School bus contractor Go Riteway Transportation Group is holding two “Drive the Bus” recruitment events in southeast Wisconsin as school districts prepare for the upcoming academic year amid an ongoing shortage of school bus drivers, reported TMJ4 News.

According to the news report, two events were intended to recruit drivers serving the Brown Deer and Mequon-Thiensville school districts in Mequon, Wisconsin and the Nicolet Union, River Hills and Indian Hill school districts near Milwaukee.

Participants can reportedly drive a school bus under the supervision of certified trainers and learn about the requirements for earning a commercial driver’s license and becoming a school bus driver. Go Riteway offers paid training and a sign-on bonus to new drivers.

David Tice, a Go Riteway bus driver, said that the position allows relationship-building with students and support of local communities. “I just love getting to know the kids and going to their events,” Tice said via the article, adding that drivers can give children a positive experience before they arrive at school. “It’s really meaningful for the kids.”

Tice stated that one of his highlights was transporting the Grafton High School football team to the state championship game last year. He said he hopes to take the team back this year.

The recruitment push comes as Wisconsin continues to experience a decline in available school bus drivers. According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, the number of licensed school bus drivers in the state has fallen by 17 percent over the past two decades. The shortage has reportedly caused some school districts to cut or consolidate routes.

Doug Luedcke, a Go Riteway terminal manager, said the recruitment events offer residents an opportunity to serve their local schools and help ensure students have transportation. “We’re looking for anybody that wants to help out in their community, in their school district,” Luedcke said via the article.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Stuff the Bus Event Provides Supplies for More Than 16,000 Tennessee Students
Related: Stuff the Bus Drive Launches on California’s Central Coast Helping Students
Related: Florida School District to Host Transportation Hiring Event
Related: Retirements Spur Summer Hiring Push to Address School Bus Driver Shortages

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DENVER, Colo. — National Association of School Transportation members saw the installation of a new board as well as several awardees during its July 19-22 annual meeting.

The event at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel introduced three new at-large board of directors: Scott Burkoth, vice president of mergers and acquisitions at First Student; Denis Gallagher, Jr., senior vice president of operations at Student Transportation of America; and Jacob Iverson, senior vice president of Landmark Student Transportation as the new. Michael Ahern, CEO at Karpf School Bus was elected Region I Director and David Duke, chief development officer at Beacon Mobility, was elected Region 4 Director.

The Blake A. Krapf Distinguished Service Award went to Bobbie Harman of First Student, the school bus contractor’s senior director of customer and community engagement, in recognition of “recent, significant, substantial and special contributions to pupil transportation contracting.” NSTA memorialized Krapf’s name on the award last year following his death.

B.R. Williams Inc., of New Jersey took home the Contractor of the Year Award, presented in by NSTA in partnership with School Transportation News. Cameron Wood, the 2026 STN Innovator of the Year, was also acknowledged during the annual meeting.

Related: Historic Year for Minnesota School Bus Contractor Punctuated by NSTA Award
Related: Illegal School Bus Passing Numbers Indicate Decrease, ‘Still Too Many’
Related: (STN Podcast E315) Onsite at STN EXPO West, Pt. 2: Oregon District Tackles Driver Shortages, Student Behavior
Related: Wyoming Pupil Transportation Conference Expands Training, Networking Opportunities

John Elliott, Jr., senior vice president of customer operations at Summit School Services, was awarded the Golden Merit Award for his exceptional dedication to service excellence in the student transportation industry. The Golden Merit Award, introduced in 1969, recognizes school bus professionals who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in service and safety in student transportation. Award recipients are also selected based on their contributions to the industry and their exemplification of outstanding leadership, innovation and decision-making throughout their careers.

AMF-Bruns was announced as the NSTA Vendor Partner of the Year. The award goes to a vendor who has offered superior support to NSTA through committee service, financial commitment and educational contributions to the organization, as well as student transportation as a whole.

Finally, Pat Regan, president of Minnesota Coaches that has been in business serving school districts since 1959, was inducted into the  NSTA Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in long-term efforts on behalf of the pupil transportation industry.

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A northern Minnesota woman was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty in connection with a 2024 crash that injured 21 students and a school bus driver, reported KSTP News.

According to the news report, Svea Lynn Snickers, 20, was sentenced Monday to three years of supervised probation after previously pleading guilty to two counts of criminal vehicular operation stemming from the Sept. 12, 2024, crash involving a Hibbing school bus.

As part of her sentence, Snickers must reportedly complete 200 hours of community service. According to the terms of her probation, she will receive two hours of community service credit for every hour she spends speaking publicly about the dangers of distracted driving. She was also ordered to pay $10,267.38 in restitution.

The crash reportedly occurred at the intersection of Highway 5 and Townline Road when Snickers, driving a Toyota RAV4, ran a stop sign and struck the side of the school bus. The impact caused the bus to skid sideways before rolling into a ditch.

Authorities said via the article that 21 students were injured in the crash, and 10 of them, along with both drivers, were transported to a hospital for treatment. No fatalities were reported.

Investigators reportedly determined that Snickers had been recording a video on Snapchat in the moments leading up to the collision. During an interview with Minnesota State Patrol troopers, she admitted to using the social media app immediately before the crash.

Following sentencing, Snickers expressed remorse for the incident, telling local news reporters that she wished the crash had never happened.

During the sentencing hearing, a parent of one of the injured students addressed Snickers directly, offering forgiveness.

“We are not mad at you. We forgive you,” the parent said. “We know this was an accident, and you’ve learned many life lessons.”

The case serves as another reminder of the dangers of distracted driving, particularly around school buses transporting students.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Reported: 10 Taken to Hospital After School Bus, Car Crash in New York
Reported: Semi-truck Driver Says Brakes Failed Before Florida School Bus Crash
Reported: Pennsylvania Man Admits to Drinking After Fleeing Crash While Driving School Van with Students
Reported: Family’s Lawsuit Claims Distraction, Negligence in Fatal Tennessee School Bus Crash

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A longtime mechanic was killed after the school bus he was repairing rolled and crushed him inside a Westmoreland County bus garage, reported CBS News.
According to the news report, Barry Barker was working on a school bus at the Lodestar Bus Lines garage in New Florence Borough when the incident occurred July 2 at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said emergency responders were dispatched around 9:35 a.m. after an employee reported the unresponsive mechanic inside the garage.

“An employee at a bus garage … said they had a mechanic that was lying inside the garage, that [he] was unresponsive, and it appears he may have had an incident where a bus drove over him,” Limani said.

Investigators reportedly said Barker had been repairing a school bus that was experiencing brake problems. Police located cutting tools near Barker that appeared to have been used during the repair, though investigators have not yet determined exactly what caused the bus to begin moving.

The bus reportedly rolled over Barker before slowly traveling across 13th Street and coming to rest in a nearby yard. Authorities said the incident appears to have been accidental.

“It just seems like a horrific tragedy and a pure accident,” Limani said via the article. “From my understanding, he has been a mechanic for quite a long time, and he has been at that garage for an extended period of time.” He added that investigators currently have no reason to believe foul play or any criminal activity was involved.

The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office identified Barker and said the cause and manner of death remain pending following an autopsy and toxicology testing. State police continue to investigate how the school bus began moving while Barker was working underneath it.

Related: Florida School District Begins School Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program
Related: 10 Taken to Hospital After School Bus, Car Crash in New York
Related: Distracted Driving Maryland Man Convicted in Fatal Crash with School Bus
Related: School Bus Driver Charged with Hit-and-Run Death of Brooklyn Girl

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A Maryland man was arrested after he allegedly stole a privately owned school bus and drove it through a red light before striking a curb, reported Yahoo news.

According to the news report, officers first noticed the school bus at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 19 after the driver allegedly failed to stop at a red light at an intersection in Waldorf, Maryland.

Officers reportedly initiated a traffic stop. As the driver pulled the school bus over, he struck a curb and caused damage to the front of the vehicle. The extent of the damage was not immediately disclosed.

When officers approached the school bus, they reportedly found the driver alone inside. No passengers or students were on board the bus at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. The driver was identified as 34-year-old Joseph Andrew Townsend of Waldorf.

Investigators accuse Townsend of entering a privately owned school bus lot, locating the keys to one of the buses and driving away with the vehicle. Officials did not identify the company that owns the bus or disclose where the lot was located.

It was also unclear how long the bus had been missing before officers spotted it or whether the vehicle had been reported stolen before the traffic stop. Townsend was reportedly arrested and charged with theft of property valued at more than $25,000. He was held without bond following his arrest. The investigation remained ongoing.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing a School Bus in New Mexico
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Related: Teen Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends with School Bus Crash
Related: Stolen School Bus Driven Nearly 40 Miles Before Being Abandoned

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DENVER, Colo. — Despite a decline in the number of illegal passers, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) said the problem is far from resolved.

In the most recent one-day count of illegal passers, announced Tuesday at the National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting and Convention, NASDPTS Executive Director Ronna Weber said 101,334 participating school bus drivers, accounting for 26.2 percent of the nation’s school bus drivers throughout 39 states and the District of Columbia, reported that 56,024 vehicles passed their buses illegally on a single day during the 2025-2026 school year.

Adjusting for 100 percent of the school bus drivers in the U.S., NASDPTS extrapolated just over 213,800 illegal passings each day. Projected across a 180-day school year, the agency noted that these sample results point to more than 38.4 million violations per year among the motoring public.

“As the projected violations for the 2024-2025 school year were 39.3 million, and the projected violations for the 2023-2024 school year were 45.2 million violations, we are noticing a trend in the reduction of the number of illegal passings,” NASDPTS said via a press release. “The problem of illegal passings, however, is far from resolved.”

NASDPTS President Mike Stier of the Illinois State Board of Education noted that while the state directors are pleased to see another reduction in the number of illegal passings, “38.4 million illegal passings is still entirely too many.”

He added that NASDPTS “continues to encourage each state to raise awareness on this important safety issue and to do everything possible to ensure motorists put the safety of school children first.”

Illegal Passing Survey Indicates Latest Violation Trends

When looking at the data, on average, the survey recorded about one violation for every two bus drivers participating in the voluntary survey. Afternoon routes accounted for the largest share of violations, with 28,596 illegal passes reported, representing 51 percent of the total. Morning routes accounted for 25,707 violations, or nearly 46 percent. Midday routes represented just over 3 percent with 1,721 incidents.

Most violations involved motorists approaching from the opposite direction. Plus, nearly 64 percent of illegal passes occurred from the front of the school bus, compared with about 36 percent from the rear.

Florida reported the highest overall number of violations, followed by California, Georgia and Texas. Together, those four states accounted for roughly 60 percent of all reported incidents. However, state-by-state comparisons should be viewed cautiously because participation levels varied and the survey did not account for route mileage, traffic volume, number of stops or roadway type.

The 11th annual survey began in 2014 and since has only missed 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 and the resulting school closures across the country.

“In recent years, several states have increased penalties for violations, authorized the use of photo evidence for issuing citations, or enacted other measures designed to deter this dangerous practice,” NASDPTS said.

Related: WATCH: West Virginia Releases Illegal Passing Awareness Video
Related: Scientific Approach to Illegal Passing Issue Coming to STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Michigan Association Releases Illegal Passing PSA for School Bus Safety Week
Related: Detroit Lions Retired Offensive Lineman Joins Latest Michigan Illegal Passing Awareness Campaign

At STN EXPO West last week, Michael Hout, Ph.D., the associate dean for research at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, delivered a comprehensive scientific perspective on the persistent problem of illegal school bus stop arm passing. Collaborating with Ward Leber and the Child Safety Network, Hout drew on his expertise in psychology and kinesiology, focusing on visual attention, perception, memory, decision making, and the phenomenon of “look but fail to see errors.”

During his session he emphasized the limitations of violation counts, advocating for more comprehensive data that include legal stops, routes, communities, time of day, and baseline denominators. He referenced the NASDPTS one-day survey, noting that while it’s a start, it’s not a full representation of the problem. Because drivers are counting these instances themselves, he added, there is a margin of error.

He recommended supplementing human observation with video cameras and other assistive tools. Behaviors such as reaction times, fixations, braking, steering, and eye movement control are where recording errors can occur, he noted.

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A 20-year-old New York man has been indicted on felony charges after allegedly pointing a handgun at a school bus carrying three children with special needs during a road rage incident earlier this year, reported Mid-Hudson News.

According to the news report, a Westchester County grand jury indicted Michael Alarcon of Mahopac on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, menacing and endangering the welfare of a child.

The incident reportedly occurred Feb. 4 on the Taconic State Parkway in the town of Mount Pleasant. Authorities allege Alarcon pointed what appeared to be a pistol at the school bus driver while the driver was transporting the three children.

New York State Police located Alarcon later that day and took him into custody. During the investigation, authorities reportedly recovered a .22-caliber handgun equipped with a green laser and a weapon-mounted light.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. “The defendant’s actions were egregious,” Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said via the article “The fact that the victims were special needs children only amplifies the recklessness. Thankfully, he was quickly apprehended, and no one was injured.”

According to the report, the most serious charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison if Alarcon is convicted. He was 19 when he was arrested following the alleged incident and is now 20. The indictment follows Alarcon’s initial arrest and arraignment in Febuary. He remains free on bail while the case proceeds and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 14.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Delaware Man Charged After Allegedly Pointing Gun at School Bus
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Related: Loaded Gun On South Carolina School Bus Leads to Quick Arrest
Related: Man Accused of Pulling Handgun on Florida School Bus Driver

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More than 16,000 elementary school students across Middle Tennessee will receive backpacks filled with school supplies through United Way of Greater Nashville’s annual Stuff the Bus initiative, reported WSMV 4.

The nonprofit organization set a goal of filling 15,000 backpacks during this year’s campaign. Community donations surpassed that target by 1,060, resulting in 16,060 backpacks for students preparing to return to classrooms.

Nearly 500 volunteers reportedly gathered July 14 and 15 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville to drop off supplies, assemble backpacks and celebrate the campaign’s success.

The organization said 497 volunteers contributed more than 1,988 hours to the effort. Supplies were collected and donated by 55 companies and individuals before volunteers packed them into backpacks for distribution.

The backpacks will reportedly be delivered to students in need through 58 locations across 10 Middle Tennessee counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Hickman, Houston, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner and Williamson. The distribution comes as school districts throughout the region prepare to welcome students back for the 2026-2027 academic year. Depending on the district, classes are scheduled to resume in late July or early August.

Stuff the Bus is intended to ensure students whose families may have difficulty purchasing school supplies begin the academic year with essential classroom materials. The campaign relies on donations and volunteer support to collect, organize and distribute the backpacks throughout the region.

United Way of Greater Nashville works with organizations and community partners across Middle Tennessee to connect donated supplies with students who need them. This year’s campaign exceeded its original backpack goal by about 7 percent.

Officials did not provide details about the individual supplies included in each backpack or specify when distributions will take place at each location. Families seeking information about eligibility or pickup arrangements can contact participating organizations in their respective counties.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Stuff the Bus Drive Launches on California’s Central Coast Helping Students
Related: North Carolina School’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ Drive Returns to Support Local Students
Related:Food Truck Gives Cleveland Teens Real-World Culinary Experience
Related: Salvation Army Hosts Stuff the Bus Donation Drive in Indiana

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A 7-year-old girl was fatally struck by a school bus July 8 while crossing a street in Monsey, New York.

Officers responded at approximately 9 a.m. to a report of a child struck by a school bus in front of 182 Blauvelt Road. The girl, a Monsey resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released her identity. But the Monsey Scoop reported the girl’s name as Blima Weber.

According to a police news release, the bus was being operated by a 28-year-old Monsey resident and was a full-size yellow school bus operated by Yeshiva Viznitz. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Police said the driver was screened for alcohol and drugs and showed no signs of impairment. Preliminary findings also indicate speed was not a contributing factor in the crash. No criminal charges are pending against the driver at this time, though the investigation remains active.

The Town of Ramapo Police Department’s Crash Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

This marks the fourth student fatality involving a school bus in New York during the 2025–2026 school year, according to School Transportation News data

Authorities have not said whether the bus was transporting students at the time of the collision, how many passengers may have been aboard, or whether it was actively loading or unloading students. Police have not released information about whether onboard camera footage is being reviewed. STN requested more information but received no response at the time of this report.

Related: Distracted Driving Maryland Man Convicted in Fatal Crash with School Bus
Related: 6 Students Killed in Danger Zone, All by School Buses
Related: N.Y. Child Struck, Killed by School Bus
Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York

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A former Clayton Ridge Community School District bus driver was denied unemployment benefits after a judge determined he repeatedly and recklessly used his cellphone while transporting students, reported Iowa Capital News.

Donald Schneider began working for the Iowa district as a bus driver Sept. 1, 2022. He was placed on administrative leave in March fired by the school board the following month.

The investigation began after Schneider reported an unspecified incident aboard his bus March 10, prompting district officials to review security-camera footage. During that review, officials reportedly observed Schneider using his cellphone while driving, in violation of district policy and Iowa law.

Officials then reportedly reviewed additional recordings that allegedly showed what Administrative Law Judge Rebecca Stonawski described as “substantial, frequent and egregious use” of the phone while Schneider was behind the wheel.

In one instance, Schneider was reportedly holding the cellphone with both hands while driving students at night. District officials said via the article that Schneider acknowledged using his phone improperly and knew that doing so while driving was illegal.

Stonawski recently denied Schneider’s application for unemployment benefits, concluding that his behavior amounted to workplace misconduct. Schneider “was not simply careless,” Stonawski stated via the article. She said his repeated phone use showed he was “knowingly and recklessly using his phone while driving school children” and demonstrated deliberate disregard for both the district’s interests and the safety of students aboard his bus.

In her decision, Stonawski also noted that the district had previously experienced driving incidents involving the loss of life, although she did not elaborate. According to local news reporters, Schneider could not be reached for comment.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: (STN Podcast E229) October Updates: Green Funding, Cellphone Bans & Special Needs Legalities
Related: NTSB Says Cell Phone Distraction Cause of 2023 Wisconsin Student Fatality
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Related: Video Shows Cellphone Use While Driving, Caused Texas Crash

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The family of an Indiana teenager filed a lawsuit against Amazon after a company delivery driver struck a school bus carrying a high school baseball team and caused serious injury, reported CBS News.

The lawsuit stems from a May 8, 2025, crash involving Shawn Akison and a school bus carrying members of a La Porte County High School baseball team. Akison was working as an Amazon delivery driver when he struck the bus.

Lucas Bradshaw, who was reportedly 17 at the time, was ejected from the school bus during the crash. Attorneys said via the report that he suffered a traumatic brain injury, a brain hemorrhage and a broken arm. He remained in a coma for nearly two months following the collision.

Akison later pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and is serving a sentence related to the crash. Details about the length of his sentence were not provided.

According to the article, the lawsuit alleges Amazon failed to conduct an adequate background check before allowing Akison to drive and permitted him to continue working despite a history of driving and substance abuse-related violations.

Attorneys for Bradshaw’s family said Akison’s criminal record goes back decades and includes driver’s license suspensions and substance abuse-related incidents in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The lawsuit also alleges Akison had been arrested for heroin possession several months before the school bus crash.

The family argues that a more thorough review of Akison’s history should have prevented him from being placed behind the wheel of a delivery vehicle. The specific damages sought in the lawsuit were not disclosed.

Amazon expressed sympathy for Bradshaw, his family and others affected by the collision but declined to discuss the allegations because the case remains pending, according to local news reporters.

“This was a tragedy, and our hearts are with the families affected as they recover and the entire LaPorte County community,” Amazon said via the article. “Given this is active litigation, we have no further comment.”

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Driving While Intoxicated Guilty Plea from Arkansas School Bus Driver After Crash
Related: Family’s Lawsuit Claims Distraction, Negligence in Fatal Tennessee School Bus Crash
Related: Illinois Parents File Lawsuit Against School District, Bus Company
Related: Florida School Bus Driver Charged With DUI, Child Neglect After Crash

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RENO, Nev. — Each school day, millions of students climb aboard a school bus, often greeted by the same driver who has watched them grow from one grade to the next. While those interactions may last only a few minutes each morning and afternoon, transportation professionals say the relationships built over months and years have a lasting impact on students.

From easing first-day jitters and encouraging positive behavior to recognizing changes in a student’s demeanor, school bus drivers are uniquely positioned to become trusted adults in students’ lives. Because they interact with students every school day, transportation professionals say drivers often have opportunities to build trust through the small, consistent interactions that become part of a child’s routine.

Transportation leaders have long recognized that a school bus driver’s role extends beyond safely transporting students from one destination to another. Seeing the same riders twice each day allows drivers to learn students’ personalities, recognize changes in routine, and create an environment where children feel welcomed and respected. For younger students, that consistency can ease anxiety during the transition to and from school, while older students may come to view their driver as another trusted adult in their school community.

Building that trust often comes through small, everyday interactions. Greeting students by name, asking about their day or checking in after noticing a change may seem routine, but over time those moments can help students feel seen, valued and comfortable.

Relationships That Reach Beyond the Bus

The importance of those everyday interactions extends beyond the ride itself. Research has increasingly shown that when students feel connected to caring adults at school, they are more likely to experience positive academic, behavioral, and emotional outcomes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies school connectedness, the belief that adults and peers at school care about a student’s learning and well-being, as a protective factor associated with improved mental health and lower levels of emotional distress, substance use and violence. While the CDC’s research focuses on the broader school environment, transportation professionals say school bus drivers contribute to that sense of connectedness by serving as one of the first and last school employees students interact with each day.

That research also aligns with findings shared during STN EXPO West, where former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Greg Truhan discussed July 10 the role trusted adults can play in supporting students.

Drawing on research from the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center, Truhan said one finding consistently emerged in studies of targeted school violence. “School shooters reported having no trusting relationships with a responsible adult, not one,” Truhan said.

While his presentation focused on violence prevention, Truhan said the broader takeaway for transportation professionals is the value of becoming another trusted adult in a student’s life. “They can be that trusted adult,” he said.

School Bus Drivers Building Trust Every Day

Relationship-building doesn’t require grand gestures. Transportation professionals say consistency, respect, and genuine interest in students’ well-being often have the greatest impact.

Across the country, many drivers intentionally create welcoming environments through simple daily interactions. In Fulton County, Georgia, veteran bus driver Lisa Jacobs has become known for greeting students with singing, dancing and words of encouragement aboard her “Red Elephant Bus,” creating a ride that many students say is one of the highlights of their school day. In Sulphur Springs Independent School District, Texas, special education bus driver Lawson Crook said he strives to ensure every student feels seen and valued, recognizing that the bus ride is often a child’s first interaction with school each morning.

While each driver’s approach is different, both reflect a common goal: Creating an environment where students feel safe, respected and supported. A warm greeting, remembering a student’s name, celebrating achievements or simply noticing when something seems different can help establish a connection. Over time, those interactions may encourage students to share concerns, seek guidance, or simply feel more comfortable during their daily ride.

Building relationships doesn’t mean crossing professional boundaries or becoming a student’s counselor. Rather, transportation professionals say it means creating an environment where students know they are respected, heard and comfortable approaching a trusted adult if they need help.

Related: Book Tells Story of Special Bond Between School Bus Driver, Students
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Related: School Bus Driver Wins Inaugural Behind the Wheel Award from BusRight

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A decade of building relationships with students aboard a Fulton County school bus has inspired one driver to turn their shared experiences into a book celebrating the children who ride her route, reported CBS News.

Lisa Jacobs, who drives students to Lake Windward Elementary School near Atlanta, has reportedly spent the past 10 years creating an upbeat atmosphere aboard what students affectionately call the “Red Elephant Bus.” Daily traditions such as Tell Me Something Good Monday, Joke Wednesday and Dance Party Friday have turned the morning and afternoon commutes into an extension of the school community.

Jacobs said she never imagined becoming a school bus driver. A floral designer by trade, she initially accepted the position for its benefits before discovering a passion for working with the children. Students said Jacobs’ enthusiasm and encouragement help brighten even difficult days.

Fifth-grader Magnolia Rumsey described the bus ride as something students look forward to because “every day is different and special.”

Jacobs said she strives to reassure students when they are struggling, reminding them that everyone needs someone in their corner. That supportive environment has had a lasting impact on many riders. Rumsey said Jacobs inspired her to run for bus monitor, comparing the experience to a student election after delivering a speech to her classmates aboard the bus.

Lake Windward Elementary Principal Lauren Busing said Jacobs’ role extends well beyond safely transporting students each day. “Miss Lisa is an extension of our wonderful staff here at Lake Windward,” Busing said, adding that Jacobs helps students feel welcomed, appreciated and safe before they arrive at school.

According to the news report, it was the strong sense of community aboard the Red Elephant Bus that led Jacobs to create a book featuring every student on her route. Each child contributed a drawing and a short paragraph, giving every rider a page of their own.

Fifth-grader Adrina Izadi said that being included in the book was a memorable experience and that Jacobs has a gift for making every student feel important. Jacobs’ support also continues beyond the bus route. She regularly attends student’ extracurricular activities and school events, maintaining connections with families throughout the year. Jacobs said her greatest hope is that every child who rides the Red Elephant Bus remembers they will always have someone cheering them on, no matter how old they become.

Written with the assistance of AI.

Related: Georgia Grandmother Writes School Bus Safety Book for Children
Related: Children’s Books by School Bus Drivers Double as Safety Education Tool
Related: Connecticut School Bus Company Publishes Bilingual Book to Ease First-Day Bus Anxiety
Related: School Bus Driver Creates Children’s Book to Promote School Bus Safety

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This spring, I spoke with a newspaper reporter in Southern California regarding a case of students left on school buses. Those kinds of headlines always grab my attention as such incidents happen all too often nationwide. The most recent number is around 500 a year based on federal estimates, but no true count is recorded from state to state.

But all states have a regulation on not leaving students on school buses. California law requires school bus drivers to deactivate some kind of alarm system that acts as a reminder to perform a full post-trip sweep of the school bus, including looking on and below each seating position to check for sleeping students or those who otherwise did not exit at their respective stops.

The law resulted from a tragic 2015 death of a 16-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, who was left on his Southern California school bus for upwards of eight hours during a heat wave, while his driver hurried off to meet a co-worker for a tryst.

Referred to as The Paul Lee law, it has required various alarms or reminder systems in school buses since 2019. That did not stop two incidents from occurring earlier this year in the Oxnard, California area. Aside from the obvious safety concerns, it came as no surprise that the reporter asked me why the local school bus driver’s union was coming to the defense of the driver and opposing technology that could prevent such incidents. Granted, the recent Oxnard case has its complexities.

I often talk to directors of transportation about their frustration with some collective bargaining negotiations, and the media junkets that unions will embark on to try to influence those talks. The breakdown often comes when technology enters the picture. Video cameras, GPS, data tracking and tablets are well ingrained in society, where we can watch our pizza being made to being delivered, and all steps in between. But when it comes to the nation’s schoolchildren, technology detractors will raise privacy concerns and allege the solutions are being used to spy on school bus drivers. That is part of the story in Oxnard.

While technology stacks do corroborate what school bus drivers are doing—or not—behind the wheel, they also drive efficiencies, safety and accountability. The newspaper reporter I spoke with expressed shock that student tracking exists. I had to explain that many school districts have migrated to what is more accurately described as student ridership verification, to alleviate the call volume from parents asking where their children’s school buses are, and when and where their students board and exit. Student ridership verification is about safety and communication, not checking up on school bus drivers. These systems also work with child reminder systems to ensure students are accounted for at the conclusion of routes.

Camera systems provide another fail-safe, if footage is reviewed and flagged properly. They verify student activity during the route and can detect if children remain on the bus afterward. They also record traffic issues on the road and provide training insights for driver-trainers regarding school bus driver action or inaction. For example, cameras using AI-enhanced software increasingly are detecting drowsy or stressed school bus drivers, as we talk about more in this issue.

More so, I told the reporter, cameras and other technology are serving as proof of service, often exonerating school bus drivers from “he said, she said” accusations. Too often, students, other motorists or parents levy allegations against school bus drivers that are unfounded. While there are bad apples in every bunch, as seen by the focus on driving while under the influence, most school bus drivers are in this position for all the right reasons.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the July 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

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Sarah Reece, a driver trainer for Barren County Schools, was named the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky (STAK) Driver Trainer of the Year, an honor recognizing her commitment to preparing school bus drivers and promoting safe student transportation.

Reece received the award during STAK’s annual conference. The association recognized her for her dedication to training new drivers and helping maintain high standards for school bus safety.

As Barren County’s driver-trainer, Reece mentors and prepares new school bus drivers as they earn their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and develop the skills needed to safely transport students. District officials said her focus on thorough instruction has strengthened the transportation department while reinforcing a culture centered on safety.

“We’re proud to see Sarah recognized by her peers across the state,” Superintendent Amy Irwin said in a statement. “She approaches her work with professionalism and a genuine commitment to making sure our drivers are well prepared. This award is a reflection of the important role she plays in serving our students.”

Driver-trainers play a critical role in pupil transportation by preparing prospective school bus drivers through classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel coaching and evaluations before they begin transporting students.

Former Transportation Director Scott Chapman, who worked closely with Reece for many years, said her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made her an effective trainer.

“Sarah cares deeply about doing the job the right way,” Chapman said. “She takes the time to make sure new drivers are ready before they ever get behind the wheel with students. She’s a great trainer and very deserving of this recognition.”

STAK is a professional organization that promotes excellence in pupil transportation through professional development, training and advocacy for school transportation professionals throughout the commonwealth. District officials said Reece’s recognition reflects not only her dedication to training future school bus drivers but also the district’s broader commitment to providing safe, reliable transportation for students each day.

Barren County Schools concluded its announcement by congratulating Reece on the statewide honor and thanking her for the care, professionalism and dedication she brings to the district’s transportation program.

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A school bus caught fire Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 79 in Harrison County, West Virginia, temporarily shutting down the southbound lanes, reported WBOY News.

According to the news report, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 3:07 p.m. after Harrison County 911 received reports of a vehicle fire on Interstate 79 South, close to the Jerry Dove Drive exit. Responders arrived to find a school bus engulfed in flames.

No children were reportedly aboard the bus at the time of the fire. The driver safely exited the vehicle before crews arrived and was not injured. Photos submitted by residents to local news reporters appeared to show the fire originating near the bus’s rear wheels, though officials have not confirmed the cause. The incident remains under investigation.

The fire reportedly prompted authorities to close the southbound lanes of Interstate 79 while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, and crews ensured the area was safe. Harrison County 911 reported the highway was closed in the area by 3:39 p.m. Traffic resumed after emergency personnel cleared the scene.

According to the article, the Bridgeport Fire Department and Bridgeport Police Department responded alongside the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading while law enforcement managed traffic.

Officials have not released additional information about the school bus, including which district or transportation provider operated the vehicle or whether it was in service before the incident. No additional vehicles were reported to be involved.

Authorities have not announced a cause of the fire, and no further details were immediately available. The investigation is ongoing.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A former Springdale School District bus driver has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated after authorities said she crashed a school bus carrying dozens of students and continued her route before returning to the district’s transportation facility, reported Northwest Arkansas.

According to the news report, Dawn Ellen Russell, 70, of Springdale entered the guilty plea Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated stemming from the March 4 incident. She was sentenced to one year in jail with all, but one day suspended and fined $1,000.

Prosecutors charged Russell with driving while intoxicated, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, second-degree criminal mischief, and leaving the scene of an accident involving $10,000 or more in property damage. She pleaded guilty to the DWI charge and was referred to the Washington County Veterans Treatment Court on the remaining charges. Successful completion of the program will result in dismissal of the remaining charges.

Springdale police responded at about 9:08 a.m. March 4 to a report of a school bus that had struck a tree and a utility pole near the intersection of Holcomb Street and Meadow Avenue.

Authorities said there were 53 students on board the bus at the time of the crash, though no injuries were reported. A preliminary police report stated Russell continued driving her assigned route after the collision before returning to the school district’s bus lot. Police later located the bus and driver at the transportation facility. Officers reported smelling alcohol on Russell’s breath during their investigation and subsequently arrested her on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

According to the news report, Russell had transported about 150 students during the morning before the incident was reported. Damage to the utility pole was estimated at approximately $10,000. Following the arrest, the Springdale School District confirmed that one of its bus drivers had been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and that the individual was no longer operating district vehicles.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Pennsylvania State Police are investigating two separate incidents involving the theft or attempted theft of catalytic converters from school transportation vehicles in Franklin County, with charges pending against one suspect in one of the cases, reported Tri-State News.

Police said via the article that Shawn Jordan, 38, of Hagerstown, Maryland, is expected to face charges after investigators identified him as one of the suspects in an attempted catalytic converter theft at the Chambersburg Area School District transportation facility on Cider Press Road in Guilford Township.

According to the news report, the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. June 9. Investigators allege Jordan attempted to steal catalytic converters from a white 2025 Ford van and a white 2018 Ford van owned by the school district. The transportation hub is located near Falling Spring Elementary School.

State police reportedly said charges will be filed through Magisterial District Judge 39-3-07. Court records had not yet reflected formal charges as of the latest update. The investigation is being conducted under the Pennsylvania State Police Department.

In a separate case, PSP is reportedly investigating the theft of catalytic converters from two vehicles owned by DL Friese Transportation in Hamilton Township. Troopers were notified shortly before 7 a.m. May 11 that catalytic converters had been stolen from a school bus and a box truck parked at the company’s lot on Lincoln Way West near Chambersburg. The theft resulted in an estimated loss of about $1,600.

No arrests have been made in that case, which remains under investigation. State police are asking anyone with information about the theft to contact the PSP Chambersburg station.

Catalytic converter thefts have become a recurring concern for vehicle owners. School districts and school bus contractors have increasingly been targeted in recent years due to the number of vehicles typically stored together in fleet yards.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A Texas special education school bus driver, whose career has centered on supporting students, was recognized with a new national award that celebrates excellence in school transportation.

School bus routing software provider BusRight announced June 12 that Lawson Crook, a special education bus driver for Sulphur Springs Independent School District in Texas, was selected as the recipient of its inaugural Behind the Wheel Award. The company said Crook was chosen from 322 nominations submitted by transportation leaders nationwide. Crook was selected from among 13 finalists.

The award, launched on National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in April, recognizes school bus drivers who make a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve while advancing BusRight’s mission of supporting safe, reliable and efficient student transportation.

“I was shocked to learn that I had been selected as the winner,” Crook told School Transportation News. “I was just as shocked to find out that I was even selected as a candidate.”

BusRight co-founder and CEO Keith Corso said the nominations highlighted the critical role drivers play in students’ daily lives.

“School bus drivers play a deeply meaningful role in the lives of every student they serve, helping ensure safe, consistent, daily transportation and acting as trusted members of the school community,” Corso said in a statement. “… Lawson stood out this year for exemplifying the award and demonstrating the devotion and care BusRight is immensely proud to recognize.”

Crook spent 26 years as an educator and coach before retiring, later working in behavior intervention with students who had learning and behavioral challenges. When he transitioned into student transportation, he specifically requested a special education route.

“These students require a calm and caring approach,” Crook said. “After retirement, I knew I would continue to drive for the district, and I requested the special needs bus because these students continued to hold a spot in my heart.”

Although he no longer works inside the classroom, Crook said he still sees himself as playing an important role in students’ school days. “I may not be in the building with them, but I would continue to be the first point of contact to help ensure their day was off to a good start,” he said.

His route includes picking up students at their front doors, allowing him to build relationships with both children and their families.

“One of the things I enjoy most is building relationships with the students and their families,” Crook said. “I love starting the day with a smile or a fist bump from the kids, and those small moments make a big difference. At the end of the day, it’s all about the students and helping them have a positive start to their day.”

Crook said trust, consistency, and respect have remained guiding principles throughout his career. “I believe that if you build a relationship with a child and earn their trust, the behavior and respect will follow,” he said. “Consistency is important because students need to know that you’re someone they can count on every day.”

Among the many moments that have stayed with him, Crook recalled a nonverbal student who pats him on the shoulder and smiles while exiting the bus each afternoon. “I learned that is his way of saying ‘thank you and goodbye,’” Crook said. “Those things mean and say more to me than anything.”

Dan Froneberger, transportation director for Sulphur Springs ISD, said Crook’s decades as an educator continue to shape his approach behind the wheel.

“He approaches every route with the same patience, care and sense of responsibility that characterized his many years as an educator, always prioritizing student safety and treating every child and staff member with respect, consideration and kindness,” Froneberger said in a statement.

As part of the award, Sulphur Springs ISD will receive a donation of up to 300 Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 tablets to support its special education and connection programs, which help graduates continue developing life and vocational skills through hands-on learning experiences at home and on the farm. Crook also will receive a $500 gift package.

Crook said he hopes other school bus drivers remember the influence they have on students every day.

“We’re often the first people students see from a school standpoint each morning, and we have an opportunity to start their day in a positive way,” he said. “You have to love what you do and remember that it’s about the kids, not about yourself.”

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A group of Scottish soccer fans donated $15,000 to a Massachusetts charity supporting students in need after an unexpected experience riding American school buses became one of the highlights of their World Cup visit, reported WBUR News.

According to the news report, the donation from Scotland’s famed “Tartan Army” was inspired by the yellow school buses that transported hundreds of fans between Boston and Gillette Stadium for Scotland’s FIFA World Cup matches last month.

“It was always going to be a good experience,” said Mike Teevan via the article, a Scotland resident who organized transportation for traveling supporters. “But the school buses were just another level.”

Teevan originally planned to charter private coaches for Scotland’s June 13 match against Haiti and June 19 match against Morocco. Interest quickly exceeded expectations, growing to 21 buses before one transportation provider withdrew, leaving organizers facing an additional $14,000 in transportation costs.

After reportedly learning another group of Scottish soccer supporters based in Providence was using school buses operated by First Student, Teevan changed plans despite concerns from passengers about the lack of air conditioning, onboard restrooms and what they expected would be a two-hour trip through Boston-area traffic.

Instead, more than 560 supporters reportedly boarded a dozen yellow school buses for each World Cup match and embraced the experience. With windows down, fans sang throughout the ride, stopped to purchase about 8,000 cans of beer across both game days and reached the stadium in about 75 minutes, including the stop.

“The American school bus is something that everybody knows here, mainly due to ‘The Simpsons,’” Teevan told local news reporters. Although passengers had paid about $60 for transportation, none requested refunds after the last-minute switch from private coaches.

Instead, Teevan reportedly said riding on school buses prompted him to find a way to give back to the students whose buses they had used. The Scottish soccer fans donated the savings to The Massachusetts Child, a charity administered by the Massachusetts Teachers Association that provides grants to school districts for books, school supplies, clothing and other essentials for students experiencing financial hardship. The organization distributed more than $60,000 to 50 school districts last year.

A separate group of Scottish soccer fans staying in Providence also donated $10,000 to Hasbro Children’s Hospital during the tournament.

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