In the hectic, fast-paced world of school transportation, performing with excellence isn’t just a feigning, casual interest—it’s a necessity. An obligation. The daily mission of safely and efficiently transporting students requires the optimization of every resource available: mental clarity, physical energy and emotional resilience. These three components are the building blocks for peak performance, and when they’re aligned, you’ll know you’re bringing your “A game” to the field of play of school transportation…as well as life.

Here’s how outperformers optimize these three key resources:

Mental Resource Optimization: Clarity and Focus
As motivational speaker and author Tony Robbins says, “Where your focus goes, energy flows.” Mental sharpness is non-negotiable in school transportation. From route planning to handling last-minute changes, cognitive overload and poor decision making can lead to errors and unnecessary stress.

Focus on the intersection:
Outperformers channel their mental focus on the intersection of the “Things That Matter + Things They Can Control.”

The Venn diagram, below, appears to be common sense, but it’s not always common practice. Focus too much on outcomes outside of your control and your mental resources are drained by stress, fear, worry and anxiety (“I’m really nervous about the results from this new process.”) It’s giving too much weight to what might happen instead of what you’re doing. It’s okay to visit there, but you don’t want to live there.

On the other hand, if you focus too much on tasks that aren’t impactful, you’ll feel mentally overwhelmed and frustrated (“I have too much to do and not enough time to do it.”) Try trimming your lengthy to-do list into a limited strategic priorities list. Then, watch what happens to your mental bandwidth.

Savor the small wins:
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Especially when we’re faced with complex or daunting tasks, it can be human nature to mentally disengage. Usually, this is because the enormity of the situation engulfs us, and we feel like we’re never going to get to the other side. It makes it hard to start and even harder to sustain.

The above image is from my book, “Outperform The Norm: Daily Execution. Extraordinary Results.” The remedy is to separate the tall “ladder” into smaller rungs, steps, milestones, benchmarks, wins, etc. When you do this, you’ll instantly become more mentally motivated. As you start making progress, you’ll not just focus on how much farther you have to go; you’ll also be empowered by focusing on how far you’ve come!

Mindfulness breaks:
We can all benefit from slowing down to speed up. Specifically, find time in your daily routine for mindfulness breaks where you consciously slow down your breathing (and, in turn, your mind). This allows you to speed up your mental game later.

Try taking two breaks throughout the day—ideally around times that are most stressful—and focus on nothing other than breathing in through your nose for a count of four (your shoulders should not come up when you do this!), then breathing out through your mouth for a count of four. Do 10-15 breathing cycles and you’ll feel calmer and mentally refreshed afterwards.

Physical Resource Optimization: Energy is Everything
As I was writing this article, I was recovering from a 10-day cold. I was saddled with a cough, congestion, aches, sore throat, fever And a SEVERE lack of energy. Have you been there? When you don’t have energy, doesn’t everything—including basic, day-to-day tasks— feel much, much harder? This is where a lot of Americans exist. Not necessarily in sickness, but in a depleted state of energy. And in a field with early mornings and long hours, optimization is impossible without physical vitality.

Prioritize sleep:
Sleep is our greatest source of energy renewal and quality matters more than quantity. One of the best ways to ensure a higher quality of sleep is to employ the 3-2-1 method:
• 3 hours before bed: Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• 2 hours before bed: Finish eating
• 1 hour before bed: Stop screen time (phone, iPad, etc.)
A golden rule for all mental, physical and emotional optimization is to focus on progress, not perfection. Are you always going to stop screen time exactly an hour before bed. Probably not. But can you make progress from where you are now? Absolutely. That progress will lead to more energy and better sleep.

Movement is medicine:
Quality movement / exercise is the greatest performance-enhancer on the planet. Nothing else replicates the benefits we get from moving our body:
Exercise doesn’t have to be a one-hour bootcamp. Any movement matters—it can be a 10-minute stretch in the morning or a 20-minute walk over lunch. These things add up. Small wins become big wins over time.

Fuel your body, nourish your brain:
Most people don’t link what they put into their body and how it impacts the way they think, feel and perform. It does. And instead of worrying about the totality of going on a “diet,” simply strive to make a healthy choice for breakfast (a piece of fruit and glass of water, for example). Behavioral researchers call this a “micro-commitment” and you’ll be committed to making more healthy choices for the rest of the day.

Emotional Resource Optimization: Resilience and Connection
The emotional component of school transportation is often overlooked, but it’s arguably one of the most important areas for optimization. Handling student behavior, navigating parent concerns and thriving through change requires emotional resilience and connection.

Remember what you DO:
If we met for a cup of coffee and I asked what you do, you’d probably say that you work in school transportation efficiently. What are the consequences if you don’t show up and perform with excellence? Far too often this gets lost in the day-to-day craziness of
our lives. The challenges, struggles and conflicts tax our emotions and cloud our connection to the good we do. Remember the students you serve. It matters. You matter!

Be elastic:
There is a common misconception about resilience (or “mental toughness,” as it’s called in athletics). Resilience does NOT mean that you’re impervious to emotional letdown, anger and doubt, and bulletproof to any adversity that comes your way.

Emotional resilience means you’re elastic, like a balloon. If something doesn’t go your way, how long does it take you to “bounce back into shape” (the definition of resilience)? Optimization comes from lessening the time of experiencing negative emotions, recognizing they aren’t benefiting you and consciously choosing to move onto something better.

Leverage your reference points:
Have you ever been faced with a challenging situation where you couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? Or you doubted getting to the finish line at the end of the “race?”
We all have. Reference points are emotionally challenging events in your life that you’ve faced and overcome. The Norm looks at these times and discounts them, wondering why they had to go through it.

Outperformers see it differently. They look at these events as growth experiences that taught something about their own courage and fortitude. These situations, then, become reference points, giving a reservoir of emotional strength and internal belief with which to fight future battles—for you and for your team.

Your Call to Action
Imagine a school transportation department where dispatchers are mentally sharp, school bus drivers are energized, and leaders foster a connected, emotionally resilient environment. The impact goes beyond operational efficiency—it creates a culture of peak performance that benefits students, parents and the entire community.

But mental, physical and emotional optimization aren’t a one-time effort. It’s a daily commitment. Start by identifying ONE area where you or your team can make a small but meaningful improvement. Then, apply “speed of implementation,” where you take an action step as fast as possible toward this commitment. Remember—progress, not perfection! Keep outperforming!

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

Scott Welle is a sports psychologist, author, keynote speaker and trainer. This month at STN EXPO East in Concord, North Carolina, he shares with TD Summit participants how exceptional leaders inspire others. He also provides his “Outperform the Norm” message to all conference attendees with a keynote on March 24. Learn more at stnexpo.com/east and scottwelle.com.

Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina
Related: School Start Times and the Impact on Teen Mental Health
Related: Time Well Spent
Related: (STN Podcast E218) Onsite at STN EXPO Reno 2024: Coming Together for Safety, Technology & Clean Energy

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Yellow continues to go green as school districts across the country modernize fleets with the latest alternative fuel technologies, to support cleaner air for students and the neighborhoods where they live. Through expanded offerings in bio- and renewable diesel, ultra-clean propane and natural gas, and battery electric offerings that eliminate tailpipe exhaust, owners and operators have options to support their sustainability initiatives in an economic fashion.

From traditional bus manufacturers to startups and new market entrants, manufacturers are offering near- or zero-emission school buses and showing no signs of slowing down. Shifting incentives and regulatory landscapes have not dimmed the prospect of the school bus industry’s clean transportation future.

The Changing Chess Board of School Bus Manufacturers

Original equipment manufacturers like Blue Bird, IC Bus, Thomas Built Buses, Collins and Micro Bird offer diversified product portfolios, including options for near-zero and zero-emission school buses. Market competition, specifically in the all-electric space, has increased with companies like RIDE, GreenPower Motor and others entering the market with zero-emission solutions.

Up until last year, trends showed that the silver bullet solution of zero emissions would be the favored choice for the school bus market. Indeed, many schools have successfully deployed battery electric fleets and are having favorable operational results. However, recent economic, political and customer demand changes have started telling a different story — diversified product lines give consumers the flexibility to find the right solution.

One of the most telling signs for electric vehicles was the slate of bankruptcy announcements, from onetime industry darlings like Lion Electric on the school bus side and Nikola Corporation on the heavy-duty truck side. Further, the fate of unprocessed orders and recently delivered assets — and the deleterious impacts of grant funding pauses — would seem to indicate that a diversification in product offerings could be a viable risk mitigation strategy during times of market uncertainty.

Incentive Structures Expected to Change for School Buses

The EPA’s Clean Schol Bus (CSB) Program has served as the primary incentive for alternative fuel school buses over the last three years. Indeed, since 2022, CSBP funding has supported over 1,300 school districts to deploy over 9,000 alternative fuel school buses. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (DERA) has also funded more than 3,000 clean diesel and alternative fuel school buses since 2012.

Though many diesel replacement funding programs across the country use cost-effectiveness to evaluate projects and funding levels, the school bus market has often seen a flat rate or voucher-style incentive. Most recently, the EPA set the voucher for battery electric buses at more than $300,000 per unit. With increased scrutiny on federal incentives and their effectiveness, the incentives landscape will likely move away from these flat rate structures.

Beyond the EPA’s initiatives, several states have prioritized the transition to diesel alternatives by creating grant programs that offset the upfront investment for the buses and required infrastructure. California’s most recent incentive, the Zero Emission School Buses and Infrastructure (ZESBI) Program, aligns with similar initiatives in Colorado, New Jersey, and New York that promote all-electric options. Michigan, too, prioritizes clean school buses, though its program includes eligibility for all-electric and near-zero emission options. In total, these state-level programs may drive as much as $1 billion in aggregate incentives to the alternative fuel school bus market.

Aligning with President Donald Trump’s executive orders and the focus on domestic energy, several alternative fuels seem primed to gain (or perhaps regain) momentum — renewable diesel/biodiesel, natural gas, and propane. Hardly a new technology, propane in particular has served as a clean transportation industry stalwart for decades, lauded by its fleet adopters for its ability to provide affordable, efficient, and accessible clean transportation. More and more school districts, businesses and transit agencies may review the viability of these domestically produced alternative fuel options as a means of affordably diversifying fuel supply.

Shifting the Lens: Finding Market Drivers in a New Administration

The slate of recent executive orders has introduced a new set of agendas, initiatives and motivators. While the market continues to absorb and assess the potential implications, one element stands out in stark contrast, the short-term funding landscape holds plenty of uncertainties. From the status of existing EPA programs to the planned use of funds from the Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, there is still much to understand about where future federal funding may come from for alternative fuel school buses. However, as noted above, state funding programs offer a viable solution.

Beyond incentives, additional motivators for going green include regulatory mandates and carbon credit programs. In California, Assembly Bill 579 requires school districts to purchase zero-emission buses starting in 2035, and other states such as New York and Washington have proposed or approved similar measures. The portfolio of states with carbon credit programs grew from three to four with the addition of New Mexico.

Now, New Mexico as well as California, Washington and Oregon are generating revenue for fleet operators and creating additional interest in battery electric projects.

Final Thoughts

America’s yellow school buses have made considerable strides to improve performance, air quality and safety, and these trends are expected to continue well into the future. Challenges and opportunities abound though, as market drivers, political and policy motivations, and sustainability trends continue to shift. Upcoming announcements at the Federal and state levels will be telling as to how the school bus market will need to adjust priorities and continue the adoption of alternative fuel technologies.

Upcoming Events

Trying to stay on top of the changing policy and funding landscape? Look to STN’s events over the next few months as well as ACT Expo as critical opportunities to hear directly from funding agencies, fellow school districts deploying alternative fuel buses, and manufacturing partners. ACT Expo, the largest advanced commercial vehicle technology showcase in North America, offers just that, a four-day conference bringing together the leading alternative fuel manufacturers, infrastructure providers and fleet operators. Editor’s note – School Transportation News is an official media sponsor of ACT Expo.

ACT Expo, which returns to Anaheim, California, this spring, will host a school bus sector session on April 30 for transportation directors to learn more about this ever-changing landscape. STN EXPO’s Green Bus Summits, occurring in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 23-24 and in Reno, Nevada on July 13-14, offer similar content around policy and incentives.

Joe Annotti is the senior vice president of incentives for the TRC Clean Transportation Solutions, the organizer of ACT EXPO. He presents the session “State of Green Schools Buses” at STN EXPO East in on March 23.

The post The State of Green School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

I’m sure you have started to consider attending a school transportation conference or two this year. Many state, regional and national conferences offer school transportation professionals an opportunity to get together to share ideas, network and reconnect with industry partners and friends. I highly recommend you attend conferences for professional development opportunities, too. The information that you can absorb from industry experts and panelists, and share with others, will help you achieve better outcomes for your students and school transportation operations.

“The chance to gain inspiration and motivation from other successful professionals is a big factor in why I attend conferences,” said Jacob Iverson, senior vice president at Landmark Student Transportation. The educational sessions and expertise of the presenters at conferences can help improve your skills and knowledge on school transportation subject matters. What better investment is there to make than in yourself and your team? Conferences often feature keynote speakers, workshops and panel discussions led by experts in various fields of expertise. By attending, individuals can learn about the latest trends and best practices to gain valuable insights that can help them grow both personally and professionally.

In 2025, award winning keynote speakers like Scott Welle and Jon Petz will share their personal stories and experiences, which can be sources of inspiration for STN EXPO attendees. This can help individuals develop a growth mindset and increase their confidence in pursuing their goals. Attending conferences and leadership training programs can offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations.

Conferences like STN EXPO—with the focused content events Bus Technology Summit, Green Bus Summit and Transportation Director Summit—provide an opportunity to gain knowledge, learn new skills and network with like-minded individuals. Participating in trade shows and networking events can also expose individuals to new technology and enable them to meet new potential business partners.

“I experienced a lot of value connecting with leaders at the STN EXPO [West] in Reno last year, especially at the Transportation Director Summit,” said Teresa Fleming, COO at the School District of Philadelphia and 2023 STN Transportation Director of the Year. “The conversations and connections I made during the sessions, networking events and trade show were invaluable. I plan to attend STN EXPO again this year and send our transportation team, too.”

The ability to network with fellow attendees and crowdsource potential solutions to today’s most pressing challenges is what you should expect to get out of attending a conference. Engaging with trade show exhibitors to connect the dots between operational strategy and the role technology can play is key. Also, you can have fun doing it while catching up with old friends and making new ones.

Conferences provide an opportunity to network with other professionals in our industry. This can be especially valuable for those who are looking to expand their professional circle and make new connections.

Networking can lead to new opportunities, problem-solving ideas, collaboration and partnerships that can benefit both the attendee and the organization or school district they represent.

Last year, we asked STN EXPO attendees, “Why do you attend our conferences?” The top two responses were networking and professional development/educational classes. Networking events and trade shows are also important for people that are looking to expand their professional network and stay updated on the latest trends and technology.

The opportunity to meet with peers, suppliers, school bus dealers and OEMs has a big value for conference attendees. The trade show can also act as a place to conduct market research to find the best products and partners for your school district or organization needs to address key challenges in student behavior, fuel of choice, safety, security, staffing recruitment, driver training and special needs.

I want to personally invite you to register for STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, suburb of Concord, March 20-25, or STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, July 11-16. Learn more at stnexpo.com.

Attending conferences and leadership training programs can offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations. The opportunity is there to gain new
knowledge and skills, network with other professionals, and attain inspiration and motivation from successful speakers. If you are an individual looking to grow professionally, attending conferences and trade shows can be a valuable investment in your future success and time well spent.

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

Related: WATCH: National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training
Related: Innovative, Bus Technology Meet for Immersive Experience at STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker Brings Dynamic Performance Strategies to North Carolina

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It was not long ago that school bus mechanics relied solely on a set of Snap-On or Craftsman tools complemented by a dwell meter, vacuum gauge, timing light, tachometer, torque wrench, volt/amp/ohm meter, feeler gauges, inside and outside micrometers, sledgehammer and pry bar, to diagnosis and repair school buses. Mechanical knowledge was gained from high school auto mechanics classes, industrial arts and working alongside seasoned experienced mechanics with the job being performed well on the vehicles of that era.

School bus maintenance has processes and procedures that include periodic checks, preventive maintenance cycles (PM), state regulatory inspections, steering and suspension work, brake replacement, accident and vandalism repair, driver-reported concerns (driver defects), tire repair, and fleet appearance work. These will always remain part of the routine work performed by technicians. These job tasks will never be eliminated by autonomous technology. They, however, can be supported by it in using diagnostic, scheduling and monitoring software with a system that may predict events, identify failures, record events, and schedule repairs.

The past few decades have seen many changes to school buses, leading to a necessary change or growth in the numerous skills required to be a school bus technician.

The ongoing development and introduction of numerous OEM and aftermarket electronic management and diagnostic systems on board the school bus require that the technician is capable of demonstrating a intimate knowledge of those system diagnostics and repair techniques, including numerous proprietary information technologies that are related to these new equipment operational innovations. At the same time, the technician needs to continue with applying established legacy maintenance techniques on 1- to 15-year-old diesel, gasoline and propane engines, transmissions and chassis components of their fleet.

Adding to the evolving skill set necessary for today’s technician is the complexity of transitioning over time to a battery-electric powertrain or electric motor assisted
power systems, and the facility infrastructure and equipment necessary to support them. School bus technicians must perform a wide range of tasks safely, all while trying to stay within operating budget parameters.

The complexity of diagnostic equipment and system fault codes and the semi-autonomous on-board power plant management systems operating today’s numerous Type A, B, C, D and other non-school bus equipment related to the school district or company, warrants a title change and job description from school bus mechanic to that of school bus technician.

To excel in the field of qualified school bus technicians, individuals ideally would possess a combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and formal training. Key qualifications preferably include a formal journeyman training program specific to the school bus chassis maintenance process, a postsecondary training program at a technical school or community college and industry training certification endorsed by OEM’s. Add to these ongoing a training development program supported by their employer. Also, demonstrated skill from experience gained working alongside experienced technicians over time is invaluable.

These programs typically include coursework in diesel and alternative fueled engine technology, electronics, and hands-on training in diagnostic and repair techniques. I also strongly recommend certifications from recognized organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (school bus/medium truck specific), which can enhance job knowledge, especially as the industry moves toward electrification.

The future of medium truck and bus technician jobs looks promising, with steady demand projected across various industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for technicians to grow by 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, keeping pace with the average growth rate for all occupations. Innovations in technology, increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, and a mix of alternative fueled vehicles and legacy diesel school buses vehicles will ensure a consistent need for skilled technicians. While the role of school bus technician comes with its share of challenges, the opportunities for growth, advancement and job security make it an attractive career choice for those with the right skills and training.

As technology continues to evolve, school bus technicians will remain at the forefront of ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of the school transportation sector numerous school bus types.

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

Robert 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.

Related: Training School Bus Technicians for an Electric Fleet
Related: Florida School District Begins School Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program
Related: Contractor Helps School Bus Maintenance Operations Cut Costs, Not Corners
Related: (STN Podcast E222) Tools to Get the Job Done: Georgia Garage Star Talks Maintenance Evolution

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This year has started off with a flurry of activity. We have new leadership at Blue Bird, IC Bus and Thomas Built Buses. Last month, President Donald Trump was sworn into office. A new political trifecta has been created with the House of Representatives and Senate maintaining a Republican majority. Amid the leadership changes, federal legislators have been targeting improved school bus safety especially in the Danger Zone. Enter the Enhancing Necessary Data (END) Illegal Passing Act and the School Bus Safety Act.

As Illegal passing of school buses continues to occur across the country at alarming rates, the Jackie Walorski END Illegal Passing Act was reintroduced by Reps. Julia Brownley and Rudy Yakym. These two congressional members continued the mission of Walorski, who tragically died in a vehicle collision in August 2022. The bill represents a vital component in the quest to curb this safety epidemic.

The School Bus Safety Act aims to improve the safety of students when traveling to and from school on buses. There have been multiple attempts at the federal level to pass this law, but these efforts have been met with mixed results.

It would primarily address the issue of drivers illegally passing school buses when their red lights are flashing, indicating that children are either boarding or exiting. Key components of the act include increased penalties for passing a stopped school bus, enhanced enforcement and monitoring, awareness campaigns, and stronger laws for school bus safety. The overall goal is to reduce accidents and fatalities involving school children, making it safer for students when they are boarding or exiting school buses. States may adopt different versions of the law, but the core aim remains to keep students safe as they travel to and from school.

There is certainly a need for both laws. According to a study conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation (NASDPTS), an estimated 45.2 million illegal passing violations occurred during the 2023-2024 school year. NHSTA is also developing a campaign similar to “Click it or Ticket” that targeted increased seat belt usage in 1993. This time, NHTSA wants to increase awareness of illegal passing of school buses. A Super Bowl commercial would be the ultimate awareness platform, if funding would be authorized.

A recent national study by NHTSA of 3,500 respondents found that over 30 percent of people said “They didn’t care” when passing a school bus illegally. That kind of disrespect for the yellow school bus can’t be ignored. A quarter of motorists said they were in a hurry and nearly the same amount said they didn’t know the law. Another 12 percent said they were distracted.

Illegal passing was a hot-button issue last month at the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Midwinter Meeting. So was the topic of alternative transportation. I sat in a presentation by NASDPTS Executive Director Ronna Weber and President Mike Stier, as they shared a new position paper that calls out the safety of school buses compared to vans and other vehicles. NASDPTS issued 17 recommendations to address the safety of these alternative vehicles as well as their drivers.

I have seen the growth and demand increase exponentially for this type of alternative transportation service, but providers lack clear industry safety standards and guidelines. This has been an ongoing point of concern among industry stakeholders as more school districts utilize this type of home to school transportation service for students with disabilities and students served by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It will also be a major topic of conversation at the upcoming National Congress on School Transportation (NCST) meeting held in Des Moines, Iowa, May 3-7.

Also, during the NSTA meeting last month, I listened to discussions about the future of the EPA Clean School Bus Program, fuel tax exemption, safety fitness determination, national employer notification of driving violations, federal minimum limits for financial responsibility (insurance), and protection against unfair competition by public transit in provision of home to school bus transportation. New safety technology and device mandates were discussed, too.

The school transportation industry is poised for significant advancements and change this year. Join us next month at STN EXPO East in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, where you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your leadership, safety and operational expertise. Explore cutting-edge technology, innovative safety equipment and exciting new OEM product launches. We look forward to seeing you there.

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

Related: NHTSA Releases Report on Nationwide Illegal School Bus Passing Laws
Related: (STN Podcast E244) In the People Business: Underscoring & Improving School Bus Safety
Related: STN EXPO East Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina
Related: Blue Bird Announces New President, CEO

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As the former VP of risk management for Laidlaw for over 21 years, I was responsible for
the safety of operating 38,000 school buses. To this day, I clearly recall one specific tragic accident that resulted in a 6-year-old boy being killed by the bus he rode. Upon exiting, he walked in front of the bus, where the driver did not see him, and was struck by the front of the bus and killed by the rear wheels. There was no crossing arm on the bus.

Two years later, I was subpoenaed to a deposition by the plaintiff’s lawyer. I was asked if the bus had a crossing arm and if this tragedy could have been prevented. Obviously, the answer was yes, it may have been prevented. In fact, I believe there was more than a 90 percent chance it would have been prevented. Due to this tragedy, Laidlaw retrofitted all 38,000 school buses with crossing arms. This led to no further front of the bus danger zone student fatalities.

Let us consider the overall U.S. danger zone fatalities over the past 20 years. In the last decade, there were 51 student fatalities. In the previous decade there were 111
student fatalities, a 54 percent reduction. So, how did we achieve this? I believe that the fitting of crossing arms was one of the primary reasons for saving these young
lives, and the numbers prove this statement. In more specific terms, there were nine front of the bus fatalities in the last decade. In the prior decade there were 28 front-of-the-bus student fatalities. That is a significant reduction, 68 percent in fact. More importantly, 19 children’s lives were saved.

Crossing arms are mandatory on all school buses in Canada. However, only 25 states require crossing arms. In the remaining 25 states, crossing arms are optional. It is estimated that 60 percent of all the school buses in the U.S. have crossing arms.

On Sept. 13, 2022, a 6-year-old girl in Fort Worth, Texas was killed at the front of her bus no crossing arm. Crossing arms were fitted to all that district’s buses after this collision.

On Feb.16, 2024, in New York, a 5-year-old girl was killed at the front of her bus, and again no crossing arm. If these buses had crossing arms, it is likely that these children would still be alive. Do crossing arms work in reducing danger zone fatalities? Absolutely, as proven by the data.

What Costs are Involved?
A crossing arm retails around $400. If purchased in volume, this cost can be reduced. Many districts install them on all new school buses and the cost is spread over the life of the vehicle. For example, a Type C propane school bus without a crossing arm costs $140,000. The additional crossing arm would increase the cost to $140,400. Clearly this is a no brainer.

Installation takes between two and three hours depending upon the make and model of the bus. However, if required on new school buses, the manufacturer would install the crossing arms.

Ideally, all school buses used to transport students should have a crossing arm. At the least, they should be required on all new school buses, then, look to retrofit them on existing buses starting with the newer buses in your fleet.

What States Do Not Require Crossing Arms?
The last study of crossing arm requirements was performed by the National Association for Pupil Transportation in January 2019. At that time, crossing arms were not required in the following 25 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Vermont.

California has its own practice, where the driver exits the school bus and helps students cross the street, using a stop sign. This makes California an exception to needing crossing arms.

However, it does not matter if your state requires crossing arms. For the safety of the students, it is the right thing to do. Had I been doing my job better in 2004 and fitted crossing arms sooner, it is likely the 6-year-old would still be alive. I accept this responsibility, and it continues to weigh upon me.

What do some of the leaders in the industry think of using crossing arms?

Dick Fischer: “We must do everything possible to make our school buses safer. I strongly support having crossing arms on all school buses.”

Robert Pudlewski: “Of all the items you can add to a school bus to make it safer, the crossing arm is by far one of the most effective. To operate school buses without a crossing arm is needlessly putting student’s lives at risk. It should be mandatory in every state.”

Shelly Hall: “Student Transportation of America have crossing arms fitted on every school bus, in all the states we operate and in Canada. We believe this is an essential item of safety equipment and should be included on every school bus in North America.”

There are many devices on the market you can add to a school bus to improve its safety. However, none are proven to save more lives than crossing arms, and for such a low cost. Twenty less front-of-the-bus fatalities, decade over decade, proves this to be true.

Please do not put yourself in my position, knowing you could have saved a child’s life for only $400 per bus. Fit crossing gates to your fleet now.

Please note, neither I nor my company sell crossing arms or have any financial interest in any company that does sell them. My interest is in trying to persuade as many school districts and school bus contractors as possible to add crossing arms to further reduce front-of-the school bus student fatalities.

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

Jeff Cassell is the president and founder of School Bus Safety Company. All data cited is sourced from the National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey performed each year by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Related: What Do School Bus Drivers Want to Increase Safety?
Related: Safety in the Danger Zone
Related: (STN Podcast E237) Lives in Our Hands: Danger Zone Safety, Rising Star Talks Driver Training
Related: (STN Podcast E244) In the People Business: Underscoring & Improving School Bus Safety

The post Crossing Arms: Do They Work? appeared first on School Transportation News.

Perhaps most famously for this industry, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1971 with Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education to force school desegregation by using school buses. How exactly did we get to the most recent decision of the nation’s highest court that impacts student transporters, that being the hastened demise of TikTok, only for President Donald Trump to rescue the social media company on his first day back in the Oval Office?

Unlike with Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and at least a half-dozen other cases that dealt with race, due process and educational access, the TikTok ruling minimally impacted school district and bus company transportation departments, having more to do with balancing free speech with national security and the ability of other social media companies to potentially buy Chinese company ByteDance.

True, social platforms have become important and lucrative content creation tools used by school bus drivers and other student transporters to communicate and even promote their jobs. The rise of TikTok and other social channels demands employer oversight of and training for employees, to ensure posts are appropriate and safe, if even allowed.

Still, that decision was a mere sideshow to this spring’s apparent main event, which could result in long-lasting potential impacts on not only funding but student access to internet on school buses.

Though not scheduled on the docket as of this writing, SCOTUS is expected to deliberate on the constitutionality of the Universal Services Fund (USF) and, hence, the future of the federal E-Rate program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In addition to funding E-Rate, USF provides monthly subsidies to low-income earners for broadband and bundled broadband-and-voice service, support for areas with high costs for telecommunications services and support for healthcare providers in rural areas.

Last summer, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 9-7 ruling that USF is unconstitutional because it violates the so-called non-delegation doctrine. As Noelle Ellerson Ng, the associate executive director for advocacy and government at the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), explained in a July blog post, the judges said Congress delegated tax authority to the FCC. But the FCC then delegated that revenue raising power to a private company, the Universal Service Administrative Company, a nonprofit run by industry interest groups.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation sent an email to members in December signaling its support of the effort led by AASA to save USF because of the benefits to libraries, schools and, now, school buses. FCC said the USF provided E-Rate funding for 65,874 urban schools and 35,648 rural schools during the 2023 program year alone. All told, FCC said E-Rate has disbursed more than $50 million since it began in 1996. Student transporters last year and for the first time accessed E-Rate funds to reimburse 20- to 90-percent of the cost of installing and operating Wi-Fi hotspots in school buses, part of the FCC’s “Learning Without Limits” initiative.

In October, about two weeks before the presidential election, AASA recommended that USF and E-Rate needed protection, “to preserve equitable access to affordable broadband for disadvantaged communities, including schools.” But Trump’s Nov. 5 win further emboldened those who have had USF in their crosshairs for years.

It is noteworthy that three of the five FCC commissioners that pushed through ”Learning Without Limits” were Democrats. That power has shifted right. Already, Brendan Carr, a Republican, was named by Trump as the new FCC Chairman, replacing Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat and the chief architect of the initiative.

Last month, AASA filed its amicus brief in support of USF, with NAPT as one of the 20 supporting organizations. Additionally, a bipartisan group of 21 senators and eight representatives signed on.

Last summer, Ellerson Ng said the 5th Circuit Court decision could be applied nationally, meaning a halt to all USF programs. The decision could also be applied only within the 5th circuit, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The third possibility: The decision is stayed pending appeal to the Supreme Court.

The justices could ultimately find in favor of USF. But as recent history and other decisions have shown, that is uncertain. If USF and E-Rate are struck down, program changes during the current fiscal year are not expected. But a decision to end USF and E-Rate would force school districts hoping to rely on funding for Wi-Fi hotspots on school buses to go back to the drawing board.

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

Related: (Recorded Webinar) How to Fund & Implement School Bus WiFi
Related: Benefits of School Bus Wi-Fi Discussed at STN EXPO
Related: Update: Supreme Court Reinstates Corporate Transparency Act
Related: New York State Amends School Bus Camera Law Following Court Rulings

The post A Supreme (Court) Debate Impacting Internet on School Buses? appeared first on School Transportation News.

I was inspired by the reaction of attendees at the recent TSD Conference to the concept of celebrating student success during transportation. When this idea was presented in November in Frisco, Texas, where I moderated two panel discussions, it seemed like
virtually everyone was writing it down. Not that celebrating is such a novel idea, but the fact it was being noted by so many attendees, to remember when they got back to work, meant this idea merits at the least more discussion. I decided to flesh it out a little and hopefully show more people why we should be doing it.

We all know transportation is an essential service for many students with special needs. We also know that we should be taking every opportunity to educate students. We certainly want to teach students how to wait for the school bus. We also want to teach them how to enter and exit the school bus, and, perhaps most importantly, how to ride the school bus. Doing all of these by the age of 18 or 22 is a priority, to meet the call of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

These skills need to be passed on to all students at every opportunity. It is essential that these competences are taught and reinforced often.

We will not succeed in every case, but if we start early enough and stick with it, most students will achieve some success, and more than a few will master skills. Students show safer behavior as they become educated. We should celebrate all of them. They are all successes and so are we for our role in their development.

Here’s where the value of celebrating starts to multiply. Shouldn’t the teachers and aides in the classroom celebrate the students’ successes? Yes, because they are responsible for similar advances. They probably have taught the students those same skills in a different setting. They may not have taught the student to show the driver the bus pass, but they could have taught them how to present their student ID to the librarian. They might not
have shown the student how to stand in line waiting to get on the bus, but they probably showed the student how to wait in line to come into the classroom from recess.

Parents also need to take the time to celebrate their student’s success. Most of their communication with the school site is negative. “I only hear from the office when there is a behavioral problem involving my student,” is a complaint we often hear. That alone justifies inviting them to celebrate. But there are so many more reasons.

Here are a few:
• They can see the students demonstrate their progress. We can take the parent and student out to the bus, so the student can demonstrate what they have learned.
• We can also use the opportunity to answer other questions that the parent(s) might have.
• They can see what we’re going to teach next and prepare their students.
• They can come to understand that they are not alone, that struggles they’ve had are shared by others.
• They might be able to gain the confidence that, just maybe, their children will be able to safely ride the public bus when they progress into the world without our care.

The principal, special education staff, and other site employees also need to share in the success. They all played a role in the success. Why not celebrate? The final group that must be invited consists of school bus drivers and transportation staff. How often do we
celebrate them for what they do? We owe them this celebration. In particular, we should be praising our drivers and aides for their ability to educate. That is, the drivers and aides actually teach skills that children will use for life. The drivers do all this for every student without asking much from us. If you can, pay them the extra hour or two the celebration requires, and celebrate them as educators.

These celebrations don’t have to take long, but they are essential. Invite the special education staff, the site staff, district administrators, and others. Maybe food services
can chip in some nutritious snacks (at a huge discount we hope.) You might be surprised at who shows up and just how much they appreciate it. We’re celebrating students’ success but we’re also celebrating everyone’s role in the students’ achievements. What could be better?

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

Pete Meslin is a TSD Conference advisor and a retired director of transportation for Newport-Mesa Unified School District in California. He authored the “Bus in the Classroom” program to teach students with disabilities how to safely prepare for and ride school buses.

Related: TSD Evacuation Class Emphasizes Importance of Training
Related: TSD Conference Panel Discusses Routing for Students with Special Needs
Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People
Related: Sexual Abuse Prevention Expert Provides Strategies When Transporting Students with Disabilities

The post Celebrate Accomplishments When Transporting Students with Disabilities appeared first on School Transportation News.

Are you struggling to hire school bus drivers, mechanics or other transportation professionals for your district or company? Are you confident that your team would recommend working at your organization? These are tough but essential questions for industry leaders to address as the school transportation industry grapples with worker shortages and rising competition from other industries.

The success of any school transportation department hinges on recruiting the right talent, fostering effective teams, and creating a positive, supportive workplace culture. However, achieving these goals is no simple task. In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to have strategies in place that not only attract talent but also retain them for the long term.

One of the most powerful tools for building a high-performing culture is positive reinforcement. Recognizing and celebrating your employees’ hard work can have a profound effect on morale, motivation and job satisfaction. When staff members feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue performing at a high level.

Recognition programs can be effective. I suggest offering a retention bonus once or twice a year for transportation staff. As a result, morale will likely improve as well as attendance and overall service quality. The transportation staff really appreciate the bonuses, especially with the cost of necessities rising. I also encourage you to empower your staff to advocate for your district or company, helping spread the word that your organization is a great place to work and telling others about the available incentives. As the industry faces persistent shortages, ensuring your compensation package is competitive can help you stand out from other employers.

Other forms of recognition can include monthly appreciation meals, holiday gifts like turkeys or pies, or simply a note of thanks. These small gestures contribute to a positive and welcoming work environment, which is key to retention. Last month, Cody Cox, transportation director at Royse City Independent School District in Texas, recognized his transportation team on LinkedIn. “Royce City is such an awesome district. We are fully staffed. However, with our fast growth we are always adding more team members!”

Cox shared pictures of holiday decorations, food and a hot chocolate bar. He noted the importance of culture and invited potential candidates to apply for a position in his department.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining high-quality school bus drivers and mechanics. School transportation jobs are demanding, and it’s important that your compensation packages are on par with other industries offering similar roles.

Investing in technology and modern equipment is critical for attracting drivers and mechanics. Make sure your district is outfitted with the latest technology newer buses, routing software, GPS systems and quality support staff. Visible investments in your workplace and equipment signal to prospective employees that their work environment is valued.

Prospective employees, especially drivers and mechanics, are more likely to join an organization that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to safety, efficiency and technological advancement. Newer, well-maintained vehicles not only make the job easier and safer but also give drivers a sense of pride in the equipment they operate. Furthermore, modern routing software and GPS systems can make routes more efficient, reducing driver stress and helping improve on-time performance.

A supportive, collaborative culture is essential for retaining school transportation personnel. Create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and part of a cohesive team. This can be achieved through ongoing training and professional development, supportive leadership and clear communication. When employees know they can voice their concerns and have them addressed, they are more likely to stay.

To address the specific challenges of attracting school bus drivers and mechanics, you’ll need to implement recruitment strategies that speak directly to their unique needs and concerns like flexible schedules, certifications and specialized training programs for those looking to advance their careers. Create a clear career path for advancement.

Investing in your employees by offering recognition, competitive pay and a supportive and safe work environment will build a team that is committed, motivated and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

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

Related: (Recorded Webinar) Addressing Driver (& Bus) Shortages: 3 Creative and Measurable Strategies that Really Work
Related: Indiana Leader McKinney Discusses Alternate Fuels, School Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: Transportation Coordinator Uses Technology to Drive Student and District Success

The post Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Staff appeared first on School Transportation News.

A common thread throughout the 33 years of the National Conference on Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs, better known as TSD, has been collaboration and communication. Student transporters must be vocal early and often with special education community peers to ensure their perspectives are considered when developing individualized education programs for students.

The impact on transportation as a service, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the individual transportation plans that result from IEPs is profound. TSD is the place where not only student transporters gather to learn and problem-solve. So do special educators, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and speech pathologists. All these professionals play a supporting role satisfying the right of students with disabilities satisfy to receive a free and appropriate public education and in the least restrictive environment.

This is what makes transporting students who are medically fragile so complex, and it’s vital student transporters get things right. In November, a panel consisting of a transportation director, school nurse and physical therapist that was moderated by consultant and TSD tenured faculty member Sue Shutrump discussed the critical importance of collaboration and communication between all stakeholders involved in transporting students with these complex needs.

Panelist Laura Beth Blankenship, a pediatric physical therapist with Knox County Schools in Tennessee, noted the increasing number of students riders with ventilators, tracheostomy tubes and severe positioning needs. Further complicating matters, she said some students lack personal adaptive equipment, affecting how a student is positioned and secured on the school bus.

As a result, more and more is asked of school bus drivers and monitors, observed fellow panelist Kenny Mulder, the director of transportation for the Special School District of St. Louis County, Missouri. Angela McDonald, the school nurse consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education, added that mainstreaming students with these various health conditions on general education routes necessitates comprehensive training for all transportation staff, especially when administration of medication is involved.

For all these reasons and more, student transportation needs to be better integrated into the IEP process from the beginning, rather than being left out of the loop.

To do so, the panel suggested:

• Develop a transportation team that include representatives from nursing, special education, physical/occupational therapy, and other relevant departments. This team can create guidance for IEP teams on key transportation-related questions to address.

• Advocate for transportation staff to attend IEP meetings, when possible, especially for students with significant medical, behavioral or mobility needs. This ensures their input is heard and transportation-specific accommodations are included.

• Provide training for all school bus drivers, not just those on specialized routes, on common medical conditions, emergency procedures, and safely assisting students with complex needs. Leverage school nurses, therapists and other experts to provide this training.

• Work with state and local lawmakers to ensure transportation is treated as a related service under IDEA, with clear requirements for training, staffing and equipment. Use regulations to push for the resources needed to transport students safely.

• Foster open communication and relationships with parents. Parents can be powerful allies in ensuring their child’s transportation needs are met, and they may be willing to share critical medical information that the school district lacks.

The goal, the panel shared, is for school districts to develop comprehensive training programs for all school bus drivers and aides so they are equipped with information they need when transporting students who are medically fragile. Could a system, perhaps within routing software, flag student medical conditions and intervention plans? Could a centralized directory of student medical conditions and emergency plans be created and distributed to transportation staff? Do transporters have access to student emergency medications on the bus? How are student transportation requests received, and do they include the necessary medical plans and information? Important questions all of them. What more could you ask in your operations and of your school district?

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

Related: (STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People
Related: TSD Panel Offers Necessary Considerations When Selecting Alternative Transportation
Related: ‘Rising Star’ Dedicated to Providing Best Transportation for Students With Special Needs
Related: Recommended Do’s and Don’ts for Meeting the Challenges of Transporting Children with Disabilities

The post Handle With Care appeared first on School Transportation News.

Meeting the daily challenges of transporting children with disabilities is real and
complex. These challenges are not new, but they are increasingly multifaceted. On top of the challenge list in many school districts is driver shortages, followed by the cost of transportation services. What can be overwhelming is the increase in competing priorities to safely transport children with disabilities.

The pressure resulting from how to accomplish safe transportation for these children can result in inadequate decision-making. Guided by the principles of safety, responsibility and entitlement under federal and state law it is imperative to aspire to respond to challenges for safe transportation of children with disabilities by timely addressing the “Do’s and Don’ts” under pressure. I am realizing more and more about the importance of knowing what is and is not required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

In addition to federal law, it is critical to be well-versed about state law pertaining to the related service of transportation for eligible children under the IDEA. Under the
IDEA Part B regulations, transportation is defined as a related service that includes: “(i) Travel to and from school and between schools; (ii) Travel in and around school buildings; and (iii) Specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps), if required to provide special transportation for a child with a disability.” (34 CFR §300.34(c)(16).

At first glance, this IDEA definition appears clear. In reality, unique individual child transportation requirements necessitate extensive knowledge about the related service of transportation and its explicit requirements.

Understanding the role of the individualized education program (IEP) team’s responsibility under the IDEA to develop, approve and implement the related service transportation is essential. Approved transportation services should always be documented in the IEP to avoid misunderstandings and potential IDEA compliance violations. The IEP team meeting should always include all the qualified personnel necessary to make an informed decision, including the parent.

Don’t make unilateral transportation decisions without the attendance of all stakeholders that are required for implementing an IEP. The following is an example of a costly mistake that happened multiple times during my career. The IEP team, under pressure from a single parent, required that a child be picked up first and dropped off last.

This was solely based upon the parent’s work schedule and not the needs of her child, based upon their disability. Unknown to transportation, the IEP team approved the request. It was not feasible to implement but still approved and written into the child’s IEP. The parent emphatically stated her request was “required under the IDEA.” The IEP team was intimidated and believed her.

This IEP decision resulted in a hearing officers’ requirement for the school district to add a new route to implement the approved IEP service. Can you imagine the unintentional effect of this IEP team’s unilateral decision? Make sure that the IEP team is fully knowledgeable about the IDEA transportation related service requirements, and do not make a decision based upon false information.

Another example of a costly mistake is when a parent at an IEP meeting claims, citing IDEA, their child is required to be transported to after-school care 17 miles away from
their home address. The IEP team unwisely believes the parent and approves their request.

The lesson to be learned is don’t believe everything that a person says without knowing how the IDEA addresses a specific issue. Be knowledgeable about what state law says on a specific topic and how the school district’s policies and procedures address the issue. In the previous example, it is likely that if the school district transports children without disabilities to requested after-school care or daycare, the school district will also be required to do so for children with disabilities as a matter of equity. These are just two examples of challenges whereby poor decision-making resulted in an avoidable costly error.

It is essential to know federal and state laws pertaining to transportation service eligibility requirements for children with disabilities. It is wise to rethink in advance
how to best provide these transportation services for children with disabilities. Utilizing school transportation data can improve decision-making. Accessing all funding sources helps to offset costly transportation services. One example is billing Medicaid when it is an allowable transportation expense.

Communication and coordination between multiple school district departments is key to problem-solving. It is key to be knowledgeable and current about best practices and school transportation literature concerning safe transportation of children with disabilities.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the November  2024 issue of School Transportation News.

Linda F. Bluth, Ed.D. is a national compliance and regulatory expert on IDEA transportation law and provisions. She is a tenured faculty member of the TSD Conference, a regular STN contributor, and a Hall of Fame member of the National Association for Pupil Transportation.

Related: California ‘Rising Star’ Supports Students with Disabilities Through Driver Training, Education
Related: TSD Foundation Class Provides Basics to Transporting Students with Special Needs
Related:(STN Podcast E236) TSD 2024 Recap: Supporting Students with Special Needs as Unique People
Related: Sexual Abuse Prevention Expert Provides Strategies When Transporting Students with Disabilities

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Student transportation is entering a new era, when access to real-time data, enhanced visibility for stakeholders, and higher safety standards will become essential pillars of operations.

School districts need to balance these new priorities with unprecedented pressure to meet equity goals and maintain tighter budgets. All these factors are challenging school leaders to reimagine how they transport students in the coming years.

Here are five key predictions shaping the future of student transportation in 2025:

1. Parents and Districts Will Demand More Visibility

The rise of smartphones requires instant access to information in school and beyond. Parents, teachers, and administrators all want real-time tracking updates and videos to ensure accountability and safety on school transportation. This year, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported that at least 50 percent of states have enacted school bus stop-arm camera laws, which ensure cameras are present to document incidents, monitor behavior, and uphold safety standards for everyone.

This demand for visibility extends beyond school buses to alternative transportation. New technology, including in-car cameras, ensures that school districts receive recorded and stored footage that verifies safe rides, monitors drivers, and clarifies any issues. Plus, school districts can close service gaps, dispatch providers, and keep families updated. In today’s environment, an extra level of visibility for all stakeholders is expected and essential.

2. Data and Machine Learning Will Become a Cornerstone of Future Operations

In 2025, route planning, driver assignments, and real-time adjustments will all rely on advanced analytics. Districts that harness data and machine learning through smart tools will see improvements in operational efficiency, increasing attendance rates.

The larger efforts to professionalize school district administrative offices are leading to data-driven decision-making. Many school districts are even hiring transportation directors with backgrounds in logistics and engineering. As school transportation evolves, districts will rely on experts who can understand and interpret complex analytics to streamline operations and improve outcomes.

3. Districts Will Advance Safety Standards

Safety remains a top priority for school districts, and new state legislation continues to raise the bar. California’s SB88, for example, goes into effect in 2025 and strengthens requirements for student transportation providers. At the local level, many districts are also increasing training protocols for drivers and requiring the use of safe technology to protect students and mitigate liability risks.

Next year, school districts will seek out partners that proactively adopt new safety technology and comply with district, state, and federal regulations. When alternative school transportation providers uphold the highest safety standards, they put students first while building necessary trust with administrators and parents.

4. Rising Demand for Equity-Focused Transportation Solutions

In 2025, the number of students experiencing homelessness and eligible for transportation support under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act will continue to rise. A 2023 report on Student Homelessness in America by the National Center for Homeless Education identified more than 1.2 million students experiencing homelessness in the U.S. in the 2021-2022 school year — a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

Without reliable transportation, students experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of chronic absenteeism. In fact, the same study found that more than half of homeless students in the 2021-2022 school year were chronically absent, and the absenteeism rate for students experiencing homelessness is 22 percent higher than the rest of the student population. School district leaders will need to find more ways to drive students experiencing homelessness to school, turning to alternative transportation providers to scale up support.

5. Budget Constraints Will Drive the Need for Operational Efficiency

Superintendents are under enormous pressure to meet new challenges with smaller budgets, given the expiration of pandemic relief funding, including the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program. These stark changes mean that leaders must prioritize cost-efficiency while maintaining access for students who have special needs, are eligible for McKinney-Vento support, or live out of district or in remote areas without making large investments in new vehicles or new hires.

Moving forward, leaders will leverage tech-forward alternative transportation providers to understand and meet their transportation needs with a click. For example, if a district has a rising percentage of students eligible for McKinney-Vento support, they could choose to used small-capacity vehicles that can make last-minute adjustments based on the students’ locations. Flexing your capacity meets new demands while optimizing transportation costs for the short and long term.

Every school year, new challenges and higher expectations require that school district leaders innovate, evolving their approach for better outcomes. 2025 is no different. By integrating smart technology into their operations, they can drive up safety standards, increase capacity in real-time, and prioritize cost-effectiveness while meeting equity goals. Leaders will ensure they’re setting up their schools and students for success in the classroom, one ride at a time.

Mitch Bowling is the CEO of alternative transportation company EverDriven, which transported about 30,000 unique students last school year in 33 states.

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A new U.S. president will be announced to the world this month. Why does the outcome of the 2024 presidential race play a role in advancing school transportation? I believe the outcome will have a significant impact on the future of electric school buses, particularly through policy direction, federal funding, and regulatory support for clean energy initiatives.

The public perception and imagery of the dirty, black smoke-spewing school bus are things of the past. Today’s buses are cleaner, greener and safer than ever. Does the
school bus industry have a chance to shift the public’s perception of school buses as being antiquated? Absolutely.

Headlines abound, especially in the wake of the growing zero-emission school bus movement. Remember when Kamala Harris couldn’t resist sharing her love for school buses? “Who doesn’t love a yellow school bus?” she asked, emphasizing the nostalgic bond so many Americans have with these iconic vehicles.

This increased attention isn’t a coincidence. It aligns with an unprecedented wave of federal funding. The latest application round of EPA Clean School Bus Program funds offers $986 million dollars in rebates. I hope you’re taking full advantage of these funds to modernize your fleet, as it might be the last time we see this sort of unprecedented federal funding.

If the winning administration prioritizes green energy and climate action, could we expect continued or even increased federal support for electric school buses? Congress would have a say, but the Biden-Harris administration has already demonstrated strong support for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. A new administration with similar priorities could push to expand these programs, increase funding, and implement more aggressive timelines for phasing out diesel buses. Conversely, an administration less focused on climate change might reduce or eliminate such funding, slowing the progress toward electrification in school transportation.

Still, some transportation directors have told me electric school buses don’t make sense for their school districts because of battery range limitations, or they simply found them too complex to navigate with local utilities and infrastructure partners.

At STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, this past summer, I heard a lot of renewed interest in diesel school buses, which are cleaner and more efficient than ever before. Yet while newer models and engine technologies have made great strides due to EPA and California Air Resources Board emission standards, the reality is that environmental concerns and negative public perceptions persist, especially in districts where budget constraints prevent timely fleet upgrades. Many school districts are still relying on aging, less fuel-efficient buses, with older engine or emission technology that contributes to a larger carbon footprint.

Federal regulations on emissions standards play a key role in driving the transition to electric vehicles. A president who prioritizes environmental regulations would likely continue or strengthen mandates that push school districts to adopt electric buses over traditional diesel ones. Tighter emission rules could force the retirement
of older, higher polluting buses, creating an increased demand for electric alternatives. Conversely, a president who favors deregulation might relax emission standards, making it easier for school districts to continue operating older diesel fleets without financial or regulatory pressure to upgrade.

Perceptions are shaped by media coverage, politics, public opinion, and how well we communicate the advancements in school bus technology and environmental impact. With the right messaging, we can shift the narrative toward one that highlights the progress we’re making.

In many cases, the gap between perception and reality boils down to communication. Stakeholders—parents, school officials, and government representatives—need to understand the complexities of operating school buses, including the challenges posed by budget limitations and aging vehicles. We also need to emphasize the advancements being made, particularly with green energy.

The yellow school bus is more than a means of transportation. It’s a symbol of family, education and community. The time is now to redefine the public’s perception and showcase the modern realities of school transportation.

The presidential race will either accelerate or slow the adoption of electric school buses, depending on the winning candidate’s stance on environmental policy, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and economic incentives. A government committed to sustainability and clean energy would likely propel the school bus industry toward an electric future.

Whatever the outcome of this election, it’s up industry stakeholders like you to spread the word about the benefits of all school buses—a future that’s safer, greener and cleaner than ever before.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the November 2024 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (STN Podcast E216) Right Tools & Right People: Driver Shortage, Electric Buses & More in NY
Related: Why the EPA Shouldn’t Favor Electric School Buses
Related: 5 Ways Large Districts Can Improve Transportation Operations with Technology
Related: Managing Transportation Data and Keeping It Safe

The post Red, Blue, Green & Yellow appeared first on School Transportation News.

School Transportation News staff weigh many factors when looking for the next Transportation Director of the Year. Accomplishments in the industry, especially over the past couple of years, weigh heavily. So, too, do their leadership skills. There are
plenty of options to choose from each year, which is a good thing. It can also make the selection a daunting one. Thankfully, we have many examples to use as a litmus test for what makes a strong and successful director of transportation.

Look no further than George Edward (Ed) Donn. You may have read at stnonline.com/go/kp that Ed died last month at the age of 85. He was one of the most decorated student transporters in the industry’s history. He was also as nice as he was knowledgeable about his trade. The dictionary should have Ed’s photo next to the word “gentleman.”

I was saddened when, during an introduction of the NAPT Foundation board members at last month’s Annual Conference and Trade Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, it was mentioned that Ed was unable to attend. I wondered about his health. I knew he was heartbroken following the death of wife Sandi in 2001. I spoke to him several times since then, most recently this past spring. He was still the same old Ed, kind, complimentary, insightful, and asking about my family. But something was different.

My heart was lightened upon learning that he died peacefully at a hospital in Marietta, Georgia, located about an hour southwest of his home in Calhoun. He relocated there in the early 1990s after retiring from Washington County Public Schools in Maryland, where he served as director of transportation for 16 years. Before that, he was the assistant director at Prince George’s County Public Schools also in Maryland.

He not only left an impression on tens of thousands of student riders over his career but as many student transportation professionals. It was Ed who co-founded the NAPT Foundation and the NAPT Professional Development Series. He was immortalized in the NAPT Hall of Fame for his efforts and received the NAPT Distinguished Service Award. He was an entrepreneur, co-founding video surveillance company Bus Vision and then 24/7 Security.

But knowing Ed, his accomplishments were never about himself but others, especially the students who ride school buses every day and the many professionals who make the service work. Always giving of his time, both humbly and generously, he was as genuine as they come. The consummate family man. Mind as sharp as a tack. In his hey-day, he was quite the track athlete as well.

After he passed on Oct. 10, I reflected on the parallels between his life and STN’s director of the year honor, which we recognize this month. Innovative. Leader. Transparent. Giving. Check, check, check, check. The recognition could very well be renamed the Ed Donn Transportation Director of the Year Award.

Craig Beaver, this year’s winner (read the article by Taylor Ekbatani, starting on page 28) has literally come a long way since he got his start in student transportation. To be exact 1,111 miles.

A lifelong resident of the San Diego, California area, Beaver retired as director of transportation from Grossmont Union High School District in January 2015 and relocated to Oregon, where he joined Beaverton School District. It was destiny, as Beaver says, to reinvent himself in the Pacific Northwest at one of Oregon’s largest school districts, his namesake, so to speak.

With that move, he has ushered in the state’s largest fleet of electric school buses and with them data to illustrate performance and cost savings. He readily shares that information and the many lessons he learned about implementation and deployment to anyone who asks. He’s willing to try new things and is not afraid of failure. He empowers his staff to see if they can make new ideas work, which sometimes means recalibrating. For his efforts, he also accepted the Leading Public Fleet Award for Beaverton School District at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, in May.

Beaver and all those who came before him, and will come after, have large shoes to fill left by Ed Donn. But surely, he is looking down from heaven with pride. Ed was ready and willing to support and celebrate all endeavors and people that put school buses in a positive light and that lead to successful outcomes for the children who ride them.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the November 2024 issue of School Transportation News.

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