Buying a new school bus fuel or energy type is no small decision for student transportation operators. Dive into this month’s issue to learn more about what factors are involved in clean fuel purchasing decisions, how to implement the kind of technology that school bus drivers actually want and need, understanding how to convert data into actionable insights and how to plan the perfect technology rollout.

Also find the latest conference news, including a recap of ACT Expo and a preview of the upcoming STN EXPO West conference, this July in Reno, Nevada.

Read the full June 2026 issue.

Cover Story

How Clean is Clean Enough?
Experts say it’s important to all weigh all factors when purchasing a new school bus fuel or energy type.

Features

Full Potential
Implementing technology solutions that drivers want and know how to use could be the secret sauce to keeping them behind the wheel.

Tackling the Data Challenge
The promise of compiled data is most beneficial when transportation leaders understand what the information means to their operations.

Special Reports

Planning the Perfect Rollout: Secrets for Successful Software, Hardware Upgrades
Choosing the timeframe for when to implement a new hardware or software project is just as important as choosing the provider.

Conversations
ACT Expo Recap
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Alternative to Fueling Discomfort

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Bus Tech, Energy Take Center Stage

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The post Do you plan on applying for a Clean School Bus Program grant once the EPA announces a return of funding? appeared first on School Transportation News.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools district leaders in Indianapolis prioritize a drive toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

That commitment was recognized earlier this month when the district was named 2026 School Bus Fleet of the Year by Drive Clean Indiana, the state’s clean cities coalition, recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, during the organization’s annual Breakfast of Champions in Indianapolis.

The March 16 recognition occurred alongside Work Truck Week, where industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate advancements in clean transportation. The Breakfast of Champions featured a keynote address by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, underscoring the broader connection between performance, innovation and energy.

The award highlights a year of progress for one of Indiana’s largest school districts. In June 2024, School Transportation News visited Hamilton Southeastern Schools ahead of its STN EXPO East conference in Indianapolis. At the time, Director of Transportation Zach McKinney said the department had one electric school bus purchased in 2022. McKinney was recognized as a 2020 STN Rising Star. He currently serves as president and director-at-large for the School Transportation Association of Indiana.

Related: (STN Podcast E213) Onsite at STN EXPO Indy: Driver Shortage & School Bus Safety Convos
Related: Technology Return on Investment Isn’t Solely Monetary, Session Advises
Related: 2020 Rising Stars Announced: Recognizing Those Excelling in the Industry

McKinney previously told STN the electric transition has been a good experience, and now he and his staff have the knowledge needed to provide feedback to others. However, he added it’s hard for the district to subsidize the cost financially without the aid of grants.

“It’s not obtainable by most school districts,” he said last June, adding that he’s not going to sacrifice the purchasing two and half diesel buses for the same money it takes to buy one electric bus.

However, McKinney shared with STN last week that Hamilton Southeastern was awarded funding for nine more electric school buses.

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