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Paradise Lost, Paradise Gained

By: Ryan Gray

25 November 2025 at 00:45

Hollywood rarely if ever does justice to the school bus industry. Movies and television often push the stereotypes of child-hating, curmudgeons behind the wheel. While this stereotype was largely absent in “The Lost Bus,” streaming on Apple TV, the film portrayed driving a school bus as a dead-end job. It is based on a true story, but the real-life details paint a more complete picture.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Kevin McKay, a school bus driver for Paradise Unified School District in Northern California, who saved a bus load of students and their two teachers (not one, like the movie portrays) from an elementary school that was in the path of the tragic 2018 Camp Fire—to date the deadliest wildfire in state history. McConaughey is a great actor, but from what I’ve read about McKay, the character doesn’t quite match the man.

I reached out to McKay for this column and never received a response. Still, I read that he was a consultant for the film. McKay is portrayed as down-on-his luck, barely able to rub two pennies together, divorced, caring for his ill mother, and at odds with his teenage son. The character is more concerned with getting additional hours than getting his bus back to the garage for a scheduled PM with the head mechanic. He nods in acknowledgement to his students as they board, but he appears distracted.

Journalist Lizzie Johnson, author of “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive An American Wildfire,” tells the full story. McKay was a former local high school football star who had a daughter as a teenager. His promising sports and academic careers derailed but he managed to carve out a successful stint as a manager of a Walgreen’s and later as a pharmacy technician, only to grow discouraged and quit after watching the opioid epidemic explode.

He returned to school—yes, like in the movie his beloved dog died, not long after his father succumbed to cancer—with the hope of becoming a teacher. The Paradise Unified poster seeking school bus drivers looked to be a perfect fit for his class schedule. He was also used to long commutes around Northern California visiting Walgreen’s stores.

Johnson’s book recounts the district’s hiring board asking McKay why he wanted the job. He discussed, Karen, his middle school bus driver in Paradise, who was always armed with a smile, an encouraging word and a bag of chocolate at Christmas. He left the officials in tears, as Karen had recently retired and they were planning on having lunch with her later in the day.

Johnson’s book portrays McKay as a caring, attentive driver, emulating Karen the best he could. That Kevin McKay was absent from “The Lost Bus.” By and large, school bus drivers are some of the most caring, dedicated and passionate people you’ll meet. Many of them climb the career ladder into administrative jobs. I know plenty of transportation directors who started in the industry behind the wheel.

I’ve read many opinions on social media from student transporters on “The Lost Bus.” The movie can’t be viewed through a lens of accuracy when it comes to student transportation operations. No audience is going to sit through a 30-minute scene of a pre-trip inspection. Transportation operations at Paradise Unified are also depicted as chaotic and unorganized. Actress Ashlie Atkinson plays “Ruby,” a nod to real-life Director of Transportation Rubina Hartwig.

I contacted Hartwig to get her perspective of the storyline. She also did not respond, but several years ago she told me the entire experience was too traumatic for her to speak publicly about. Completely understandable. She did attend the movie premiere in September along with McKay, his son, and teacher Mary Ludwig, played by actress America Ferrera. (The other teacher on board the real lost bus declined to be a part of the film.) The Paradise Unified superintendent’s office did tell me the district played no role in production and producers never reached out.

In the end, while biographical, “The Lost Bus” is a thrilling ride that relies on the imagination. Filmmaker Paul Greengrass told People magazine some moments were “either exaggerated or collapsed.” McKay added he shared his perspective and some of that made it into the film. McConaughey has said he used some aspects of McKay’s story but made the character his own. The realism in “The Lost Bus” is the overall theme of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. What the viewing public needs to realize is school bus drivers perform extraordinary acts multiple times a day for the entire school year. Those instances simply don’t make the news or a Hollywood movie.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the November 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Prioritize Your Professional Growth

School Transportation News

By: Tony Corpin

17 November 2025 at 18:48

As the fall approaches, it’s an opportune time to prioritize your individual and team’s professional growth. Two upcoming conferences in particular—the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Conference and the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference—offer invaluable opportunities to sharpen leadership skills, stay updated on industry trends, and forge meaningful connections. These events are essential for professionals aiming to excel in the dynamic field of school transportation.

The NAPT ACTS, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 4 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, embraces the theme, “Driven by safety, guided by professional development.” The NAPT website states the event unites industry leaders with a shared goal: Ensuring safe and efficient transportation for every student. Attendees can expect Professional Development Series (PDS) training, discussions on industry challenges, and networking opportunities. The trade show provides an opportunity to explore solutions and connect with peers. Don’t miss the chance to visit booth #619 to meet the School Transportation News team and build new relationships that could shape your career.

You can also learn more about STN EXPO EAST in Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina on March 26-31, 2026. Meanwhile, the TSD Conference, taking place Nov. 6-11 in Dallas/Frisco, Texas, focuses specifically on transporting students with disabilities and special needs, providing hands-on safety training. This conference stands out for its specialized training and technology offerings, featuring four keynote speakers covering topics on student behavior and legal challenges and over two-dozen expert-led workshops. Attendees can also participate in the roadeo competition and the Technology Demonstration & Ride & Drive Experience on Friday, Nov.7. During the latter event, supplier partners and OEMs will showcase cutting-edge tools designed to enhance student safety and success.

The TSD Conference delves into best practices for supporting students with disabilities, offering insights that elevate both professional expertise and personal growth. By learning from seasoned professionals, attendees gain practical strategies to improve transportation services tailored to unique student needs. As one transportation director shared, “Conferences like TSD are vital for professional growth. They provide a platform to expand knowledge, develop skills and stay ahead of industry advancements. The networking and trade show sessions allowed me to exchange innovative ideas, build connections and gain insights critical for improving services, especially for students with disabilities and special needs.”

Beyond knowledge acquisition, these conferences foster collaboration and innovation. Trade shows expose participants to emerging technologies and potential partnerships, enabling them to integrate new tools into their operations. Engaging with exhibitors and fellow professionals sparks creative solutions to current challenges, ensuring school transportation remains efficient and student success focused. These interactions often lead to long-term collaborations that benefit both individuals and their organizations.

Conferences also offer enriching personal experiences. They provide a space to reconnect with colleagues, form new relationships and expand professional networks. These connections can lead to future opportunities, innovative problem-solving and collaborations that drive progress in school districts. The blend of professional development and meaningful networking creates a dynamic environment where attendees leave inspired and equipped to lead.

For those committed to advancing their careers, attending these conferences is a strategic investment. The NAPT and TSD conferences deliver actionable insights, access to industry leaders and motivation from inspiring speakers. They empower professionals to stay at the forefront of an evolving industry while building skills that directly impact student safety and success. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the field, these conferences offer tools to help you grow both personally and professionally.

I encourage you to seize this opportunity by registering for the TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas. Visit tsdconference.com/agenda for details on the keynote speakers, educational sessions and networking events. The schedule is packed with opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

Investing in professional development through conferences like NAPT, TSD Conference and STN EXPO yields significant returns for both individuals and organizations. These events provide a platform to acquire new knowledge, build lasting connections and draw inspiration from industry pioneers. For anyone dedicated to advancing their career and improving school transportation, attending these conferences is a critical step toward achieving lasting success. By prioritizing professional growth, you are positioning you and your team to lead with confidence in an ever-changing school transportation industry.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the October 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Alternative School Transportation: Roadmap for Decision-Making For Children with Disabilities and Special Needs

School Transportation News

By: Linda Bluth

10 November 2025 at 20:56

The first Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference and Trade Show (TSD) was held in 1992. It was originally called the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers National Conference. School Transportation News acquired the TSD Conference in 2012 and has faithfully continued it as the ultimate platform for addressing school transportation topics of importance pertaining to children with disabilities and special needs. Alternative school transportation is one such topic that has received widespread national attention recently.

Both the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) have recently written comprehensive industry papers on the topic.

The theme in both these publications is that school-age students should be transported in the yellow school bus to provide the highest level of school transportation safety. While this may not always be achievable or realistic, depending on child-specific circumstances, these associations acknowledge alternative transportation is a feasible option when the yellow bus is not the appropriate option.

The annual TSD Conference has traditionally provided a setting for promoting a national dialogue on topics to move forward the agenda of safe school transportation for children with disabilities and special needs. From its inception in 1992, when I was a keynote presenter, I have been involved in advocating for safe transportation for children with disabilities and special needs. Along with several of my peers, promoting meaningful decision-making for this vulnerable population includes not compromising safety for cost-savings, while simultaneously endorsing efficiency as a key component of the decision-making process.

The 2022 TSD conference once again provided me a chance to compellingly advocate for the provision of safe transportation of children with disabilities and special needs in all modes of school transportation. My specific agenda at this meeting was to gain national attention for alternative transportation and its role in the provision of safe transportation, when the “Yellow School Bus,” was eliminated as the most feasible mode of safe school transportation. My ultimate goal was that the 17th National Congress on Student Transportation (NCST) this past May would address alternative transportation and acknowledge its role in school transportation as a necessity for specific populations, including students with disabilities and special needs.

It was rewarding when, for the first time since the inception of this industry standard-setting exercise in 1939, the 17th NCST provided a new section on alternative transportation under writing committee chairperson Tyler Bryan, education associate for school transportation at the Delaware Department of Education.

The committee’s work focused on four areas: Driver credentials, driver training, vehicle design/equipment requirements and special education policy considerations. The alternative transportation committee approval was a milestone as the first non-yellow school bus section addressed at the NCST and was a definitive victory for the well-being of children with disabilities and special needs.

As an alternative transportation committee member, I was committed to reinforcing that students with disabilities and special needs would only be recommended to receive alternative transportation services student’s individual needs. When assigning alternative transportation, it is essential that school district and contract providers, school district personnel, drivers, parents and students as appropriate, are aware and knowledgeable of special education policy requirements to implement safe transportation.

It recommends IEP teams, including the parent and transportation personnel, should be involved in discussing the mode of transportation for each individual child. The parent of the child with a disability should be made aware of the vehicle selection to provide their child’s related service transportation if a vehicle other than a school bus is used. When a school vehicle selection is changed during the course of a school year, parents should be informed about the change. This change should be consistent with the current IEP approval for transportation services.

Additionally, it recommends annual IEP meetings should evaluate whether alternative transportation is required or whether the student can now be serviced by the school bus. The decision to utilize alternative transportation should never be a unilateral decision. It should only be recommended and approved through the IEP meeting process with oral
and written justification for its necessity. Key considerations for endorsing alternative transportation should include the age of the child, the impact of a child’s disability on providing safe transportation services in the selected alternative transportation vehicle, the necessity for a reduction of length of ride time, and the ability to provide safe access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) within and outside of the school district.

It is essential to consider what alternative transportation vehicle works best to ensure safe travel, including the need for an attendant on the alternative transportation vehicle. This list is not exhaustive, but other considerations include child safety restraint systems, wheelchair transport and appropriate behavioral interventions.

From my perspective as an expert witness, including on alternative transportation cases involving children with disabilities, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of driver training and using substitute drivers that have the knowledge required to provide a safe ride under all circumstances. This applies to all transportation personnel as well. It is crucial to invite alternative transportation providers to the IEP meeting to ensure the opportunity to share vital child specific information, as permissible under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

As the framework for alternative student transportation continues to evolve, it is important to follow the newly formed Alternative Student Transportation Associations (ASTA) actions. On its website, ASTA states: “We are working to advance regulations that put student safety and access to transportation first. By collaborating with policymakers, school districts and industry leaders, we hope to help educate policies that will enhance safety, accessibility and operational efficiency while putting students first.”

The uniformity of providing safe student transportation in alternative transportation vehicles requires ongoing commitment to monitoring this emerging trend. Transparency and trust are crucial as the continuum of school transportation services for specific populations of students, requiring this option increases. Safety and compliance with federal and state regulations should always remain a priority during the IEP decision-making process for each individual child assigned to ride alternative transportation.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the October 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

linda-bluth
Linda Bluth is a national compliance and regulatory expert on IDEA transportation law and provisions. She is a tenured faculty member for TSD Conference, a regular contributor to School Transportation News, and an NAPT Hall of Fame member.

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Leading From the Front (Without Just Taking a Walk)

School Transportation News

By: Rosalyn Vann-Jackson， MBA， CDPT

3 November 2025 at 19:15

Leadership is one of those words that has been defined, debated and dissected in every business book, training session and coffee shop conversation. At its core, leadership is about the ability to influence others toward achieving a common goal.

But here’s something worth noting: The word leader contains the word lead. Lead means “first,” “ahead,” “top,” and yes, “followed.” That last one, followed, is important. John Maxwell puts it bluntly: “If you are leading and no one is following, then you are not actually leading; you are simply taking a walk.”

That quote captures the essence of leadership, especially in pupil transportation. It is not just about the title, the office or the years of experience. It is about whether your people are choosing to follow you. Because leadership, at its heart, is influence. And in our line of work, that influence can inspire the best in our teams or bring out the worst.

Whether we realize it or not, we set the tone. How we show up directly impacts how our drivers, aides, mechanics, dispatchers, and office staff show up for each other and for the students we serve.

Leading vs. Managing: A Crucial Difference
One of the most common misconceptions is that leadership and management are the same thing. They are related, but they are not interchangeable. Leaders lead people. They inspire, influence and set the vision. Leadership is inherently strategic. It is about where we are going and why. Managers manage things: Tasks, schedules, projects and resources. Management is tactical. It is about how we are going to get there and making sure the wheels, literally and figuratively, keep turning.

The best leaders in transportation know when to step into tactical operations. Yes, sometimes you have to jump in and route a bus or cover a driver shortage. But their greatest value comes from thinking ahead,
setting direction and enabling their teams to succeed without needing constant oversight.

The Influence Factor
Here is the thing: People are influenced far more by what you do than what you say. They are also quick to notice when what you do and what you say do not match up. If you talk about safety but routinely cut corners to make a deadline, your team will notice. If you preach about work-life balance but send late-night emails that demand answers by morning, they will notice that, too.

Influence is built or broken in the everyday moments— how you handle stress, how you treat mistakes and how you acknowledge hard work. In transportation, this influence extends beyond your team to the students and families who depend on you.

Leadership’s Scorecard
One of the best measures of a leader’s effectiveness is not found in a spreadsheet. It is reflected in the success and morale of their team.
If your operation runs smoothly even when you are out of the office, you have built a strong leadership culture. If your people step up for each other during a tough week, you have fostered trust and collaboration. And if your drivers speak about the department with pride when they are in the community, you have influenced not just their work, but their identity.

The Follower-Centric Perspective
When we think about leadership, we often focus on our own style—servant leadership, transformational leadership, authentic leadership, and so on. But here’s a shift worth considering: What if, instead of starting with our leadership style, we started with our followers’ readiness?

We are living in a moment where our workforce spans multiple generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, each bringing different values, expectations and communication preferences. If we want to recruit and retain people who will show up every day for our students, we cannot just lead the way we have always led. We need to adapt.

Assessing Follower Readiness
Follower readiness is a simple yet powerful concept. It is about understanding whether an employee is willing or unwilling and able or unable.

If they are able and willing, these employees thrive with autonomy. Give them space, recognition and opportunities to grow. If they are able but unwilling, you may need to dig into motivation. Sometimes it is a mismatch between the person and the role, and sometimes it is burnout. If they are unable but willing, they have the heart but need the skills. This is where training, mentoring and hands-on coaching make the difference. If they are unable and unwilling, this is the trickiest group and often the source of HR headaches. Firm expectations, clear accountability and consistent follow-up are key.

Why This Matters for Recruitment and Retention
In transportation, turnover is not just a staffing inconvenience. It impacts safety, reliability and trust. By leading according to follower readiness, you increase job satisfaction because people feel seen and supported. You reduce costly turnover because happy employees often bring in their friends and family. You also build a reputation as a workplace where people want to stay. It is a leadership approach that is both strategic and practical, and it works across generations, backgrounds and personality types.

Less Stress, Greater Impact
When leaders adopt a follower-centric approach, understanding ability and willingness, and adapting style accordingly, they lead with greater impact and less stress. It takes the guesswork out of daily interactions. It
creates a culture of fairness and consistency. And it garners respect from those watching, whether they are new hires, veteran drivers, or even the students on the bus.

In the end, leadership in pupil transportation is about far more than filling routes and managing schedules. It is about influence; how we show up, how we adapt and how we inspire others to not just follow, but to join us in moving the mission forward. Because if no one is following, you are not leading. You are just out there taking a walk.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the October 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Giving Birth to Proper Leadership

School Transportation News

By: Ryan Gray

28 October 2025 at 17:20

Declining birth rates in and of themselves aren’t news. They have been well-publicized for years across the U.S. and Canada. China is even worse off. Throw a dart at a map, and any country you hit is likely experiencing a drop in births. There are many reasons for this, but they are all inconsequential except that they impact education and student transportation.

The National Center on Education Statistics recently published data that projected a decline in overall K-12 public school enrollments through 2030. It does not refer once to falling birth rates, but we know they are central to the issue. (NCES does refer to the effect of dropouts, transfers to and from public schools and state-level migration.)

COVID-19 unsurprisingly resulted in a 2 percent decrease in public school student enrollment. The real eye-opener, according to NCES, is that enrollment decreases will rise 6 percent over the next several school years.

Meanwhile, private charter school enrollment, which spiked during COVID, has “significantly slowed,” according to the Cato Institute. Yet competition remains high for public school bus transportation in states like Ohio, a microcosm for how the issue could affect the rest of the nation. One of several states that requires publicly funded school buses to transport students attending private and charter schools, Ohio’s challenge has been exacerbated over the past several years by a dramatic expansion in the enrollment of private school students, about 90,000 of them.

Not all these students need transportation service, true. Still, local news outlets reported last month that for the second-straight year, many public high school students were left without school bus service because the vehicles were dispatched instead to transport their private and charter school peers. Ohio public school districts are mandated to transport K-8 students to their private or charter schools and offer the same transportation service to private high school students that public high school students receive.

The publication the74million.org reported this summer that 16 states offer public funding for private school tuition to any student in the state. On one hand, this means inevitably more transportation, which theoretically is a good thing. But then factor in one of if not the biggest startup challenges: the school bus driver shortage.

Over the past year, several readers have bristled at the term, “shortage.” One told me the industry is not suffering a driver shortage, or a shortage of any other transportation staff, for that matter. No, instead they said the industry has a retention problem. No wonder with pay, though increased out of necessity, hardly if at all keeping up with inflation and school bus drivers stretched thin over routes with multiple tiers and no rest in between. An issue experienced by many readers but rarely discussed by the media are school bus drivers “calling out” sick when perhaps they aren’t. Everyone needs a mental health day. But in larger and urban school districts, I’m told callouts can run rampant, and the cases aren’t always legitimate. Many drivers are now salaried employees. If they aren’t sick, then what is the real issue?

Maybe they are sick of their job or more aptly sick of the organizational culture. Find another job, one might argue. That is hardly a constructive response to an issue that undermines the very reason student transportation operations exist.

Now, more than ever responsible leadership is fundamental to transportation success. In addition to coaching the operational “X’s and O’s,” provide a pathway to employees that encourage them to stay behind the wheel, at the dispatch desk, or in the maintenance facility. This goes for the transportation leaders, too. What is keeping them in their current role at their current school district, or encouraging them to look elsewhere?

In addition to exploring school startup challenges, this month’s edition shares examples and perspectives of how proper leadership is helping transportation operations not only navigate the many pressures laid out before them but succeed at their missions of delivering students safely and efficiently to school and home again. And having fun while doing it.

I’ve written this before, and I’ll write it again. STN co-founder and Editor and Publisher Emeritus Bill Paul repeatedly would tell me that as long as parents keep making children, there will be a need for the yellow school bus. The iconic vehicle certainly has competition today in many forms, birth rates being just one of them. Don’t let your organizational culture be another.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the October 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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School Zone: Safety Risks Surge

School Transportation News

By: Tony Corpin

13 October 2025 at 19:04

As schools reopen, students are flooding back to campuses on foot, bicycles, cars and school buses, bringing with them a spike in safety risks. The chaotic rush of drop-offs and pickups creates a perfect storm of traffic congestion, stressed drivers and heightened dangers around school zones.

With nearly 60 percent of parents citing concerns about school bus safety, pedestrian crossings and traffic management, according to a 2024 National Association of Elementary School Principals survey, the start of the
school year underscores safety challenges.

The frenzied pace of these early weeks amplifies risks, as distracted or hurried drivers navigate crowded school zones, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Data from Safe Kids Worldwide notes one in three drivers engage in unsafe behaviors during school drop-offs, while a 2024 National Center for Education Statistics survey noted 38 percent of school leaders see traffic patterns as a threat to student safety.

The question looms: Have safety measures kept pace with the growing hazards of the 2025 school start-up season?

According to the most recent National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services one day illegal passing survey, 218,000 illegal passing incidents were reported by 114,471 school bus drivers, or 31 percent of the nation’s total. These drivers reported a total of 69,408 vehicles passed their buses illegally. Extrapolated for a 180-day school year across all 50 states, 39.3 million illegal passes occur. The one-day count does represent a 13-percent decrease over last year’s 45.2 million but illegal passing remains a massive safety issue.

Last month, the Automobile Club of Southern California, an affiliate of AAA, shared specific tips for navigating school zones safely on social network X. It specifically advised “Watch for School Buses” and reminded drivers to slow down when a school bus yellow lights flash and to stop completely when red lights flash and the stop arm is extended.

AAA also emphasizes eliminating distractions like phone use, as distracted driving contributes to 4,000 to 8,000 crashes daily across the U.S. Drivers should put phones on “Do Not Disturb” or pull over safely to respond to urgent calls or texts.

Jeff Cassell from the School Bus Safety Company recently reminded me of behavioral norms, or the way we act without thinking about it. Norms are very powerful and govern most of what we do. For example, a safe driver always tries to stay at least four seconds in distance behind the vehicle they are following. They do this automatically as a norm. Cassell said following from a safe distance is an important practice, but there are dozens more safe practices we need to implement.

After extensive studies, he’s clearly identified 22 unsafe behaviors that lead to almost every crash. Cassell provided several recommendations to help prevent crashes around school buses. He emphasized minimizing student street crossings whenever possible, educating students on safe crossing practices, informing parents about these procedures, ensuring school bus drivers enforce them, and considering an extended stop arm.

Cassell also suggested specific morning and afternoon guidelines for students and parents. In the morning, students should wait at least 10 feet (five big steps) from the edge of the roadway, look at the bus driver after the bus stops, cross only when signaled by the driver, and walk directly across without running. In the afternoon, students should walk 10 feet away from the bus, move 10 feet ahead of the bus or crossing arm at the front of the bus, look at the driver and cross only when signaled. They should always check for traffic and wait if uncertain about moving vehicles. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of crossing accidents.

I recommend highlighting School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 20-24. It’s a great time to bring awareness to the dangers that exist around schools and school buses.

Also, NHTSA recently released updated School Bus Safety Resources, including shareable graphics, videos and statistics. Visit www.nhtsa.gov/school-buses to download the materials.

Leadership training around safety starts with leaders like you who can influence a culture of safety. I recommend you reinforce positive behaviors and establish norms to keep your school bus drivers, kids and parents updated about safe behaviors around the school bus. Safety and the elimination of risk should always be a main priority.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the September 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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What Differs Between Pupil Transportation in the U.S. and the U.K.?

School Transportation News

By: Bret E. Brooks

7 October 2025 at 17:52

This article marks the inaugural installment in a new series highlighting pupil transportation practices around the world, drawing on Gray Ram Tactical’s 18-plus years of global experience in training, consulting and working directly with transportation professionals. By sharing insights from multiple countries, the goal is to compare systems, explore best practices and encourage continual improvement in student safety and operational excellence.

Having worked alongside pupil transportation teams on both sides of the Atlantic, I’m often asked a deceptively simple question: “How different can school transport really be?” The short answer: Very. The two systems are built on different legal duties, vehicle standards and road-user expectations—and those differences shape daily practice, staffing, budgets and risk.

In the United Kingdom, local authorities have a statutory duty to arrange free home-to-school travel for eligible children, including those beyond statutory walking distance, with no safe walking route, or with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The SEND program ensures that children with learning difficulties, disabilities or medical needs receive tailored support so they can access education on an equal basis with peers. Local authorities assess needs through an education, health and care (EHC) plan and, when necessary, provide additional services such as specialized transportation, teaching support, or therapeutic interventions.

Guidance sets clear distance thresholds, such as over two miles for children under age eight and over three miles for those age eight and above. There are also extended rights for low-income families. In contrast, the U.S, has no national duty to transport all pupils. Policy and funding are largely state or local decisions. While most districts do provide service, the eligibility rules vary significantly from state to state.

One of the most visible differences lies in the vehicles themselves. In the U.S., purpose-built yellow school buses are a hallmark. These vehicles are designed to FMVSS standards, including compartmentalization seating and specialized mirrors and lighting. Meanwhile, in the U.K., there is a mixed fleet. Many routes rely on public-service buses, contracted coaches, or minibuses rather than a unique standardized yellow bus. Seatbelt rules also vary by vehicle type, creating a more diverse operational environment.

Road-user laws further distinguish the two systems. In the U.S., every state makes it illegal to pass a school bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. This creates a protective zone around the bus during loading and unloading. In the United Kingdom, however, there is no general legal requirement for motorists to stop for a school bus. Drivers are expected to exercise caution near schools, but compliance depends more on public awareness and enforcement of school-crossing-patrol signals.

Bret Brooks, a law enforcement and security expert, discusses de-escalation at STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada on July 17, 2023. (Photo by Philicia Endelman.) — **Bret Brooks, a law enforcement and security expert, discusses de-escalation of potential incidents on or near school buses at STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada on July 17, 2023. (Photo by Philicia Endelman.)**

Driver qualifications, vetting and training also differ. U.S. drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license with passenger and school bus endorsements, complete federally mandated entry-level driver training (ELDT), and undergo drug and alcohol testing as well as background checks. In the U.K., drivers typically hold passenger carrying vehicle licenses and must maintain their driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) through 35 hours of periodic training every five years. Because the work involves children, enhanced disclosure and barring service safeguarding checks are also required.

Both systems also address the transportation needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities. In the U.S., under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, transportation may be provided as a related service, determined by the student’s IEP team. In the U.K., local authorities assess eligibility and make arrangements under SEND or EHC provisions. This includes clear entitlements for low-income families, although many councils face rising costs in this area.

Daily operations bring further contrasts. In the U.S., systems typically design tailored routes around neighborhoods and bell times. In the U.K., there is a heavier reliance on blending dedicated coaches with mainstream public transport. At the bus stop, U.S. systems rely heavily on stop-arm protections and crossing procedures, whereas the U.K. leans on school-crossing patrols, signage and infrastructure. Another distinction is that U.K. authorities are not obligated to provide mid-day transport between school sites.

Despite these differences, there are important similarities in safety culture. Both nations emphasize prevention and continuous improvement. In the U.S., FMVSS standards guide design, while in the U.K. licensing and seatbelt rules are central. Training and supervision also play a major role, with U.S. ELDT paralleled by U.K. Driver CPC. Safeguarding is another shared priority, with DBS checks in the U.K. and various forms of background vetting in the U.S.

For leaders, there are clear lessons. Policy should be designed around legal duties. Stops must be engineered with safety in mind. Investing in people—through training, vetting and professional development—is essential. And perhaps most importantly, proactive planning for SEND transportation can help mitigate rising demand and costs.

The U.S. and U.K. start from different blueprints—one anchored in a dedicated, highly standardized school-bus ecosystem; the other in a statutory entitlement delivered through a mixed public and contracted network. Yet the goal is identical: every child, safe there and safe home. When we borrow best practices across the Atlantic—on stop design, driver development, safeguarding, and SEND planning—we move measurably closer to that goal.

Coming next in this series: A look at pupil transportation in India.

Bret E. Brooks is the chief operating officer for Gray Ram Tactical, LLC, a Missouri-based international training and consulting firm specializing in transportation safety and security issues. Bret is the author of several books and articles. He is also a keynote speaker and presents around the world. He can be reached directly at bretbrooks@grayramtacticaltraining.com.

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Why AI in School Transportation Must Start with Empathy, Not Efficiency

School Transportation News

By: Gaurav Sharda

6 October 2025 at 23:15

As the school transportation industry wrestles with complex challenges—driver shortages, safety concerns and operational inefficiencies—artificial intelligence (AI) is often positioned as a silver bullet. Fleet management systems tout data optimization. Dash cams promise incident reduction. Digital platforms claim to centralize and simplify operations.

But in the rush to innovate, we risk forgetting what matters most: People. Specifically, the drivers, dispatchers and front-line staff who make student transportation possible every day. If AI is to truly move this industry forward, it must be rooted in empathy—not just algorithms.

Coaching, Not Surveillance
Take the growing adoption of AI-powered dash cameras. When framed solely as surveillance tools, these systems can alienate drivers. No one wants to feel like they’re being watched without context or support. However, when implemented with a focus on coaching rather than punishment, these same tools can become allies. Cameras that detect risky behaviors—such as distracted driving, hard-braking or rolling stops—can deliver real-time feedback and personalized training opportunities. This helps drivers improve their performance without feeling policed.

It’s a shift in mindset from compliance to confidence-building. Drivers begin to feel supported, not scrutinized. And fleets often see measurable improvements in safety outcomes and morale as a result.

Retention Through Respect
The transportation industry has a retention problem. Nationally, school bus operators report chronic shortages, with turnover rates frequently exceeding 50 percent. Recruitment incentives and signing bonuses help, but they rarely address the deeper issue: How drivers feel on the job.

This is where AI can play a powerful role, if used thoughtfully. Integrated platforms that
offer real-time route data, reliable communication and automated scheduling aren’t just operational tools. They’re stress reducers. When a school bus driver knows their route will be accurate, when help is one tap away, and that their feedback is acknowledged and
acted upon, it builds trust. And trust builds tenure. In some operations, these changes have reduced driver turnover by double digits. Not because of gimmicks or grand gestures but because the technology made drivers feel valued and protected.

The Quiet Power of Automation AI’s most human impact may come behind the scenes. The administrative burdens on drivers and staff, from payroll questions to incident reporting, can erode time, focus and job satisfaction. Enter virtual assistants, workflow automations and smart self-service tools. When designed well, they give employees 24/7 access to the information they need, cut response times and free up staff to focus on meaningful, person-to-person support.

This isn’t just about operational efficiency, it’s about respect. Respect for employees’ time. Respect for their need to focus on their core responsibilities. Respect for their mental bandwidth. It’s tempting to think of automation as impersonal. But when deployed with the employee experience in mind, it can be one of the most empathetic forms of technology.

Start With the End User Too often, transportation tech is built from the top down and optimized for operations managers, IT leaders, or compliance teams. But the most successful implementations flip that script. They ask, what do drivers actually need? What do dispatchers struggle with? Where do mechanics waste the most time? Empathy, in this sense, becomes a design principle. And when it is, adoption skyrockets. Engagement rises. Feedback loops get shorter. And frontline staff begin to see technology not as a burden—but as a partner.

The Bigger Opportunity We’re at a crossroads. AI and automation are poised to reshape school transportation over the next decade. But the question isn’t whether we’ll adopt these tools. It’s how we’ll use them. Will we chase efficiency at the cost of human connection? Or will we use technology to elevate the people who make the system work? The path forward requires us to recognize a simple truth: Buses don’t move students—people do. And when we center those people in our digital transformation efforts, everyone wins: the organization, the employees and most importantly, the children we’re entrusted to transport safely every day.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the September 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Gaurav Sharda is the chief technology officer for Beacon Mobility companies and in July won the SchoolTransportation News Innovator of the Year Award for his direction of new human-focused AI solutions.

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School Bus Maintenance Process Recommendations Influenced by Technology

School Transportation News

By: Robert T. Pudlewski

29 September 2025 at 17:49

Six decades ago, I started my career in maintenance by working on school buses at the Lancaster, New York, School District bus garage. Work began with a mix of Craftsman/Snap-on hand tools, a timing light, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, dwell meter, and a set of feeler gauges. When a bus broke down, I had everything I needed to fix it. My procedure and process manual was a guy named Val, who had been doing school bus repair for 20 years.

Historically, school bus maintenance has relied on reactive, standard repair approaches rather than utilizing proactive or predictive maintenance strategies.Technicians typically used their experience and manual diagnostic tools to identify and fix issues, a process with printed procedures that can be time consuming. Within the past decade, the conventional approach to school bus maintenance has advanced with process modifications aided by technology.

The future school bus maintenance process will continue to evolve, resulting from the increased complexity of integrated modern school bus equipment as well as from new OEM’s and component suppliers, along with transportation departments and bus companies seeking improved efficiency, safety and cost management. Ongoing advancements in school bus equipment will require more regular updates to maintenance protocols, operational procedures, technician training and toolsets to maintain optimal safety standards and cost-effectiveness in bus operations.

As semi-autonomous systems, electric and clean fuel technologies rapidly advance in school buses, maintenance and repair methods of those systems must evolve. Advancements in training, diagnostic and repair processes are necessary to enhance technician productivity, reduce operational costs and promote safety.

Advanced maintenance technologies can enable more accurate diagnostics, timely maintenance and even predictive capabilities that alert operators to issues before they cause expensive failures. School bus maintenance centers should view the following innovative technologies as key tools to help technicians improve cost-efficiency, safety and reliability throughout fleet operations.

Telematics & GPS: Vehicle-to-Office
Integrating GPS and onboard diagnostics with transportation office data collection would provide real-time data on various parameters such as engine performance, fuel consumption and driver behavior. This continuous stream of real-time information allows school bus fleet managers to monitor their school bus fleet health. Real-time operating data provides fleet managers with insights into vehicle performance and driver behavior, enabling better decision-making and more efficient operations.

Predictive Maintenance
Telematics data combined with advanced analytics may be used to estimate timing component failures and assist in planning maintenance before equipment malfunctions occur. This approach stops small issues from becoming big problems. The benefits of telematics and predictive maintenance are significant, reducing demand maintenance, cost savings and enhanced fleet management.

Internet of Things-Assisted Diagnostic Systems
IoT-based systems can provide detailed data on school bus component conditions. These systems can continuously monitor various aspects of the vehicle, from engine health to tire pressure, and relay this information to a centralized system, allowing technicians to access and analyze data from anywhere. This feature lets technicians remotely diagnose problems and help with initial repairs.

Augmented Reality in Maintenance Process
OEM’s are embracing Augmented Reality (AR) as a valuable training tool in maintenance. AR can overlay digital information onto physical components, providing technicians with OEM step-by-step repair process and detailed diagrams as they work. This real-time assistance helps with performing complex repairs with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Virtual Reality for Technician Training
Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming technician training. VR simulations create immersive training environments, where technicians can practice repairs without the risks associated with real-world training. These simulations can replicate a wide range of scenarios, allowing technicians to gain experience and build confidence before working on the bus.

AI Data-Driven Advancements
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are the next wave of technological advancements in school bus repairs. AI-driven diagnostics would analyze vast amounts of industry fleet data to identify patterns and predict issues. These systems will quickly sift through data from multiple sources to pinpoint potential problems with remarkable accuracy. It may not be long before we see AI robots performing repetitive tasks like tire changes and wheel torque checks, allowing technicians to focus on more complex repairs. As AI technology advances, the possibility of partially automated repair shops becomes more realistic.

This is Our Future
Telematics and predictive maintenance are helping to lower costs while advanced diagnostic tools and IoT are improving repair times and accuracy. AR and VR are enhancing maintenance processes, technician training and retention. AI will be driving the next wave of innovation with predictive diagnostics and automated repairs. The integration of these technological advancements will contribute to greater reliability and performance within the school bus fleet, while also significantly elevating safety standards across the school bus industry. Emerging technologies are set to transform the school bus repair function significantly.

Final Suggestion
Stay current by reviewing School Transportation News magazine advertisements and research those found offering modern school bus management aides in the STN publications, online seminars, blogs and trade shows. Seek out school bus OEM’s and component representatives to help you become more familiar with what technology would aid your transportation center. If possible, become involved in peer group discussions that discuss this topic.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the September 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Robert Pudlewski
Bob Pudlewski is STN’s technical editor and a member of the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his 40-plus-year career as a school bus maintenance, technology and procurement expert.

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Feeling Super About Transportation Technology?

School Transportation News

By: Ryan Gray

22 September 2025 at 18:00

The new school has begun and students are back in class, notwithstanding the dozen
school districts that have gone year-round, according to the National Association for YearRound Education. We know full well school buses never stop operating, at least in most places, but the yellow machines are marching full force across North America,
delivering the most precious cargo. It’s an exciting yet anxiety-riddled time of year. With all those school buses and all those children on roads and highways, risk follows, largely in the form of other motorists.

But this school year, more than ever before, school buses are armed with innovations that target increased safety and efficiency. And technology offerings as well as adoption will only continue its upward movement. By 2032, the global student transportation market is forecast to more than double in value, to $4.95 billion from $2.31 billion last year, according to market intelligence firm Skyquest Technology Group. The North American market, especially the U.S., makes up the lion’s share and figures to continue to do so, though Skyquest’s recent report notes the rapid emergence of China then Japan and Australia as the forerunners of the fastest-expanding market of Asia Pacific.

All this growth is being largely led by AI-based vehicle and student monitoring and tracking, safety technology, and cloud-based fleet management systems. Look no further than this month’s technology “Superusers” to illustrate these points. Repeatedly, I read about student transporters who need and are getting access to real-time data ranging from student ridership to video, communications to vehicle telematics—that not only impact the decisions they need to make but are making them easier. In fact, all these technologies and then some are becoming increasingly integrated to give a more complete picture of operational safety and efficiency.

Elsewhere in this magazine issue, the technology conversation inevitably turns to securing the plethora of data now at student transporters’ fingertips. If the technology itself doesn’t leave you feeling trepidation, cyberattacks will. The Watch Dog Blog reported last year that the Verizon Data Breach Report saw a 258-percent increase in total security incidents plaguing education and research sectors in 2023 compared to the previous year and a staggering 546 percent rise in data breach cases.

In addition to the security measures available to or being taken by student transportation operations, I found especially informative the IT glossary Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani included in her article. It wasn’t long ago we ran a similar glossary that defined electric school bus terminology. Many of those words and acronyms are now commonplace throughout much of the industry. I suspect many of the IT terms provided this month have already entered the industry lexicon.

With all today’s technology driving student transportation operations, not to mention tomorrow’s, collaboration with IT departments and a more intimate knowledge of technological solutions is a must. At the very least, student transportation leaders need to know what questions to ask of their IT departments and their dealers. And certainly, levels of security and data redundancy are at the top of the list.

Amid all this technology talk, the solutions I am most intrigued by are emerging virtual reality and augmented reality tools for maintenance professionals. Bob Pudlewski, NSTA Hall of Famer and our magazine’s technical editor, highlights how VR and AR as well as AI are changing or will change maintenance operations. Imagine being able to see into an engine to diagnose an especially vexing (and hidden) issue. Soon, Pudlewski writes, this will be possible.

It might happen even faster. Just two years ago at STN EXPO East in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cummins demonstrated during a plant tour how it is poised to use VR and AR goggles in its manufacturing and troubleshooting. The next great wave of innovation to hit the garage? As you read the following pages, ask yourself how the technologies discussed could assist and streamline your operations. Perhaps you and your transportation team are already using some of them. If so, what’s your “Superuser” story? I’d love to hear about it, and so would your peers across the industry.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the September 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Moments Matter

School Transportation News

By: Tony Corpin

2 September 2025 at 17:56

Wow, I learned a lot last month at the STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. Over 1,000 school transportation professionals joined a dynamic convergence of training, networking and innovation while exploring cutting-edge solutions, sharing best practices, and inspiring transformative change in school transportation.

Among the standout moments were keynote addresses by Jon Petz, the “Amazement Artist,” and Jim Schiffler, a veteran transportation leader. Together, their insights provided actionable strategies for fostering engagement, leadership and operational excellence

The Transportation Director Summit in Lake Tahoe featured Petz’s “Rules of Amazement,” a framework for transforming mundane interactions into meaningful, memorable experiences. During his four-part executive leadership workshop, Petz explored personal branding, the power of focus versus perspective, and embracing simple solutions. His presentation resonated deeply with school transportation leaders, emphasizing the profound impact of small, intentional actions, when every moment with students, parents or colleagues matters.

Two days later, Petz delivered his keynote address to the full conference on “Igniting Significance Through Simple Moments,” weaving a unique blend of business leadership,
inspiration and magical entertainment.

Petz opened with a personal, childhood story about learning a magic trick from his father, a fleeting moment that forged a lasting emotional connection. He also shared a memory of his own school bus driver, Mr. Pope, whose kindness left an indelible mark. Petz challenged attendees to ask themselves, “Do I perform to create an amazing moment, or do I perform just enough to get by?” This question struck a chord in an industry often fraught with stress and high stakes, urging professionals to reimagine their daily touch-points. These can be greeting a student, resolving a parent’s concern, or mentoring a colleague.

He shared another story about performing magic for a critically ill child named Nathan, illustrating how saying “yes” to a single opportunity created a transformative moment. Petz distributed seven of hearts cards to the audience, symbolizing his hope to reconnect with Nathan’s family someday, and encouraged attendees to seize similar moments in their work. Petz’s presentation moved the audience to tears and ended with a standing ovation.

The message was clear. Safety and trust are paramount in school transportation. Small acts of connection can build engaged, passionate teams and foster lasting trust with communities. Petz left attendees inspired to elevate their performance and create wow moments that drive team morale and student safety.

The next day’s keynote by Jim Schiffler, retired president of Minnesota bus dealer North Central Bus & Equipment, delivered a compelling session based on his book, “Stepping Up: From Valued Employee to Supervisor.” Schiffler addressed the complex challenges of transitioning a valued employee into a supervisory role, a common hurdle for school transportation professionals moving into leadership positions. His session provided actionable insights for identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders in
an industry facing driver shortages and evolving operational demands. The insights were particularly relevant in addressing the challenge of promoting drivers and support
staff into supervisory roles while maintaining team cohesion and operational efficiency.

Schiffler emphasized the importance of organizational culture, drawing from his success in creating environments where employees feel safe, respected and valued. He said talented individuals are often dissuaded from stepping into leadership roles out of fear they are not “good enough.” He offered a roadmap for overcoming these doubts, focusing on practical steps to build confidence and competence. Schiffler’s strategies included fostering open communication, recognizing individual contributions and aligning personal growth with organizational goals.

Schiffler’s session highlighted the need for intentional mentorship and training to prepare employees to lead. He shared real-world examples, illustrating how empowering
employees to “make a difference” not only boosts morale but also enhances safety and service quality. His approach resonated with attendees tasked with managing diverse
teams under tight budgets and regulatory pressures. He offered a blueprint for cultivating leaders able to navigate the industry’s unique challenges.

The transformative power of leadership and connection in school transportation inspired attendees to harness simple moments and to build trust and engagement, directly impacting student experiences and team dynamics. Petz’s and Schiffler’s insights offered strategies to enhance safety, improve operations and foster a culture of purpose and excellence. By applying these lessons, school transportation professionals can drive meaningful change that benefit their students.

We all have the power to transform simple everyday tasks into significant and impactful contributions. Encourage and empower your team to be what Petz called, “Showtime Ready.” This is a trusted method of achieving peak performance and driving toward a shared goal of student success.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the August 2025 issue of School Transportation News

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A Jolt to School Bus Maintenance

School Transportation News

By: Ryan Gray

25 August 2025 at 17:44

Reno, Nevada is a dichotomy in July, where the sunbaked desert meets the lush Truckee Meadows, and fir and pine trees lead the way to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Temperatures easily reach triple digits, but strong afternoon winds rolling down the mountainside make evenings pleasant. It is also the scene of the annual STN EXPO West, which last month celebrated its 32nd year, and it has hosted many events and training activities over that span. This year, it brought a new element to the conference.

The National School Bus Inspection Training Program included a high-voltage electric school bus overview that identified key safety components when working on these vehicles. Thanks to Washoe County School District Transportation Director Scott Lee and his staff, Derek Bryant of Automotive Service Excellence utilized an electric Type D Blue Bird to show and discuss with 30 participants the intricacies of electric school bus maintenance and safety inspections. Bryant was joined by Jannet Malig of the Long Beach, California chapter of Clean Cities and the head of California’s Community College program that trains school districts on electric school bus maintenance.

The high-voltage training started the Saturday portion of the hands-on training at Washoe’s South transportation facility after a day of classroom exercises and a written exam. Providing an overview of ASE’s new accreditation for high-voltage safety, Bryant took participants through an electrical journey across the entire school bus, which was elevated on a mobile lift. The overview was about an hour and a half long, and thankfully the Reno heat cooperated as the aforementioned breeze came early.

High-voltage safety training is a must for school bus maintenance technicians nationwide, not only in nearby California, where electric school bus adoption is accelerated. This fact was hammered home several days after the EXPO concluded, when the new owner of Lion Bus formally notified U.S. customers their warranties are now void. This means some 2,000 electric school buses officially have no support. Any owner of a Lion electric bus will tell you that that service has been lacking for some time.

Earlier this year, STN reported some options available to U.S. school districts. More recently, the World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative and CALSTART announced they are working to provide more resources to Lion customers.

The situation highlights a legitimate concern about new entrants into the electric school bus segment, whether that be the vehicle itself, chargers and infrastructure, or service. Already, several companies have fallen by the wayside. With the exit of Lion from the U.S. market, student transportation leaders must ensure the provider they select will be there tomorrow. Certainly, Blue Bird, IC Bus and Thomas Built Buses are in for the long haul. BYD spinoff Ride has a legacy that goes back to 2013, about the same as Lion, but BYD holds the distinction of being the largest electric vehicles manufacturer in the world.

Meanwhile, the feeding frenzy on $5 billion from the EPA Clean School Bus Program appears to have subsided, though EPA finally broke its silence last month with an update on the rebate process as well as promising more information on future funding. There will likely be changes, such as more money for propane school buses. Still, with over 5,200 electric school buses on the road—and another 14,000 in the pipeline, according to the World Resource Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative—maintenance professionals must receive training and assistance. That includes warranty work.

Electric school buses aren’t going anywhere. All the OEMs have spent considerable time and money in developing their low- and zero-emissions products. No amount of uncertainty from Washington, D.C., changes that. I believe electric school buses, will ultimately be successful in specific areas and on routes where the vehicles make the most sense—and other fuels will be necessary for years to come to make up the difference. And technicians in these school districts will need to provide maintenance.

With electric school buses, there are no oil changes, no fuel filter replacements and in many cases no transmission work. But as highlighted by ASE’s high-voltage accreditation, and the work being done elsewhere, it is critical school districts and bus companies have well trained professionals on staff able to take an educated approach to maintaining them. There is nothing contradictory about that.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the August 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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STN EXPO West and Uncharted Territory

School Transportation News

By: Alison Wiley

7 August 2025 at 22:48

I loved the Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. Of course I did. I’m an extrovert, an electric school bus (ESB) nerd ever hungry to learn new things, and I grew up in a desert. This was my sixth STN EXPO conference, and the third I’ve covered for STN as a writer specializing in ESB related topics.

That said, some things not discussed at the Green Bus Summit, at least not officially, are as pressing as the topics that are more popular and comfortable. I’ll get to those in a minute. On the lighter side, part of covering a conference is just listening in general (some might call this eavesdropping). I overheard at the opening reception: “Right, we are not pro-electric, we’re sitting back and letting everybody else work through all the problems before we do anything.”

I get it. If I was already working hard and wouldn’t be paid extra for taking the risks of the ESB path, maybe I’d stay with the status quo of fossil-fueled buses, too. The people running ESBs, though, look as wide-awake, alive and happy as anyone I’ve ever met. And John Wyskiel, president and CEO of Blue Bird, stated that students who ride ESBs arrive at school calmer and more ready to learn.

Technology in general, STN Chief Content Officer Ryan Gray noted, is an increasing theme for the school bus industry. New technology always carries risk. Henry Ford had failures. Diesel was once new and iffy. I liked STN President Tony Corpin’s story of when his parents, Bill and Colette Paul, were starting the magazine up in 1991. Its success was not assured. Blue Bird (and others) gave them a check, a year’s advertising in advance, for the fledgling publication. Their investment implied, “We trust you.” The magazine flourished.

In contrast, the districts that trusted and invested in Lion Electric regret it.

(A few days and after I returned home from Reno, a colleague forwarded me the letter that the newly purchased Lion sent out U.S. owners of Lion Electric school buses. It states their warranties are now void. ESB advocacy groups CALSTART, the Alliance for Electric School Buses and World Resources Institute are working to support Lion owners.)

We heard a lot about Artificial Intelligence (AI) growing rapidly in the school bus world, but little mention of its enormous use of electricity and water. That’s problematic in that power outages and prolonged droughts are on the rise, especially in the West (we were sitting in a Western desert). Should we automatically use AI without limits? Or do we choose how to use it? And do we see ESBs as not just using electricity, but also being able to feed energy back into the grid (V2G), or, more locally and with simpler technology, into a school building during a power outage (V2B)?

First-time STN EXPO attendee Clarissa Castrowore native Navajo dress at the trade show (we were told to dress up). She drives long rural routes for Window Rock Unified School District in Arizona. Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation’s reservation. Castro said, “I like the conference a lot! We have too many-stop arm violations. We need to update our technology.”

For the record, I do not think ESBs are for everybody. For example, I don’t think Window Rock Unified School District in Arizona should pursue them. About 30 percent of residences on the Navajo reservation don’t have electricity yet. I’d think addressing that is a top priority. Literacy rates go up when homes gain electricity (being an ESB nerd makes you an energy nerd, as well).

Jessica Sevilla, director of fleet and facilities at Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency in Southern California, runs 230 school buses, 41 of them electric. “The leap between the worlds [from fossil-fueled to electric] is larger than we’d thought. Mechanics are learning to reach for laptops instead of wrenches.”

She emphasized training and said employee openness to ESBs depended partly on “where they’re at in their careers.” In other words, those earlier in their careers may be more open to learning new skills. Other panelists agreed that ESB driving skill has an enormous impact on range. A feather-foot that maximizes regenerative braking can add dozens of miles of range over the course of a day.

Charles Kriete, CEO of Zonar, told us our business is access to education, not necessarily transportation. I’d call that a paradigm shift. In keeping with Kriete’s declaration, Billy Huish, from rural Farmington Municipal Schools in New Mexico, told me he created an extended classroom by providing 71,000 hours of Wi-Fi, so far, to students on his 68 buses.

“What about TikTok?” I asked anxiously. Absolutely blocked, he assured me.

Related: School Bus Wi-Fi in Flux?

Speaking of anxiety, Kriete said parent calls are reduced by 50 percent when they can use an app to see where their child is. I’ve never fielded a concerned parent’s call, but I can imagine the urgency of resolving where the child is, the rising intensity if it takes too long, and both parents’ and dispatchers’ desires to have fewer such calls.

But even if a school district can afford the best ridership verification technology (many can’t), quota-driven ICE raids, with schools and school bus stops no longer protected from them, may lead to children going missing, or maybe more likely, their parents being abruptly swept away, unable to pick up their children. That’s a harrowing thought, especially with due process going missing, in general. Stay with me.

Transportation directors had plenty to say on this topic, on condition of anonymity, that is. One knew of children dropping out of school and afraid to leave the house after relatives were abruptly deported. The families stay quiet because they don’t want to be targeted. Another has children no longer riding the school bus because parents are fearful of ICE.

They still attend school, if their parents can drive them (not all can).

One transportation director, whose district’s policy is for employees to not surrender children to ICE agents, told me his district’s attorneys were unable to answer the following question he posed to them: “Are you making it a job requirement of my bus drivers to defy ICE agents and risk being taken away, themselves? Because some of them have kids at home who’re depending on them.”

I looked steadily, uncomfortably, into my colleague’s eyes. “We’re in uncharted territory,” he told me.

I found that staff with ESBs can be all over the map on how engaged they are with them. One transportation director had received his first two ESBs, but no idea whether he had Level 2 or Level 3 charging. Tracking your charging saves much money, as noted by Bobby Stafford, Anthony Ashley and Craig Beaver in the session, “What You Need To Know About Working With Your Utility.”

Beaver, administrator of transportation at Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, was STN’s Transportation Director of the Year in 2024. He reported that when he moved his ESBs from peak charging to off-peak charging, his monthly electricity bills went from $50,000 to $60,000 per month to $30,000 per month.

He advocated for vehicle to building (V2B) as opposed to vehicle to grid (V2G). He cited MOVER (Microgrid Opportunities: Vehicles Enhancing Resiliency) project (disclosure: I am among the partners in this project) in Hood River, Oregon. Beaver sees V2G as needing more time to develop. The most successful V2G program is run by Zum for Oakland Unified School District in California. Zum reports 75 ESBs are discharging 2.1 gigawatts back into the Pacific Gas and Electric grid annually, enough to power 300 homes for a year.

In contrast to the Zum V2G project, V2B projects would be under local control. Beaver is building a microgrid with Portland General Electric, his utility, that he reported has been excellent to work with. Ashley, the director of fleet for Atlanta Public Schools, reported a “less flowery experience” with Georgia Electric He advised his peers to do their research before signing a contract with their utility.

Beaver floated the idea of a Fire Relief Center for his microgrid, fueled in part by his ESBs. Heat is by far the most fatal form of extreme weather, and children are more vulnerable to extreme heat than adults. My Tedx talk on ESBs dramatizes a heat-dome scenario in which ESBs discharge energy into a community resilience center, cooling people in an outage, potentially saving lives.

Reno itself was just named the fastest warming city in the U.S. for the second year in a row. Were you out there, sweating along with me at the Ride and Drive? Can you imagine the air conditioning at the Reno conference failing for even a day? I suggest we start to imagine it. Power outages are growing nationwide as temperatures keep rising, energy loads keep growing, and the aging electric grid falters.

I do not sell ESBs or push them on anyone. I think keeping kids in school, safely learning and growing, is our core mission. I do suggest that accessing the motherlode of energy housed in our nation’s 5,000 electric school buses is a good additional mission, in our increasingly hot, anxious, energy-hungry country.

Alison Wiley is a transportation electrification professional who helps bus fleets make the transition from diesel to electric. She produces the the Electric School Bus Newsletter and gave a TedTalk last year that advocates for the use of electric school buses as a tool of equity and inclusion. She is based in Portland, Oregon.

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Smart Buses, Smarter Outcomes

School Transportation News

By: Tony Corpin

4 August 2025 at 18:03

The school bus is evolving. With the integration of AI, data analytics and adaptive learning technologies, school buses are no longer vehicles for student transport alone they’re becoming smart and connected learning environments.

By reimagining school transportation operations, school districts can enhance safety, drive operational efficiency and engage their communities in new and meaningful ways.

Imagine a school bus that adapts to traffic in real time, monitors student behavior for safety, connects students to personalized learning content via Wi-Fi and provides
predictive insights to transportation directors and their teams. This is no longer science fiction it’s the new direction school transportation is headed, powered by AI.

Today’s cutting-edge tools are creating a more intelligent, impactful ride. AI-enabled routing software analyzes traffic, weather, construction and student addresses to create the most time and fuel efficient routes. The integration of onboard tablets allows for turn-by-turn directions and student manifests. These systems adapt in real time, helping buses avoid delays and improve on-time performance, while also helping to cut fuel use, reduce emissions and improve operational costs.

Onboard video systems on school buses aren’t new, but the use of AI software is. Most video systems offer software to help enhance detection of unsafe behavior like bullying or fights. Real-time alerts allow quick intervention to potentially prevent a situation from escalating. Looking at specific areas of interest on the school bus is a real need, and this can be done with enhanced software tools. Hours of recorded video footage and making time to review it effectively is an overwhelming task. But AI software could help tackle this challenge sooner than you realize.

Student tracking and parent communication is mission critical in a modern school transportation system. Parents and school officials are notified instantly when a student boards or exits the bus, bolstering both accountability and peace of mind.

Personalized onboard learning is more important than ever thanks to Wi-Fi. School districts can offer a variety of online learning platforms on mobile devices during school bus commute, turning down time into a valuable part of the learning day. Keep in mind the E-Rate funding for this technology is still available. I’d recommend taking action today to secure it. We don’t know what the future holds for the federal program.

Other connected technology solutions include predictive maintenance and vehicle health paired with AI. This technology can forecast mechanical issues before they become costly failures. Fleet managers receive alerts about maintenance needs, from brake wear to battery life, allowing for proactive servicing. Solution benefits included reduced breakdowns, extended vehicle lifespan and lower overall maintenance costs.

AI-assisted advanced driver systems (ADAS) is the future already realized. ADAS alerts drivers about lane departures, hard braking or following distances, helping reduce crashes. Additionally, AI-generated reports help with training and performance reviews. Fewer crashes mean fewer insurance claims. The other outcomes could be improved driver retention, safer driving habits and reduced stress.

Fleets should consider utilizing more data-driven decision making in their operations. AI platforms collect and analyze transportation data to identify trends, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Dashboards visualize everything from ridership to route efficiency to behavior incidents, helping administrators make informed decisions. Improved operations, better budgeting and resource allocation allow for stronger alignment with academic goals.

By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, school districts are turning the daily commute into a strategic asset.

As technology adoption increases, data security is also vital. IT departments are now highly involved with technology purchasing for school transportation. As a result, IT professionals are requesting secured storage and enterprise level software solutions due to the increased issue of school data breaches. These types of solutions are significantly more expensive than the traditional lower budget solutions we are accustomed to.

The road to and from school can be a dynamic, data-rich, student-focused part of the educational journey. This transformation goes beyond efficiency it enhances student safety, supports learning and empowers transportation teams with the tools they need to succeed. This is a future to get excited about!

Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the July 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Securing Industry Wins

School Transportation News

By: Ryan Gray

28 July 2025 at 18:11

In another galaxy not that long ago, conversations about contracting school transportation focused solely on the yellow school bus. Not anymore. Today’s discussions, while still centering on school buses, have evolved to include the growth of alternative vehicles such as vans, sedans and SUVs.

Many of these are operated by third-party companies with no previous school bus experience. Traditional school bus contractors also now offer this form of transportation, and that has led the industry to do something that is even more historic. As previously reported, the National Congress on School Transportation in May for the first time approved non-school bus recommendations. This month, I talk with the recent alternative transportation writing committee chair, Tyler Bryan.

He is the education associate for the Delaware Department of Education and de facto state director of student transportation. Bryan is also the president-elect for the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, which organizes NCST.

He told me that this topic has been of great interest to him because Delaware, like all states, is grappling with alternative transportation for schoolchildren and how to provide training and oversight. A couple of states have strong laws or regulations, such as California’s inclusion of mandatory pre-employment drug and alcohol testing among the provisions that go into effect this month. But most states do not. Hence, the writing committee was formed at the behest of my good friend and renowned expert in transporting students with disabilities and preschoolers, Linda Bluth, TSD Conference tenured faculty emeritus and long-time magazine contributor.

The main issues discussed at NCST were driver credentialing, vehicle inspection and student behavior management, as the intent of the recommendations is to more align vans and the like with what is required to operate a school bus. These are much needed aspects of alternative transportation and reasons why recommendations needed to be made in the national school transportation specifications and procedures.

In the meantime, one of the vital aspects of alternative transportation that had not been addressed, at least to the liking of certified child passenger safety technicians I have spoken with, is the issue of child safety restraint systems on these alternative transportation vehicles. The NHTSA-sponsored, eight-hour, hands-on Child Passenger Safety on School Buses seminar that is presented again at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, this month and returns to the TSD conference in Frisco, Texas, in November provides everything a student transporter or a child passenger safety technician needs to know about the differences with CSRS in school buses, compared to other vehicles.

The training also demonstrates how to properly and safely secure students in a variety of CSRSs, whether those are traditional rear- or forward-facing car seats for infants and toddlers, the various safety vests and harnesses that students with disabilities might need, or proper securement and support in wheelchairs.

CPSTs I’ve spoken with were at first dismayed that initial industry conversations on alternative transportation lacked focus on CSRS. In the run up to NCST, a NASDPTS paper on alternative transportation did not mention the need for training alternative transportation providers on correct CSRS usage (Indiana is the only state that requires CSRS for preschool children riding in school buses.) Those same CPSTs expressed relief when CSRS training did make it into the NCST proposal in Des Moines, Iowa, where state delegates approved it.

That was a win for the industry. It gives the guidance that alternative transportation companies as well as school districts need when increasingly transporting students with disabilities, out-of-district students, and preschoolers in non-school bus vehicles. Already we have seen proactive measures taken by providers when it comes to managing student behavior. EverDriven announced earlier this year it is requiring video cameras in all vehicles. Ostensibly in response to the CSRS inclusion in the national specifications, HopSkipDrive last month said it was offering new rider assistants and a “car seat program” in addition to wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The new industry recommendations that give best-practice guidance on alternative transportation could be a defining moment in the industry’s evolution.You can bookmark that, literally. The updated National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures manual is expected to be available later this summer.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the July 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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