Six school districts are being recognized at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada next month as part of the 2025 Top Transportation Teams.

Launched in 2023, the Top Transportation Teams program by Transfinder spotlights the country’s outstanding student transportation departments and gives them a platform to share their success strategies with others. The winners were chosen based on the results of anonymous surveys that were sent to the teams that applied, asking questions about leadership, career development, resources and incentives.

The winners are divided into two categories, the first being 100 or more team members. Winners in this category are Hoover City Schools in Alabama, Prosper Independent School District in Texas and Goddard Public Schools in Kansas. In the 100 team members or less category are Pembroke Central School District in New York, Wa-Nee Community Schools in Indiana and Franklin Square Union Free School District in New York.

STN EXPO attendees will recognize some returning districts among the winners. Wa-nee took home the award in 2024 and Pembroke CSD in 2023.

Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella noted an increased number of applicants this year. “The Top Transportation Teams program continues to grow, a sign that there was a void that needed filling,” he stated. “Hearing the stories from districts on how they work together, build culture and go beyond the call of duty has been inspiring to so many. We know this program is not just giving these teams the recognition they deserve but also is playing a role in helping transportation operations improve how they serve their communities.”

Following an awards presentation ceremony on July 14 at STN EXPO West, representatives from each winning team will join a panel discussion where they will discuss with Civitella the leadership decisions and operational procedures that create a successful transportation team.

“The Top Transportation Teams Award is a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional school districts and private school bus contractors,” said STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. “In partnership with Transfinder, this award highlights exemplary teamwork and operational excellence, inspiring the pupil transportation industry to achieve higher standards of safety, operational excellence and highlighting the importance of company culture. We are honored to host these awards and thank President and CEO Antonio Civitella for his vision to recognize industry leaders and their teams!”

STN EXPO West will be held in Reno, Nevada July 11-16. Register at stnexpo.com/west.

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The exclusive two-day Transportation Director Summit at STN EXPO West will take place from July 11-12 and feature numerous opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration.

This event held in nearby Lake Tahoe is included for qualified decision makers at no cost with purchase of their main conference registration. Day one takes place at the Peppermill Resort alongside a networking mixer with appetizers and drinks. It features a discussion on top challenges with STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin and a veteran of student transportation who is typically announced day-of.

For day two, attendees are bused off-site to The Chateau at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe for a full day of focused higher learning and networking sessions with a series of vendor partners. A customized matching system ensures that transportation leaders meet with manufacturers and suppliers of products and services that they have expressed interest in buying to assist with their unique day-to-day operations.

Providing the training for this year’s experience is Jon Petz, a best-selling author, professional magician, and world’s only “Amazement Artist.” He pulls back the curtain on the art and psychology of true amazement – when wonder is discovered and engagement intensifies to create powerful and impactful moments. Attendees will witness a real-time engagement on stage and learn how to apply three essential rules for amazement in their daily lives and workplace culture to create more value than ever before.

Roundtable discussions will follow on how to implement the lessons learned into everyday life as a transportation director.

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Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are provided throughout the day. A golf range sits just outside the meeting room and walking trails are easily accessible.

Recent trainers for this signature event include author and trainer Scott Welle, who related aspects of sports psychology to leadership enhancement in the workplace; speaker and trainer Christine Cashen, who shared effective communication “magic words” and techniques; peak performance expert Wayne Lee, who used hypnotism exercises to demonstrate the power of the mind in achieving goals; body language expert Traci Brown, who delved into how lie detection, body language and noticing verbal cues heightens awareness about students and coworkers; and international leadership expert Sylvie di Giusto, who highlighted 15 different selling points that makes one unique and gives them an advantage in the workplace.

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