FRISCO, Texas – An Illinois transportation director shared the story of how propane school bus implementation turned things around for students with special needs.
Recently retired Diana Mikelski has 32 years of experience in student transportation and, until this summer, served as director of transportation for Township High School District 211 in Illinois, overseeing 163 buses and 45 vans transporting nearly 9,000 students more than 7,700 miles each school day.
She recalled in the Blue Bird-sponsored TSD Conference Lunch and Learn Saturday afternoon that the construction of a new parking lot necessitated a change to where the school buses were parked. When school bus drivers started the ignition on the diesel vehicles, the smoke penetrated a nearby school building. Things got so bad. the principal came running out to alert the drivesr of the issue.
Seeking a cleaner energy option, she said district administrators consulted with nearby districts and chose propane as the new fuel to transition to. She received a budget of $1 million approved by Township High School District and paired it with EPA grant money to initially purchase and implement 15 propane buses, in what she described as a “seamless” process working with Blue Bird, ROUSH CleanTech, fuel provider AmeriGas, and local vendors.
Mikelski reviewed the extra particulate matter filters and treatment that older diesel buses require, which means more work and more money spent. District bus mechanics adjusted to propane well, she said.
“My shop was fine. If you can handle diesel and gas, you can handle propane,” she stated.
Fuel currently costs her $1.25 per gallon for Township, which frees up funds for bus air conditioning and other perks.
The propane buses were a boon for special needs students, Mikelski said. An amazed special education teacher called to inform her that students were coming into school calmer, de-escalated and ready to learn. Together they discovered that the propane buses the students were riding were quieter than the diesel ones, so both drivers and students could communicate without shouting. They could actually hear the music they used to soothe themselves, and some students did not need their normal noise cancelling headphones.
“Everyone was calmer, happier getting off the bus and going into the building,” she confirmed. “It is a marked improvement.”
STN Publisher and session moderator Tony Corpin recalled that Saturday morning’s keynote by Betsey Helfrich discussing legal aspects like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) noted that parents seeing these benefits may request propane buses in their child’s IEP.
In addition to the sound-level reduction, Mikelski shared that students in wheelchairs did not have to create makeshift blanket shields against noxious diesel fumes while loading the school buses, as they sometimes had to do. She confirmed that propane buses do not have to idle longer than 15 minutes to warm up, even in Illinois winters.
“These buses are running cleaner than anything right now,” she said, referring to the ultra-low nitrogen oxide levels of 0.02 g/bhp-hr that ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel systems are certified to meet. She added that Ford, Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech were more than satisfactory partners, noting she is not anxious about winter operations.
She corrected common misconceptions that propane could literally blow up the whole bus operation. Corpin reviewed the domestically produced, clean and safe nature of propane, which is commonly used to cook food via burners and grills. Mikelski said she even performed a test using a white hanky test to illustrate that propane school bus tailpipes don’t emit black soot like older diesel models can.
“Know that you’re supported,” she said. “This is a very easy way to move into an alternative fuel without a lot of angst along the way.”
RICHMOND, Va.– As fleets continue to shift away from diesel and toward cleaner, reliable energy sources, a new generation of skilled automotive service technicians is needed to maintain alternative fuel vehicles, like those running on propane autogas. The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, offered by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), is providing schools across the country with valuable training and resources needed to prepare students to work on propane autogas buses, trucks, vans, and more.
This innovative grant program provides U.S. educational institutions with up to $7,500 in funding to integrate propane-specific curriculum and equipment into their existing automotive training programs. The goal is to equip students with real-world experience maintaining and servicing vehicles powered by propane autogas. These skills are increasingly in demand as more fleets turn to propane autogas to reduce emissions and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
“The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program gives students an opportunity to learn these technologies in-depth, preparing them for successful careers after graduation supporting fleets that are increasingly turning to propane autogas,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “This program also supports fleet owners by building a pipeline of talented and qualified technicians who can keep propane autogas trucks, vans, and buses on the road for years to come.”
Now in its second year, the grant program has already supported 24 schools in 16 states, training hundreds of students to inspect, service, and maintain propane autogas engine systems. Each participating school receives propane-specific curriculum, as well as funding to purchase propane autogas training equipment and to send an instructor to a “Train the Trainer” course. Eligible institutions must already offer an automotive program.
Today, more than 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in operation across the United States, providing dependable service to transit agencies, delivery companies, emergency response fleets, utility crews, and more. Propane autogas is not only reliable but also clean, producing up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports better air quality, and contributes to more consistent uptime.
“Enhanced curricula made possible by the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program have given both students and schools a leg up,” Stutheit said. “Schools are able to expand their course offerings without increasing costs to students, while students gain new, valuable skill sets that position them for long-term success in a rapidly changing transportation industry.”
The application window is open through December 19. To learn more about the grant program or to apply, visit propane.com/autogasgrantprogram.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
A webinar hosted by the Propane Education & Research Council outlined the benefits of propane-fueled school buses with transportation professionals that are currently using them in their fleets.
“Blue Bird loves to make buses, and we love to make options,” said Steve Whaley, alternative fuels manager at Blue Bird during the Wednesday webinar. He discussed a comparison with propane to other fuels in terms of cost differential, as he said perception of alternative fuels is that they tend to be more expensive.
With over 20,000 propane buses on the road, Whaley said that savings are significant with average fuel and maintenance costs of about $3,700 per year per bus. As opposed to other clean fuel options and even when compared to diesel, the infrastructure costs are the lowest of any other fuels because propane evaporates leading to fewer regulations from the EPA. Since so much propane is sourced in the U.S., Whaley said transportation departments can avoid the cost instability that comes with outsourcing fuel from outside the country.
Whaley quoted Mike Bullman, director of transportation for the South Carolina Department of Education, as saying, “We don’t need funding for propane, those things pay for themselves.”
To discuss the health benefits of propane, Bailey Arnold from the American Lung Association presented statistics on the high rates of lung cancer in the U.S. As the director of healthy air solutions, Arnold said the organization is committed to fighting the high rates of lung cancer that lead to nearly 125,000 lives lost every year.
He noted that implementing propane is one of the things society can do to combat these mortality rates and health issues as well as high CO2 emissions, explaining that while emissions are commonly measured and analyzed on a yearly basis, “they stack up and have a cumulative effect.”
He said that he would encourage school districts to consider propane now as it will only get more difficult to reduce overall emissions. Arnold referenced a recent NREL study that found that using propane would save 147 tons of carbon emissions in three years, while renewable propane would save 360 tons over the same period.
Amy Rosa, director of safety and transportation at Wa-Nee Community Schools in northern Indiana, is currently running 25 Blue Bird propane buses out of the 56 buses in her fleet that transports 3,000 students. She said losing two parents to lung disease in recent years spurred her passion for cleaner fuels. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen mitigation trust grant funding contributed a lower cost of implementation for the new propane buses. She said her district is always looking to save money to benefit the students and taxpayers, and that propane buses helped do that.
She said the transition was seamless, and that partnerships with the suppliers were supportive. Mechanics and drivers were on board. She said that the drivers appreciate the quieter engines, which “reduces tension with students and drivers” and that these quiet, clean, warm buses are improving student behavioral student issues. In a cold state, she said the quick heating ability of propane buses with no need for auxiliary heaters has been a benefit, and that her drivers have told her, “I love knowing my bus will start no matter how cold it gets.”
Whaley noted that Diane Mikelski, the recently retired director of transportation at Illinois’ Township High School District 211, will be speaking about her experience with propane buses at the upcoming Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference in November on the benefits of a quieter bus on student behavior.
Sam Corson, the bus and automotive maintenance manager at Newport News Community Schools in Virginia, said he has seen immediate positive results from using propane buses. He said with wide city borders, which requires school bus drivers to often log 100 to 200 miles a day, long-range buses are necessary. He said Newport News has had no issues with propane buses doing around 340 miles on one tank.
Corson said that about 80 percent of district routes are covered by the 180 propane buses out of 306 total in the fleet,. Cost savings are evident, with diesel buses costing 38 cents per mile to operate compared to 29 cents on propane.
“I noticed all the things [a propane bus] does not have that I was continuously fixing on a daily basis,” he shared, and continued that he has seen a reduction in bus breakdowns.
Learning maintenance was simple for his team, he said, noting that the local Blue Bird dealership led training for all the mechanics to make sure they were comfortable with the new buses. Corson said that due fewer regulations and overall positive reactions to propane buses, the district decided to not decommission and replace the fuel tank.
Both Rosa and Corson praised the ROUSH CleanTech fueling software that allows them to keep track of fuel levels and that suppliers have been consistent. They also noted that they did not have to invest in new additions for their maintenance facilities when implementing propane.
When asked what she would tell another director who is considering buying propane buses, Rosa said, “No hesitation…the choice is a no-brainer for kids and for your mechanics, for bus drivers. It’s just a really good choice all around. I couldn’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t.”
Corson said his advice is to “jump in 100 percent.”
“I couldn’t see myself buying [another] diesel unless I was forced to,” he continued, adding that maintenance is much simpler on propane buses and any issues that do come up are usually easy fixes.
RICHMOND, Va. — During National School Bus Safety Week, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is highlighting how propane autogas buses help school districts across the country deliver on their most important priority: getting students to and from school safely, reliably, and responsibly.
More than 1.3 million students nationwide ride to school each day on 22,000 propane-powered buses. The technology is trusted in more than 1,000 school districts coast-to-coast due in part to the energy source’s low emissions profile. Propane autogas school buses produce 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx) than diesel. That significant reduction helps improve air quality around schools and neighborhoods, which benefits students, drivers, and communities.
The buses are also noticeably quieter than diesel models, allowing drivers to focus on the road and better hear what’s happening inside and outside the bus.
“As a former school transportation director, I know that nothing matters more than getting students to school safely,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “I trusted propane autogas in my fleet because of its proven track record of keeping students and drivers safe on every ride.”
Equally as important as a clean, quiet ride, propane autogas school buses provide an additional layer of reliability. A recent U.S. Department of Energy report warns that, without major upgrades, the U.S. could see up to 100 times more grid disruptions by 2030. Unlike electric models, propane autogas buses don’t rely on grid power to stay in operation, providing a layer of security when schools need to safely transport students even during emergencies.
Depending on the tank size, propane autogas buses have a range of up to 400 miles on a single refuel, providing flexibility and peace of mind for school districts and parents. And unlike diesel or electric models whose performance can vary when temperatures plummet, propane autogas buses start in cold weather without any additives or heaters.
“School transportation directors want solutions that make sense not just on paper, but on the road, too,” said Stutheit. “With propane autogas, school districts can lower emissions, keep buses running on schedule, and give students a safer, quieter ride. It’s a solution for today and well into the future.”
To learn more about the safety, performance, and environmental benefits of propane school buses, visit betterourbuses.com.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
LIVONIA, Mich.— Boys and Girls Club of Martin County continues to prove the long-term value and reliability of propane bus transportation by operating the original Blue Bird Vision bus equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. This first of its kind propane school bus has continually operated in the organization’s daily operation since 2014.
“Our decision to invest in propane technology stemmed from our commitment to environmental responsibility and economic efficiency,” said David Jones, facility manager of Florida’s Boys and Girls Club of Martin County. “We purchased our first propane bus from Florida Transportation Systems in 2014, and it has served as a critical component of our mission to provide after-school and summer programs for area youth.”
The 2012 model year bus, which first served as a demo bus for FTS, has accumulated 65,000 miles while maintaining performance. Due to the success of the first bus, the Boys and Girls Club purchased a second Blue Bird Vision Propane bus in 2015. Both propane buses operate daily, transporting up to 70 students per trip from local schools to club facilities throughout Martin County.
“Since the inception of ROUSH CleanTech 15 years ago, we’ve been working to create safe, reliable and environmentally friendly propane systems for school buses,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech. “Seeing the enduring success of the Boys and Girls Club’s propane buses is a testament to the durability and value of propane technology in school transportation.”
The Boys and Girls Club maintains its propane buses through general maintenance protocols, with mechanical work performed at FTS. Propane fuel costs remain competitive, with on-site fueling provided through a contract with Palmdale Como.
Including this first propane bus off the production line, there are more than 23,000 propane school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel systems operating across North America. These propane buses are saving school districts and operators more than $100 million annually in fuel costs while also significantly reducing harmful emissions for children, drivers and surrounding communities.
About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation solutions, is a division of the global engineering company Roush Enterprises. ROUSH CleanTech develops propane autogas technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With more than 50,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based company delivers economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
Join us for an engaging discussion on how propane autogas is transforming student transportation by creating healthier, cleaner, and more affordable school bus fleets. This webinar brings together experts and on-the-ground voices to share insights into the benefits of propane-powered school buses for both students and staff.
In this information-packed session, you’ll hear from:
American Lung Association: How propane buses reduce harmful emissions and improve respiratory health in school communities.
Blue Bird: A leading manufacturer of propane school buses about the latest innovations driving propane autogas adoption across the country.
School District Leadership: A school district transportation director and maintenance supervisor will share their real-world experiences with propane buses, from cost savings and reliability to driver and technician feedback.
Register today to explore practical strategies and proven results that can help your district move toward a cleaner, more cost-effective transportation future.
Brought to you by the Propane Education & Research Council
RICHMOND, Va.– As concern for energy reliability surges nationwide, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is marking National Propane Day by encouraging school transportation directors to explore propane autogas as a reliable, on-site energy solution that can support greater peace of mind during power outages or severe weather.
October 7 marks the fourth annual National Propane Day, and this year’s theme, “Prepare with Propane,” is a reminder of propane autogas’s reliability. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy warns that blackouts in the United States could increase 100-fold by 2030 as the electric grid struggles to meet growing demand. For school transportation directors that rely on a rigid energy source, that could mean the difference in keeping school buses running or grounding the fleet. Because propane autogas is stored on site, never degrades, and isn’t reliant on the power grid for distribution, it remains ready even during widespread power disruptions.
“As someone who spent years managing school transportation, I understand firsthand how critical it is to keep vehicles moving,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “When a fleet goes down, everything stops. Propane autogas gives transportation directors a level of control that other energy sources can’t. It’s dependable, affordable, and always ready no matter what’s happening with the grid.”
Today, more than 22,000 propane autogas school buses are in operation across the United States at more than 1,100 school districts. The energy source is not only resilient but also clean, producing up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports better air quality, and contributes to more consistent uptime.
In addition to propane autogas vehicles, the energy source is also helping electric school bus fleets become more resilient with propane-powered EV charging systems. Powered by a propane generator, and in some cases wind and solar, these off-grid charging solutions can be installed in remote locations, disaster zones, or depots without permanent infrastructure ensuring school buses stay charged even when the grid is down.
Now in its fourth year, National Propane Day is not only a celebration of propane’s energy benefits, but also a moment to recognize the propane professionals who make clean transportation possible.
“From bobtail delivery drivers who make sure customers have energy when they need it to propane autogas service technicians that keep school buses operating safely on the road, National Propane Day is also a celebration of them,” said Joel Stutheit. “We depend on these professionals to keep clean, reliable transportation running every day. And their dedication is what helps fleets stay prepared, no matter what challenges come their way.”
To learn more about propane’s role in providing reliable energy solutions for school transportation, visit propane.com/buses.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
RICHMOND, Va. – According to a recent nationwide survey conducted by the nonprofit Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 87 percent of parents and K-12 educators say it’s important that their children get to and from school in low-emissions school buses. The survey asked respondents about their awareness and attitudes toward school bus emissions and alternative fuels like propane, and the results illustrate the overwhelming demand for cleaner school buses.
However, that desire doesn’t match reality as most students still ride to school on diesel buses despite nationwide programs to fund cleaner transportation options. A June 2025 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that, while billions in federal funding have been committed to electric and other alternative-fuel buses, many of those buses remain delayed in deployment — often due to charging infrastructure and delivery challenges keeping older, higher-polluting diesel buses on the road longer.
Diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen that causes lung cancer and increases the risk of bladder cancer. With propane school buses, that risk is eliminated. In fact, propane school buses reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 96 percent compared with diesel and emit near-zero particulate matter (PM) emissions. Both NOx and PM emissions are known triggers for issues like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Every child deserves a safe, clean, healthy ride to school,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “The way children ride to school today is like how I rode to school – in an aging, dirty diesel bus. Parents will remember that cloud of black smoke from the exhaust pipe, the smell of the diesel, the headaches, and the noise. With propane, all of that is gone, so children arrive safely and ready to learn.”
While 76 percent of parents agreed that the biggest benefit of low emissions buses is cleaner air for children, the survey results indicated that parents didn’t want to use funding from other academic areas to pay for cleaner transportation. Propane school buses address this issue as an affordable option that costs marginally more than a diesel bus but can reduce operating costs by half. Compared with electric school buses, propane buses cost one-third the price, allowing districts to replace their aging diesel fleet three times faster.
“I am often asked, ‘what about electric buses?’”, Stutheit said. “While electric buses may not have tailpipe emissions, we need to remember that 65 percent of the grid is still powered by coal and other fossil fuels emissions are generated when those buses charge. There is no such thing as a zero-emissions vehicle. And when you compare the full lifecycle emissions, propane buses hold their own as a clean energy and at an affordable cost to replace diesel buses and reduce emissions more quickly.”
Currently, 1.1 million children across the country ride to school every day in 22,000 propane autogas school buses. Those buses operate in more than 1,000 school districts in 48 states.
Once presented with the facts that propane school buses reduce emissions while saving school districts money, 90 percent of parents surveyed said they would be at least somewhat likely to support their use. Parents and educators who are interested in learning more on how to talk to their school district about adopting clean propane school buses can visit BetterOurBuses.com.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
While the immediate future remains uncertain on federal emissions regulations and funding, school bus OEMs say they are prepared with varied solutions going forward to meet the needs of every customer, no matter the fuel or where they operate.
That was the key takeaway from a July 13 panel at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. The OEM representatives on stage were Francisco Lagunas, general manager of North America Bus for Cummins; Jim Crowcroft, general sales manager for Thomas Built Buses; Katie Stok, product marketing and commercial readiness for IC Bus; Frank Girardot, the PR, marketing and government relations leader at RIDE; and Brad Beauchamp, EV product segment leader for Blue Bird. The session attempted to provide some clarity to the ever-changing funding and fuel landscape.
“The only certainty is that everything is so uncertain,” Lagunas punctuated during the “The Engines & Emissions Pathway Forward” session, facilitated by School Transportation News Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gray.
Lagunas added that Cummins is seeing an increased demand in diesel, confirming that the new B6.7 octane engine will be available in January. Though, he noted that investments in electric batteries and drive systems have not slowed down. Accelera, the zero-emissions division of Cummins, is a member of a joint venture with Daimler Truck North America and Paccar to create a U.S.-based battery cell manufacturer, Amplify Cell Technologies.
Crowcroft agreed, adding that one year has made a huge difference in industry focus. Several of the same panelists sat on a similar panel last year at STN EXPO, where he said EV was the focus of the industry.
“Now, it’s been a complete 180 [degree turn] this year,” he shared, adding that the industry has spent too much time talking about EVs and not enough time talking about the other offerings.
This year has been about being diverse, being nimble and ready to adapt to change when necessary. “What is the most practical plan?” he asked, noting that diesel technology has advanced and EV fatigue is setting in.
He shared that Thomas is not telling customers what fuel or energy type to use but instead empowering them to choose what works best for their fleets. Noting the Trump administration’s relaxation of a federal push for zero-emission vehicles, Crowcroft said there has been a sigh of relief from customers for not feeling like they have to purchase electric school buses.
He noted that with all the changes and technologies, it puts more pressure on the OEMs to keep up. He said Thomas is committed to investing in quality, citing that ahead of the 2027 GHG Phase 3 regulations targeting lower NOx (the EPA currently has it on hold pending a proposal to remove GHG regulations), school districts might want to pre-buy within the next 12 months to avoid cost increases tied to the new technology.
Beauchamp said Blue Bird has always focused on a fuel-agnostic path for its customers, and the company plans on continuing with propane being a low emission source. While he said Blue Bird had yet to see EV order cancellations as of last month, he anticipates those orders will flatten. Regardless, Blue Bird is committed to EV, noting an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy last year (and double that amount in company matching funds) to build a new Type D electric school bus plant.
He noted that while the supply chain has improved coming out of COVID-19, “We’re not out of the words on it, yet,” he said.
Stok noted that the industry conversation should not be about low costs but having a supplier that delivers good quality on time. She noted that, like the other OEMs, EV is still very much part of the IC Bus product portfolio, as is diesel. However, she said the change in federal regulations will usher in changing order preferences across the industry, noting that IC is reintroducing its own gasoline school bus with the upcoming Cummins engine.
For the remainder of 2025, she said IC Bus is on track to have the highest production output from its Tulsa, Oklahoma plant. Communication is key right now, she added, and the manufacturer is working with its dealer network to listen to the customers and continue to improve.
Meanwhile, Girardot said it’s too early to predict what the future holds but BYD electric school bus company RIDE believes it holds a promise to furthering the deployment of EVs and enhancing the capabilities of vehicle to grid technology. He noted that V2G holds value and is something that communities need to consider. He highlighted success stories of V2G, such as in the Oakland Unified School District in California.
Girardot added that technician training on electric school buses is a must.
Additionally, RIDE announced a range extension on its blade battery, which took home the Best Green Technology, as judged by attendees at the STN EXPO West Trade Show Innovation Awards. Girardot added RIDE, too, received a competitive grant to expand its manufacturing facility.
RENO, Nev. – The Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West was a gathering of enthusiastic minds to discuss the technology and training needed to achieve a clean energy future.
Advancing School Bus Innovation RIDE
Frank Girardot, senior vice president of electric school bus manufacturer RIDE Mobility, noted during a panel discussion that there is a sales job involved when transportation staff must convince district administration that electric school buses (ESBs) are a good investment.
Craig Beaver, administrator for transportation at Beaverton School District in Oregon, said his ESB journey began with grant writing and utility cooperation. Operationally, he said bus capacity, battery size and the reliability of the OEMs are of utmost importance. Beaverton assigned ESBs to certain routes, not specific drivers. Beaver, the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, said even diesel devotees have come around to appreciate them.
Jim Snow, CEO of Mid-Placer Public Schools in rural northern California, has propane buses and is implementing electric buses. He noted that stacking federal and state funding is key. When choosing buses, he said to prioritize the needs of the students, which for his district means those with special needs.
Meanwhile, Jessica Sevilla, director of fleet and facilities for Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency in California, said that having the right staff, driver and mechanic training, and vendor relationships throughout the process is crucial so everyone feels supported. She advised leveraging futureproofing and AI tools in planning processes.
Rural Elko County School District in Nevada is just starting its electric bus journey with the use of grants and is currently participating in a V2G pilot program, which provides no-cost infrastructure. “We had to look at what was available and how it would meet our needs,” Director of Transportation Seth Canning said.
Jarrett Garife, manager of transportation for the rural Monterey (California) County Office of Education, applauded state funding and underscored the need for driver buy-in. He said he needed to buy a diesel bus to use for driver recertification during the ESB implementation process.
Girardot added that to successfully run operations, rural districts must consider things like route length, bus capacity, temperature changes and staff training. Several panelists said that rural milage challenges were assuaged by using DC fast chargers.
Panelists also agreed that good communication and training for drivers and mechanics is important to a successful ESB implementation. Beaver and Snow noted that drivers need to be specifically trained on things like regenerative braking and handling the extra weight of ESBs with heavy batteries.
Beaver said he eases his team’s trepidation with ESBs by reminding them, “It’s just a school bus.”
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Images by Vince Rios Creative.
Fuel of Choice Blue Bird
Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird Corporation, reviewed the upcoming California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions reduction from 0.2 g/bhp-hr to 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027, the disruptive growth of alternative fuels in Blue Bird’s business and why school districts should consider clean fuels.
During a panel discussion he reviewed the stories of Kay Cornelius, transportation director for rural St. Louis County Schools in northern Minnesota, Diana Mikelski, director of transportation for District 211 in Illinois, and Anthony Jackson, executive director of transportation for Bibb County School District in Georgia, who praised propane school buses for their reliability and quiet operation as well as both fuel and maintenance savings.
Chris Horstman noted from his career experience – as a past school bus driver and current director of transportation for Ithaca City School District in New York – that misconceptions about propane and gasoline buses had to be overcome but that both have proved durable. Gas and propane both produced significant savings over diesel, he said.
Andrew Thompson, fleet manager for Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, runs mostly diesel, propane and gasoline. The district later acquired the state’s first electric school bus, which he said was met with some hesitation but did not require complicated infrastructure setup. The plan is to transition to 50 percent electric buses over 15 years. Thompson discussed his DC fast charger preferences and noted the differences between Level II and Level III chargers.
Both panelists agreed that maintenance professionals find the propane buses easier to work on.
Additionally, John Wyskiel, new president and CEO of Blue Bird, took the stage Monday morning, July 14, before magician Jon Petz’s keynote and recapped the OEM’s dedication to safety, demonstrated through the standardization of lap-shoulder belts, driver airbags, LED lighting, collision mitigation systems and more safety equipment. Blue Bird also supports propane and electric school bus deployment, with the most ESBs deployed in the U.S. — 2,500.
He praised Blue Bird’s partners, dealers and employees who help support school districts around the nation and reaffirmed a commitment to continued service in anticipation of the company’s upcoming centennial in 2027.
Your Route. Reimagined. Micro Bird
Alexandre Ratte, vice president of sales and marketing, recapped Micro Bird’s three generations of quality and safety and reiterated its commitment to progress and growth. Its gasoline, propane and electric solutions are all built in house.
Marc Gravel, general manager of Micro Bird’s electric subsidiary Ecotuned, next revealed that the G5e Type A electric school bus, which was introduced last year at STN EXPO West, is in full production with buses being delivered to customers. This bus was part of the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive event on Sunday evening in the parking lot of the Peppermill Resort Casino.
Two G5e options provide a choice of either 150- or 200-mile range. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs come with an eight-year warranty and the buses can support both fast DC and AC charging. Vehicle to grid (V2G) technology and over the air updates are also supported.
Gravel shared that the G5e endured 100+ degree temperatures on a trip through the Mohave Desert, while also revealing valuable learning lessons about the need for increased charging infrastructure. The bus also performed well in negative 15-degree temperatures in Canada, he added.
Gravel reiterated the company’s dedication to customer service, borne out by the Micro Bird Academy and expert service available across 70 service locations throughout North America.
An attendee takes notes at STN EXPO West 2025. (Image by Vince Rios Creative.)
The Healthy, Cost-effective Route to School Transportation Propane Education & Research Council
Driving the Future with Cummins: Forging a Sustainable Outlook Cummins
“Clean energy is our future,” declared Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development for Cummins.
Francisco Lagunas, general manager for the Cummins North American bus market, reiterated the company’s support for the EV market. “Wherever you are in your electrification plans, we will meet you there – and we have a whole ecosystem to assist you,” he confirmed.
Matt McGinn, senior director of EV sales and business development for Cummins, noted that districts can see current energy market shifts as an opportunity to diversify rather than as an obstacle.
When it comes to future-proofing, Garvin added that securing funding sources like grants is a big part of it. McGinn said that the best solution for each district depends on its location and goals. Senior Gas Sales Executive Emilliano Pantner confirmed that Cummins is there to help no matter what bus or infrastructure combinations a district needs to achieve those goals.
Pantner, who also oversees microgrids, noted that districts should have a good handle on their current data and metrics to then develop a plan for clean energy that also aligns with operational and student needs. Garvin spoke about the patience that is needed for each district’s “Road to Zero,” which for Cummins has an achievement goal of 2050.
“This is going to be incremental rather than rapid,” he said. “We need to be transparent and collaborative to reach those goals.”
Comprehensive training, online resources and customer service are integral parts of Cummins’ offerings, panelists confirmed.
Attendees shared their concerns about rampant parts unavailability and questioned what Cummins is doing at the federal level to support EV funding for districts who have begun their electrification journeys and are now facing funding loss. Panelists confirmed Cummins’ efforts in parts tracking, grant seeking and federal lobbying, though they confirmed that some things in flux are out of their control. Cummins is always open to feedback and dedicated to improvement, they stated.
Image by Vince Rios Creative.
Innovative Parts Management Strategies, Solutions for Fleet Management IC Bus
“You guys have a lot going on and we want to come up with solutions that make your life easier and make you better at what you do,” said Alex Borror, sales director for IC Bus parent company International.
He shared how OnCommand Connection now comes standard on all IC Buses and allows mechanics visibility to alerts in real time so they can direct the driver to come in for service if needed. Though its focus is vehicle health, it also tracks GPS and driver behavior to allow for training opportunities. Electric school bus operators, especially, can find valuable insights in the dashboard and related app, Borror added.
He also shared that IC Bus dealers can help locate funding for electric and other types of buses through their Incentive Prospecting Tool. Additionally, Sourcewell is legally aligned with the OEM to help streamline the purchasing process.
Gregory Baze, national parts account manager for IC Bus, revealed feedback that school district maintenance professionals were spending a lot of time on the phone or internet trying to locate parts or putting together standard stock orders.
RepairLink is an ecommerce platform designed to help mitigate those pain points by allowing dealer customers to look up and order the parts they need on their own, at no extra cost. Benefits include time saved, greater inventory availability, real-time order updates, a VIN-based catalog, easy reorder of saved carts, and cost-saving promotions.
Baze noted that this service was a positive development due to the trend toward online purchasing which has made its way over to the school bus industry. Setup, search and ordering are easy, and there is a buyback program.
“We do more than sell buses,” Baze summed up. “If you’ve got a problem, don’t suffer through it alone.”
Attendees asked about whether parts can be tracked, like on Amazon, and Baze responded that technology is progressing quickly, with that feature planned for wide rollout. A question was presented on the shortage of electric bus mechanics from dealers, which panelists said is being temporarily alleviated through satellite service stations while district mechanic training is ramped up. Multiple attendees expressed the need for more ESB training, which Baze and Borror encouraged them to get from their dealers and the IC Bus University.
Powering the Future: Practical Insights for Electric Bus Charging EO Charging
“EV and school bus make a great marriage,” declared Brad Beauchamp, EV product segment leader for Blue Bird.
Adam Wilkum, North American sales director for UK-based turnkey provider EO Charging, noted that EV charging is an area where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Don’t be afraid of vendors,” he quipped.
Marc Riccio, vice president of strategic partnerships for comprehensive charging solutions provider Highland Electric Fleets, pointed out that a flawed infrastructure setup that lacks futureproofing and copious communication with partners wreaks havoc with timelines and budgets. He advised “patience, perspective and persistence” through the process.
Manny Huguez, president of charging technology provider Zerova Technologies, said vendor partnerships cover all bases and help districts not only set up but also optimize their new electrified operation. They must also be carefully chosen since businesses do leave the EV space, as in the case of the recently bankrupt bus manufacturer Lion Electric Company. Districts must be mindful and do their due diligence.
“Pick a partner, not a product,” he advised. “You have to be able to depend on them for the long run.”
Beauchamp reviewed several aspects districts should carefully consider, including Level II versus Level III charger choice and bus to charger interoperability.
Huguez underscored how mission critical such considerations are so students are not left stranded. “We aren’t delivering packages here,” he said. He added that training is being expanded so district mechanics can service ESBs instead of waiting hours for certified technicians to do so.
Riccio spoke on how the fixed schedules and timing of school bus routes, as well as the fact that buses are basically batteries on wheels, makes them ideal for vehicle to grid (V2G) and vehicle to everything (V2X) use cases or emergency response situations where the main electrical grid is down.
The panelists spoke to the ever-changing and improving nature of EV technology and looked to the future with optimism. Beauchamp stated that, despite federal Clean School Bus Program funding slowing down, EV isn’t going anywhere and will continue to grow.
RENO, Nev. – A Sunday Green Bus Summit session at STN EXPO West featured the opinions of two transportation directors and a fleet maintenance supervisor that use propane in their bus fleets.
Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird, charted how the California Air Resources Board will require heavy-duty NOx emissions to meet the standards of 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027. The propane school buses offered by Blue Bird and its drivetrain partner ROUSH CleanTech exceed these standards at 0.02 g/bhp-hr, he said. He also reviewed the safety and abundance of propane autogas as well as the ease of fueling.
Panel moderator Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas for the Propane Education and Research Council, asked the three transportation employees who made up the rest of the panel about their experiences with propane school buses.
Peninsula School District in Washington is the third bus fleet that Director of Transportation Dawnette Wright has transitioned to propane. She advised building trust by bringing in vendor partners to answer questions and educate both drivers and mechanics. Her diesel bus total cost of ownership (TCO) is $1.10 per mile while her propane bus is 56 cents per mile. She shared that the $50,319 she saved in one year by using propane buses will enable the hiring of another staff member.
Casey Jebens, director of transportation for Sherwood School District in Oregon, has 40 buses, about half of which are propane. He noted that as a former driver-trainer, he understood the importance of obtaining both stakeholder and staff buy-in on such a project. It wasn’t a hard sell, however. With Sherwood being a small town near Portland, student health due to low air quality around diesel buses was a concern. Fuel cost effectiveness and maintenance ease sealed the deal.
“When the cost to run your propane bus is about half that of your diesel bus, it pencils out very quickly,” he added.
Wright and Jebens underscored the need to communicate with and rely on fuel vendor partners to accommodate unique district needs, access wet fueling via a mobile tanker if needed, and perform necessary maintenance as part of the contract.
Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Raymond Manalo, Jr., explained that San Juan Unified School District near Sacramento, California is both urban and rural and transports about 1,000 students with special needs. Desiring to diversify the bus fleet and recognizing the lack of support for electrification at the federal government level, the district has recently added 35 propane buses to its fleet. Drivers are skeptical but undergoing expert training and ROUSH CleanTech is training technicians. Wet fueling is taking place as infrastructure is still being planned.
Although there are hurdles in introducing propane autogas to a district that hasn’t experienced it before, Manalo expressed optimism for success through training and partnerships. Shop modifications and specialized training would be more intense with electric buses than with propane, he commented, drawing from his experience as vehicle maintenance manager at nearby Twin Rivers Unified School District, which made headlines for its enthusiastic electric school bus adoption.
All the panelists agreed that there were no significant issues sending their propane buses on the road for regular routes. Jebens said that if anything, older diesel buses elicit more reliability concerns. He added that education helps familiarize the community with the new vehicles as well.
Wright and Jebens expressed appreciation for the cleanliness of propane buses due to lack of particulate matter as well as their quietness, two factors that reduce student behavior incidents.
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