test conducted about an hour later registered a 0.000 percentblood alcohol reading. Investigators said via the article that Brennan also provided officers with a list of medications she was taking, noting that impairment can occur when alcohol is combined with certain medications.

Authorities said via the report that surveillance footage from the Herculaneum Parks and Recreation Department showed Brennan stopping at Kade’s Playground and drinking from a bottle of Coors Light before beginning her afternoon bus route. Officers later recovered the discarded bottle from a nearby trash can.

The Dunklin R-5 School District reportedly said Brennan was terminated immediately after officials learned about the situation.

“This week, a former school bus driver for the Dunklin R-5 School District was charged in connection with a driving under the influence incident from Feb. 2026,” Communications Director Matt Lichtenstein said via the article. The district also praised Officer Tavener for assisting local law enforcement with the investigation.

District officials reportedly stated that Brennan passed all required pre-employment background checks, including a review of her driving record. While court records indicate her blood alcohol level was below the legal limit for commercial drivers, the district said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol use by employees responsible for student transportation.

Written with AI assistance

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Local reporters and three local United Way organizations have launched the annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, aiming to provide school supplies to students across California’s Central Coast as families continue to face rising education costs and economic challenges, reported KSBW 8.

For the third consecutive year, KSBW 8 is partnering with United Way Monterey County, for the third consecutive year. United for San Benito and United Way of Santa Cruz County are also involved to collect donations that will help students begin the school year with essential classroom supplies.

Organizers reportedly said the Stuff the Bus campaign is focused on supporting children whose families are struggling to afford basic school necessities. Community members can contribute throughout the year, with donations helping purchase supplies for students across Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. The need remains significant throughout the region.

According to organizers, nearly 13,000 students in Monterey County experienced homelessness during the last school year. In neighboring Santa Cruz County, officials estimate more than 2,700 K-12 students are facing homelessness or other serious hardships that can create barriers to academic success.

Stuff the Bus Seeks to Offset Rising Costs

At the same time, the cost of preparing children for school reportedly continues to strain household budgets. Organizers cited data showing the average American family spent approximately $858 on school supplies in 2025, a figure that can be difficult for lower-income families to manage.

The Stuff the Bus campaign reportedly seeks to bridge that gap by ensuring students have the tools they need when classes begin. Donations support the purchase and distribution of supplies for children throughout the Central Coast, helping schools and families meet growing needs.

Campaign organizers are encouraging residents, businesses and community groups to contribute and support local students. Stuff the Bus donations are accepted year-round, with organizers emphasizing that every contribution can make a difference for children facing financial hardship and help create opportunities for academic success across the region.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Miami-Dade deputies are investigating a collision involving a child on a scooter and a school bus Wednesday morning in northwest Miami-Dade County, reported Local 10 News.

The crash reportedly occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. near Northwest 122nd Street, close to a Miami-Dade County Public Schools transportation center.

Surveillance video obtained by local news reporters showed the bus driver preparing to turn onto Northwest 27th Avenue. In the footage, both the scooter rider and the bus appear to stop before the child begins moving forward. The bus then rolls ahead, and the scooter and bus collide.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective Samantha Choon said via the report that the scooter struck the side of the bus. Video from the scene showed the boy limping away from the roadway after the crash as an individual exited the bus to check on him.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reportedly transported the child to a trauma center for evaluation. Choon said the boy did not appear to suffer injuries but was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools said no students were aboard the bus at the time of the collision. Authorities have not determined who had the right of way when the crash occurred, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Scooter Crash Latest Traffic Safety Concern

The incident raised renewed concerns among some area residents and business owners about traffic safety near the transportation facility. A nearby business owner told local news reporters that another scooter rider was struck by a bus in the same area several months ago.

Officials did not immediately provide additional details about the child. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage and gather witness statements as they work to determine the circumstances that led to the crash. No further information was immediately released.

Written with AI assistance

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A Mercer County Public Schools transportation secretary known for her positive attitude and dedication to student safety was named Hometown Hero, reported WVVA News.

According to the news report, Amber Dillow, who has served as secretary for the school system’s transportation department for four years, was recognized in May for her behind-the-scenes work helping keep daily transportation operations running smoothly.

While parents and students often see school bus drivers each day, much of the coordination that supports school transportation happens out of public view. Dillow’s responsibilities include answering calls, organizing transportation for curricular and extracurricular trips, and assisting drivers with questions and scheduling needs.

Dillow said her work is driven by a desire to help others rather than a need for recognition. “I just like taking care of people and helping them get places where they need to be,” she told local news reporters.

Colleagues reportedly describe Dillow as someone who brings energy and positivity to the workplace regardless of the challenges that may arise during the day. “She’s excited. I’ve never seen her upset or whatever to come in to work,” said Mercer County school bus driver Jamez Keith. “She’s always excited. She’s joyful.”

Keith said Dillow’s willingness to help drivers and quickly answer questions makes a difference for transportation staff. “She’s usually very helpful with any driver,” Keith told reporters. “Any time we have a question or whatever, she’s usually spot on. She’ll answer right quick. And then usually it’s really helpful when she does that.”

Hometown Hero Also Makes a Difference Behind the Wheel

In addition to her office duties, Dillow occasionally fills in where needed, including driving a bus when staffing shortages arise. “She also drives as well,” Keith said to reporters. “If she’s needed to sub on the position, she’ll help out, too. If we need anything, she’s there.”

Keith said he wanted Dillow to know how much she is appreciated by fellow drivers and the community.

Dillow said the Hometown Hero recognition is meaningful and reinforces her commitment to supporting others. “I’m very appreciative that he feels that way,” she said. “In a job that is tough, I just try to make them smile.”

Written with the assistance of Ai.

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Two school buses at a private Marysville, Washington school were damaged after a suspected fuel theft attempt sparked a fire, and now school officials are faced with the need to replace another school bus.

According to a social post by Grace Academy, the fuel theft and resulting blaze occurred June 15. Two individuals were attempting to siphon fuel from one of the school buses when the vehicle caught fire. The blaze destroyed a smaller bus and damaged a larger bus parked nearby, and it burned surrounding bushes. Officials said they believe the fire was accidental. No injuries were reported.

“We’ve had some problems in the past with people coming onto campus and drilling holes into fuel tanks,” Tim Pearce, co-head of school at Grace Academy, told local news reporters. “This particular one went very wrong.”

The Marysville Fire Department responded quickly and prevented the flames from spreading further, school officials said in a statement posted on social media. Grace Academy praised firefighters for containing the blaze and minimizing additional damage to school property.

Pearce said the smaller bus is believed to be a total loss, while the extent of damage to the larger bus is still being assessed.

The Marysville Police Department is investigating the incident. A department spokesperson said via local reports on Monday that no arrests have been made, and no fuel theft suspects have been identified. Detectives are continuing to review the case.

Fire Damage Throws Wrench in New School Year Transportation Plans

The destroyed school buses are used primarily for student transportation during field trips, athletic competitions, and other extracurricular activities. School officials are now evaluating how to replace the damaged vehicle and restore transportation capacity before students return to campus for the upcoming school year.

Pearce said the loss is particularly frustrating because the school had recently completed a fundraising campaign.

“We had just raised money for a new bus just last year,” he told reporters. “Now we are down again, so we are going to have to raise funds again.”

The school launched an effort to seek donations from the community to help replace the destroyed bus and improve campus security measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

School officials said they are considering additional security upgrades after previous incidents involving individuals entering the property and damaging fuel tanks. Pearce noted that fuel theft has been an ongoing concern, though none of the prior incidents resulted in a fire.

Grace Academy officials expressed gratitude that no students or staff members were on campus at the time of the fire and that no injuries were reported.

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A school bus driver in Florida was arrested on driving under the influence and child neglect charges after she allegedly backed her bus into another vehicle while transporting six children and later showed signs of impairment, reported Weartv News.

The crash reportedly happened around 1:35 p.m. Friday near the intersection of 8th Avenue and Ferdon Boulevard, also known as State Road 85. Investigators said Mechelle Prevoznik, 62, of Crestview, was operating an Okaloosa County School District school bus when she backed into a vehicle that was stopped behind the bus.

According to the news report, officers responding to the scene began investigating the crash and reported detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Prevoznik. Police then conducted a DUI investigation that included field sobriety exercises.

Prevoznik reportedly displayed signs of impairment and was taken into custody. Police said she later provided a breath sample that measured a blood alcohol content of 0.048 percent. The crash occurred at a low speed, and no injuries were reported among the children, the driver of the other vehicle or Prevoznik, police said.

Authorities charged Prevoznik with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and six counts of child neglect without bodily harm, one for each child on board the bus at the time of the crash. Prevoznik was transported to the Okaloosa County Jail without incident.

The Okaloosa County School District had not publicly commented on the arrest as of Friday evening. No mention of the arrest was made on the school district’s social media channels, though a post that same day advertising school bus driver hiring received negative comments about drunk school bus drivers.

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Two incidents in which young students were left unattended on school buses this school year have prompted scrutiny of transportation practices in Oxnard, California’s Rio School District and intensified a dispute between district officials and the union representing bus drivers, reported vcstar news.

According to the news report, the incidents occurred months apart but shared a troubling similarity: Children remained on buses after drivers completed their routes and exited the vehicles.

In the first case, a 5-year-old girl was reportedly left on a bus for several minutes after it arrived at Rio Real Dual Immersion Academy in August. The driver had returned to the school with a kindergartner whose caregiver was not present at his stop. The driver exited the bus with the boy, unaware that another student remained on board. A few minutes later, a crying girl exited the bus.

A second incident reportedly occurred Jan. 15 at Rio Del Norte School when a second-grade special education student who is nonverbal was discovered crying and banging on a bus door after the driver left her on board and entered the school building. Another driver opened the bus and escorted the child inside.

District officials said via the article that neither child was physically harmed, and both were left alone only briefly. Still, Assistant Superintendent Rafael Gaeta called the incidents unacceptable. “Two times in a year is way too much,” Gaeta said. “This is not normal.”

Both drivers received letters of reprimand and were reported to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which suspended their school bus driving privileges. One suspension is under review after a DMV hearing officer recommended setting it aside. The status of the second suspension has not been disclosed.

The California School Employees Association, which represents district bus drivers, has reportedly appealed both suspensions and argues the incidents do not meet the legal definition of “gross negligence,” a standard that can trigger DMV action under California law. Union officials also contend transportation employees face low morale, staffing challenges and inadequate support. They say drivers have been required to cover additional routes and have not consistently received updated student rosters.

The two drivers reportedly offered different explanations for the incidents. According to district records, the driver involved in the August incident at Rio Real described leaving the child on the bus as “an innocent mistake.” The driver involved in the January incident at Rio Del Norte said she left the bus to use the restroom after arriving at the school, though the district said video evidence contradicted that account.

The district’s buses are reportedly equipped with Child Check-Mate safety alarm systems, which require drivers to walk to the rear of the bus and deactivate an alarm after each route. According to district disciplinary records, both incidents occurred despite the presence of the safety system. California has required child safety alert systems on school buses since 2018 under the Paul Lee School Bus Safety Law, named for an autistic teenager who was nonverbal and died after being left on a school bus in 2015.

Data on how often children are left on school buses is difficult to obtain. The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not publicly release statewide totals, and nothing in the state’s bus safety law requires such disclosure.

Ryan Gray, editor of School Transportation News provided input in the article and said he is not aware of any comprehensive national data, though he said transportation professionals see “a couple dozen” news reports involving similar incidents across the country each year. Industry consultant Dick Fischer later told STN the last estimate he saw from the federal government was about 500 incidents a year, but the figure is several years old.

Gray said most school districts have a “zero tolerance policy” toward kids being left on a bus. “I know a lot of districts will just fire the drivers on the spot,” he said. “Others might suspend. It just depends on the district.”

Two incidents in one year in a school district, the size of Rio, it has about 5,000 students, 724 of whom ride the bus, seems unusual, Gray said. “When anything like this happens, one is too many,” he said.

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Delaware State Police have arrested a man accused of pointing a handgun at a school bus carrying students.

Charles McCombs, 62, of Magnolia, was charged with multiple felony offenses following an investigation into the June 9 incident, according to Delaware State Police.

Police said the investigation began at about 8 p.m. when the school resource officer assigned to Polytech High School was notified by school administrators about a cellphone video showing a man pointing a firearm at students on a school bus.

Detectives determined the incident occurred earlier that day while a school bus was traveling through Magnolia, Delaware.

According to investigators, a student aboard the bus sprayed water from a water gun at a man riding a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle traveling alongside the bus. After being sprayed, the motorcyclist became angry, yelled at students and then allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it toward bus as he drove away.

Gun Threat Results in Arrest, Unknown Consequences for Students

Authorities said no injuries were reported, and no shots were fired during the encounter. However, investigators considered the alleged actions serious enough to pursue felony charges.

State police used investigative techniques to identify the suspect as McCombs and obtained an arrest warrant. Details about the methods used to identify him were not released.

McCombs was taken into custody without incident June 11 and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3 for processing. He was charged with one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and six counts of aggravated menacing, all felony offenses.

Under Delaware law, aggravated menacing involves intentionally placing another person in fear of imminent physical injury through the display of what appears to be a deadly weapon.

Police did not immediately release additional information about the six aggravated menacing charges, including whether each count corresponds to an individual student or another victim involved in the incident. There was also no mention if any discipline was handed out to students involved in the incident.

Following his arrest, McCombs was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2. He was subsequently committed to Sussex Correctional Institution after failing to post a $48,000 secured bond, according to authorities.

No additional details about the investigation were immediately available. It was also unclear whether McCombs has retained legal representation. The case remains under investigation.

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The post Delaware Man Charged After Allegedly Pointing Gun at School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

Students at Spoede Elementary School gave longtime school bus driver Carolyn Taylor a hero’s farewell on the last day of school, celebrating her retirement after 27 years behind the wheel and more than 1 million miles safely driven, reported KSDK News.

Lining the school walkway with pom-poms in hand, students cheered and chanted “Ms. Taylor! Ms. Taylor!” as she made her final walk-through campus, stopping to give high-fives to children she had transported for generations.

“She greets us with the warmest smile every time,” said student Avya Kumar to local news reporters.

Taylor began working for the Ladue School District in 1997 as a school bus monitor. She became a driver after realizing she could earn more with a commercial license. “I’m like, ‘No, no. Come on Carolyn. It’s time to get your license,’” she recalled with a laugh.

She spent the next 27 years driving the same Route L-10, becoming a familiar presence for countless families in the neighborhood. “Ms. Taylor is like part of our family,” said Lisa Ross, whose four children rode Taylor’s bus over the years. “She’s the best and she knows every kid, every parent, every everything.”

Ross reportedly loved Taylor so much that 19 years ago, she started an annual tradition called the “Bus Stop Bash,” a celebration for everyone at her bus stop held on one of the last day of school. The event features donuts and chocolate milk for students and families. What began as a small gathering at Ross’ home gradually spread down Grazer Road, growing into a neighborhood tradition that became as much a part of the school year as the first day of class.

Taylor reportedly made it a point to know far more than the names on her route roster. She learned students’ siblings, remembered family stories and kept in touch with generations of riders. Holiday cards from families decorated her bus each year, and she often asked parents about former students who had long since graduated and were now adults.

At Christmas, Taylor handed out candy canes to riders and made sure younger siblings at home received one, too.

Former rider Riley Deutsch, now a second-grade teacher at Spoede, said Taylor built trust with students through kindness and consistency. “The kids love and trust her, and they want to do well for her,” Deutsch said via the article.

Transportation Director Joe Griffin described Taylor as “the grandmother of the Ladue School District Transportation Department,” praising both her compassion and reliability. “She is so sweet and so loving and would do anything for any of the kids,” Griffin said to reporters.

District officials estimate Taylor drove more than 1 million miles during her career, enough to circle the Earth roughly 46 times. Though she considered retiring several years ago, Taylor said students persuaded her to stay. “The kids kept saying, ‘Ms. Taylor, please don’t go,’” she said.

Now approaching her 70th birthday, Taylor plans to undergo knee replacement surgery, visit her grandchildren in Arizona, and take a long-awaited trip to Dubai.

When asked what she will miss most, Taylor pointed to the students. “I may come to work feeling bad, but those kids say something and that pain goes away,” she said.

Written with assistance from AI.

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School districts across the country are preparing for a wave of summer retirements of school bus drivers, adding pressure to an already strained student transportation workforce.

To address the growing shortage, school districts are ramping up recruitment efforts through hiring events, sign-on bonuses, paid training programs, referral incentives, and retention initiatives aimed at attracting and keeping qualified drivers.

One district taking a hands-on approach is Branson Public Schools in Missouri. The district’s transportation department hosted its first annual “Take the Wheel” Driving Event on June 13, giving community members the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a school bus, meet transportation staff and learn more about available career opportunities.

The event was designed to provide prospective applicants with a firsthand summer-time look at what it is like to serve as a school bus driver while highlighting the benefits of the profession, including flexible schedules and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ daily lives. Participants visited multiple event locations throughout the community, while bus test drives were available at Buchanan Elementary. Branson’s initiative reflects a growing trend among school districts looking beyond traditional job postings to recruit new drivers, especially to address retirements.

In Alabama, Tuscaloosa City Schools recently hosted a Bus Driver Hiring Fair, where prospective applicants could receive assistance with the application process, schedule fingerprinting appointments and participate in on-the-spot interviews. The school district is also offering a $2,000 signing bonus for new drivers, starting pay of $23.80 per hour, and paid commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, helping remove barriers for individuals interested in entering the profession.

Retirements Spur Need for More School Bus Driver Hiring

The urgency behind these recruitment efforts is driven not only by ongoing nationwide school bus driver shortages, but also by the retirements of a number of longtime drivers retiring this summer who have spent decades serving their communities.

In Georgia, Fayette County school bus driver Diane Vaughn recently retired at age 82 after an extraordinary 50-year career. According to local news reports, Vaughn began driving in 1976 to secure health insurance for her child’s cancer treatment and quickly developed a passion for the profession. Over the past five decades, she safely transported thousands of students and became a familiar face to generations of families. The Fayette County School Board honored her service with a specially made 50-year service pin and a standing ovation, recognizing a career that exemplifies the dedication many veteran drivers have brought to student transportation.

In Tennessee, retiring Wilson County Schools bus driver Frances Theiring is also marking the end of a remarkable career. According to local news reports, Theiring, who spent nearly 50 years driving a special education bus and teaching in a special education classroom in Mt. Juliet, will become the first woman from Wilson County inducted into the Tennessee School Bus Driver Hall of Fame. Honored recently by fellow drivers and district staff at the transportation department’s year-end cookout, Theiring said she felt “overwhelmed but grateful” as she reflected on a career dedicated to serving students and families.

Theiring’s induction recognizes not only her longevity but also her commitment to safe and reliable transportation. According to the Tennessee School Bus Driver Hall of Fame, inductees must have at least 45 years of uninterrupted service as a daily route driver and demonstrate exceptional dedication, integrity and service to students. Wilson County Schools officials praised Theiring’s impact on the community, with school board chair Joe Padilla noting that her influence on generations of students and families cannot be measured.

Retirements like those of Vaughn and Theiring underscore the challenge facing school transportation departments nationwide. According to recent reports, Tuscaloosa City Schools continues to seek hiring additional drivers this summer for the upcoming school year, while school systems across the country are investing in recruitment and training programs to strengthen their transportation workforce.

From interactive experiences like Branson’s “Take the Wheel” event to hiring fairs, signing bonuses, competitive wages, and paid CDL training, districts are employing a variety of strategies to attract new drivers before students return to classrooms this fall. As veteran drivers leave the workforce after decades of service, transportation leaders are increasingly focused on finding innovative ways to ensure students have safe and reliable transportation for the school year ahead.

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