School Transportation Nation

Is school bus Wi-Fi letting kids get on TikTok as Sen. Ted Cruz claims, or is it a valuable way to extend the classroom and provide students with educational access? Chris Ellison, director of transportation and fleet services at Reynolds School District in Oregon, shares high-level insights from serving as a delegate to the just-completed 17th National Congress on School Transportation. He discusses the passionate conversations and votes on emerging technology, alternative transportation, safety equipment and more. Read more about NCST. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

Fresh from covering the 17th National Congress on School Transportation, Taylor joins Ryan and Tony to discuss conversations and takeaways on the school bus safety recommendations that will make it into the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Manual. Upcoming STN EXPO West and TSD Conference sessions will discuss tariffs and manufacturing developments, safety in and around the bus, and pertinent updates for transporters of students with disabilities. David Johnson, executive director for the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, joins us to share his perspectives and some local flavor as well. Read more about NCST. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor recap the conversations, updates and new technology showcased at the ACT Expo in Anaheim, California last week, including: how AI and automation can assist the industry, developments in clean energy choices, tariff impact on manufacturing, the dismantling of Lion Electric, and more. Read more about ACT Expo. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

Get updates on the EPA Clean School Bus Program and dive into the State of Sustainable Fleets Report. Gaurav Sharda, chief technology officer at Beacon Mobility, discusses how an improved relationship between IT and student transportation improves efficiency, safety and service for families. Read more about technology. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

The seatbelt debate is reignited after a fatal South Carolina school bus crash. Learn more about safety equipment and procedures being considered by the National Congress on School Transportation and stay tuned for onsite coverage from its 17th meeting as well as the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Amazement Artist™, Hall of Fame speaker and professional magician Jon Petz discusses creating significance in simple moments for a more engaged workforce, which he will expand upon in his upcoming keynote at STN EXPO West and the Transportation Director Summit in Reno this July. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

Breakdowns of the federal Driving Forward Act's impact on school bus driver training, new student transportation topics being covered by the National Congress on School Transportation writing committee, and doing what's best for the children. Monique Jackson, area manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, discusses her passion for education access, her children's book “Gus, the Talking Safety Bus,” and teaching students school bus safety. Read more about safety. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

Tony, Taylor and Ryan cover recent news headlines, analyze federal tariff and funding updates, and recap the action and takeaways from STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month. Hear thoughts from Joshua Hinerman, director of transportation for Robertson County Schools in Tennessee, as well as several attendees of STN EXPO East, on the starting ages and appropriate training for school bus drivers.   Read more about drivers. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

During STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, STN Publisher Tony Corpin caught up with several friends in the school bus supplier market and found out about their new and exciting products and developments. Francisco Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, provides updates on the highly anticipated new B7.2 diesel and Octane engines. Mike Ippolito, chief operating officer for School Radio, covers the safety benefits of modernized two-way radio communications, including AI voice transcription of calls. Steve Randazzo, chief growth officer for BusPatrol America, talks illegal passing reduction efforts including stop-arm camera enforcement solutions at no upfront cost to school districts. Transportation Supervisor Todd Silverthorn and Assistant Transportation Supervisor Henry Mullen share about operations at Kettering City Schools, Ohio. They're joined by John Daniels, vice president of marketing for technology partner Transfinder. Plus, hear how attendees onsite are combating the school bus driver shortage.  Read more about the conversations at STN EXPO East. Episode & interview sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, Buspatrol, Cummins, School Radio. 

Analysis on NAPT‘s new three-point, lap-shoulder seatbelt recommendation, the New York City Department of Education's large technology RFP, and hands-on school bus emergency training in Texas. Participate in more discussions about safety and technology at STN EXPO Charlotte and STN EXPO Reno, which both include the Bus Technology Summit and the Green Bus Summit. “We're not looking for a buyer, we're looking for a partner.” Jason Yan, vice president of sales at RIDE Mobility, discusses how battery safety and development enhances electric school bus operation and range. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE.

Ryan and Tony discuss federal government shifts and how the industry could be affected, as well as how to keep the core values of transporting students safely and efficiently. “The driver shortage isn't an excuse.” In an interview full of phrases you could put on a t-shirt, Heather Handschin, supervisor of bus operations for Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia, discusses tools, processes and training to retain drivers, run operations smoothly, and serve community families well. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, Ride. 

See the latest stories, videos, webinars and photo galleries on green bus updates, safety, crashes, heroic bus drivers, Love the Bus Month and more at stnonline.com/news. “They say, ‘It feels like you're driving my bus!'” Cor'Darius Jones, school bus driver for Escambia County Schools in Florida, shares how he became the popular “Mr. Bus Driver” online and discusses leveraging social media to showcase the importance of the yellow bus and recruit drivers. Read more about drivers.

Tony and Taylor are back, discussing news headlines and why it's valuable to attend conferences like the upcoming STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I didn't know you could get an award for doing something you liked already,” Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. said of a childhood reading award that draws parallels to his current nomination for Super of the Year from AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He and Transportation Director Kevin Snowden discuss the passion, care, technology and collaboration that serves the students at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

School districts and transportation departments seek clarity on tariff impacts, federal funding sources, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency raids on or around school buses. “You need the money there to attract people in – but when they come in and you have good people, you need that culture there to keep them.” Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150 in Illinois, is a finalist for the AASA Superintendent of the Year award. Transportation Director Joshua Collins pulls back the curtain on how the district smoothly collaborates to retain school bus drivers and support student success goals. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio. 

Ryan and Tony discuss potential school bus industry shifts in response to U.S. presidential moves on zero-emissions and tariffs, shed light on misleading headlines, and review OEM business updates. AASA: The School Superintendents Association is on the front lines fighting for education and student service in the U.S. Supreme Court. Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA associate executive director of advocacy & governance, analyzes a pending case questioning the constitutionality of the Universal Services Fund, which in part funds E-Rate, school bus Wi-Fi and homework access for students in rural areas. Read more about government. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio. 

Headlines reflect how U.S. states, school districts, and manufacturers are navigating new funding and emissions rules from the Trump presidential administration. Mitzii Smith is the assistant director of transportation for Maine School Administrative District 6, a Maine School Safety Specialist, president-elect of the Maine Association for Pupil Transportation, and a 2024 STN Rising Star. She discusses running propane buses, promoting emotional intelligence to support staff, and what she's looking forward to at STN EXPO Charlotte in March. Read more about operations.

STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, is approaching fast, a NASDPTS paper espoused the safety of school buses over alternative transportation, and student transportation organizations tackle safety issues like illegal passing. David Poag, a 2024 STN Rising Star and director of transportation for Spartanburg School District 6 in South Carolina, shares how he leverages his business and sociology experience to stay fully staffed and keep students safe. Read more about operations. Episode sponsor: Transfinder

We analyze concern over possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at bus stops, an increase in the number of McKinney-Vento students, and the incoming Trump administration's impact on green vehicle mandates. Transfinder President & CEO Antonio Civitella joins us for a review of 2024 technology trends and a look ahead to 2025, including special experiences planned for the upcoming STN EXPO East in Charlotte, NC, and the company's Annual Client Summit. Did you know? One in three students who receive school transportation are taking a bus routed using Transfinder technology. Read more about technology. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

Analysis on the series of wildfires that rocked the Los Angeles area, school bus manufacturing data, and OEM developments. Scott Welle, author, consultant and upcoming STN EXPO Charlotte keynote speaker, discusses his background and passion for training others to “outperform the norm” in their personal lives as well as the line of work they are in. Read more about business. Episode sponsor: Transfinder

The stnonline.com website was abuzz in 2024. Learn what news reports student transporters were most interested in and hear Tony and Ryan's analysis on what the school bus industry can learn about safety and training from the tragic and noteworthy moments. Read more at stnonline.com/news.

It was a packed year for School Transportation News magazine. Tony and Ryan review the top article in each monthly issue and what student transporters have to say about their operations and challenges. Read more at stnonline.com/digital-editions.

Industry expert, NAPT Hall of Famer, TSD Tenured Faculty Member, and consultant Linda Bluth, Ed.D joins us for the first time on the podcast to share insights on students with special needs. She addresses the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), departmental collaboration, aides, alternative transportation, substitute drivers, training and more. New Zonar CEO Charles Kriete discusses the technology provider's combination with GPS Trackit, as well as efficiencies and innovations planned for the future. Read more about special needs and leadership.

Ryan and Tony analyze headlines including Lion Electric's reduction of electric school bus manufacturing, technology provider Zonar's acquisition by GPS Trackit, and what such developments mean for the industry. T.J. Reed, the new president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, joins us to discuss his vision for the company and exciting future innovations. Join us at STN EXPO Charlotte for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Thomas Built Buses C2 Plant in High Point, N.C. Learn more at stnexpo.com/east. Read more about leadership.

Safety lessons the industry can learn from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Loading & Unloading Survey and illegal school bus passing report to Congress, as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse recommendations. Joshua Wilson, former transportation director, national director of student transportation for Specialized Education Services, and a 2024 STN Rising Star, leverages his expertise in driver training to analyze the school bus driver shortage, alternative transportation, and more. Read more about leadership.

Keynote trainers and conversations at the TSD Conference and Trade Show last week focused on seeing students with special needs as people first and consistently supporting them in their distinctive requirements. “I always ask: ‘Is this in the best interest of the kid?'” Dana Rosen, TSD keynote speaker and assistant director of transportation services for student safety and support for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas, shares how she uses her special education background to support both transportation staff and students with special needs on the school bus ride. Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin sat down with a few special guests at this week's Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show. Gregg Prettyman, vice president of FirstAlt by contractor First Student, shares the program's successes in serving students with special needs or disabilities and dispels myths about the alternative transportation industry. Mike Ippolito, general manager of School Radio by Diga-Talk, shares how product developments like a new Wi-Fi-enabled radio can increase school bus connectivity and student safety.    Transfinder's Vice President of Marketing John Daniels and client Annette “Kecia” Ling, transportation director of operations and planning for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System in Georgia, discuss leveraging technology to provide uniquely customized transportation service for students with special needs. Hear soundbites from some of our attendees as they share what they found useful amid the learning, training and networking at the TSD Conference and Trade Show.  Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

School bus seat belt legislation is back in Congress. STN's November issue includes features on industry leadership, EV battery technology, and more. “We find a way to make it happen.” Craig Beaver, administrator of transportation for Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, and the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, discusses the paths that led him to his current storied leadership position, as well as the knowledge and technology that goes into school bus driver retention and clean bus trailblazing. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

Ryan & Tony look at contractor First Student's bus technology experiments, the upcoming elections, a New York bus company's fraud scheme, a bus driver's book on anxiety for student riders, and additional safety efforts. Amy Rosa, director of transportation for Wa-Nee Community Schools in Indiana, talks winning a Top Transportation Teams award at STN EXPO Reno in July, driver retention efforts, technology implementation, effective student safety practices, and success with electric buses. Read more about operations. Episode sponsor: Transfinder

Read remembrances of industry veteran George Edward (Ed) Donn and watch recent STN webinars on fleet electrification and school bus W-Fi. The upcoming Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show held Nov. 8-12, 2024 in Dallas-Frisco, Texas, hosts the conversations that transportation and education departments need to align on regarding students with special needs. Industry consultant and TSD Tenured Faculty member Launi Schmutz-Harden joins us to discuss the role of monitors and aides on special needs routes, the hands-on emergency evacuation training at TSD, and regulating the use of non-yellow bus transportation. Read more about special needs.

Ryan and Tony analyze Hurricanes Helene and Milton's impact on Florida and recap the news and awards shared at the National Association for Pupil Transportation Conference & Trade Show. Transfinder CEO Antonio Civitella discusses leveraging technology and teamwork for school bus operations and emergency preparedness. Read more about operations and weather. 

Updates on the catastrophic Hurricane Helene's impact on lives and business in the Southeastern U. S. Additionally, see how Virginia is tackling the school bus driver shortage. Waterloo Central School District in New York won a Top Transportation Teams award at STN EXPO West this summer. Transportation Supervisor D'Allah Laffoon discusses recovering from COVID-19-era operations, fostering teamwork, planning for electric school buses, starting school, and dealing with the driver shortage. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, IC Bus, Propane Education & Research Council.

Ryan & Tony examine the newly released fourth round of EPA Clean School Bus funding in light of how the school bus industry is responding to clean bus money. Additionally, STN's October magazine on leadership is out, California passed a student cell phone ban, and Hurricane Helene impacts the southeastern U.S. Betsey Helfrich, special education lawyer and upcoming TSD Conference keynote speaker, joins Ryan for a lively discussion with perspectives on current stories, trends and legal developments that student transporters should know when providing care to students with special needs. Read more about special needs.

Jeff Cassell, industry veteran and president of the School Bus Safety Company, joins Tony and Ryan to take a look at recent injuries and fatalities around school buses, and what the industry can do to improve student safety. Read more about safety and get your free copy of the School Bus Safety Company's Danger Zones bus driver training program.

Tony and Ryan discuss recent news headlines that underscore the need for training and safety focus, as well as what OEM leadership changes and the upcoming U.S. presidential election mean for school bus manufacturing. Jo Mascorro, upcoming TSD keynote speaker and an independent consultant with over 46 years of experience in the field of education, addresses treating the bus as an extension of the classroom, utilizing proper staff training and communication, and supporting and training students on good bus behavior. Read more about special needs.

Serious headlines include last week's school shooting near Atlanta, Georgia, a Kentucky student killed by her school bus, and cell phone bans in schools. “I'm going to hire for a can-do attitude over technical skills every time.” Greenville County Schools in South Carolina is the home of multiple STN Garage Stars. Adam James, director of transportation and fleet services, discusses his military experience and how he leads the district's school bus operations and maintenance. Read more about operations.

The industry looks at technology and training to improve back-to-school routing issues, student and parent attacks, and developing electric school buses. Have you read the new STN September issue? Listen to cover star and Director of Support Operations Ron Johnson share what's going right at the fully staffed and technologically advanced Indian Prairie School District #204 in Illinois. Read more about operations.

Headlines on back-to-school woes, ByteCurve's acquisition and NCST updates. CEO Jenna Fromm, COO Shane Johnson and CFO Chris Champlin join us to discuss the history, culture and practices that won Palmer Bus Service in Minnesota a Top Transportation Team award at STN EXPO Reno and the Contractor of the Year Award from the National School Transportation Association. Read more about operations.

Discussions on training and efforts to properly care for and support students with special needs. The TSD Conference held Nov. 7-12, 2024 in Frisco, Texas, has the latest in guidance and hands-on experiences in this area. Board Certified Behavior Analyst Patrick Mulick, the director of student engagement for the Auburn School District in Washington state and an upcoming TSD Conference keynote speaker, discusses how transportation staff can be informed and provide holistic care for students with special needs, specifically autism.  Read more about special needs.

Ryan and Taylor delve into OEM leadership and business updates, rising electric vehicle insurance, and technology in the school bus garage. The STN August issue has more on fleet management. “It's changing a lot lately.” Garage Star and Shop Foreman Scottie McKinzie discusses going back to school, dealing with mechanic shortages, implementing new technology like safety equipment and propane buses, and streamlining inventory and operations at Futon County Schools in Georgia. Read more about the bus garage.

Developments in school bus manufacturing, updates on the Clean School Bus Program, and concerns on Montgomery (Md.) County Public Schools electrification plans. What will the future of electric school buses look like? “I love every part of it.” Garage Star Teno Gustavson, director of vehicle and facilities maintenance for Suffolk Transportation Service in New York, discusses his 35-year career in the industry, fleet electrification (which the contractor pioneered in the state), infrastructure trends, inventory management, and more. Read more about operations.

Our August issue showcases the 2024 Garage Stars and augmented reality coming to the bus garage. We dissect what the latest U.S. presidential race updates mean to the industry, as well as federal developments affecting E-Rate funding for bus Wi-Fi and the de-classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Additionally, results are in from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation 12th illegal passing survey. Michael Ippolito, general manager of School Radio, discusses improving communications, safety and operational efficiency with two-way school bus radios. Read more about technology.

STN EXPO in Reno saw many awards bestowed on deserving individuals, focused conversations on the most pressing issues student transporters are facing, and displays of the latest in green bus and safety technology, plus a very excited 9-year-old school bus fan. Tony, Ryan & Taylor delve into the conversations and happenings. Read more about STN EXPO.

STN EXPO Reno was packed with instruction, training, and networking. Hear what attendees found most useful. Brittany Johnson, transportation director for Navarro Independent School District in Texas, joins us to discuss operations and safety technology. Read more about STN EXPO.

Read the new July issue and get excited for STN EXPO Reno, where we will hear from Transfinder's newly announced Top Transportation Team award winners. Additionally, get more details on Forest River's acquisition of Trans Tech Bus. Pallav Prakash, director of electrification program operations for Zum and the 2024 STN Innovator of the Year gracing our July magazine cover, joins us to discuss taking contracted transportation operations at Oakland Unified School District fully electric, how his background as a submarine commander in the Indian Navy focused him on student safety, the potential of V2G (vehicle to grid), and the significance of partnership and mentorship. Read more about green bus.

A new Harvard study compares the health and environmental impact of diesel and electric school buses. Tony & Ryan review funding and mandates that affect EV adoption by school bus operations. Additionally, breaking news about small school bus manufacturer Trans Tech's acquisition. “If [a student's] bus ride isn't 100 percent, their education isn't 100 percent.” Transportation Director Craig Lipps gives a glimpse into driver shortage mitigation, electric school buses, technology implementation, and more operations at Guilderland Central School District in New York. Read more about operations.

In an exclusive interview, Blue Bird President Britton Smith discusses the manufacturer's industry-shaking announcement that lap/shoulder seatbelts, driver side airbags, and other safety technology will come standard on all its school buses. Ryan and Tony examine the move as well. Read more about safety.

Ryan, Tony and Taylor recap the discussions, training, and technology hosted at STN EXPO Indianapolis last week. Attendees saw new clean buses on the market, toured Cummins facilities, were hypnotized by keynote speaker Wayne Lee, participated in student safety discussions, and more. Read more about STN EXPO.

Kristi Hartzel, driver trainer and lead dispatcher for Campbell County Schools in Kentucky and a 2023 Rising SuperStar, joins us at STN EXPO Indy to discuss driver coaching and technology implementation with regard to student safety. STN Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani also interviews Zach McKinney, director of transportation for Indiana's Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the president of the School Transportation Association of Indiana, on statewide clean bus implementation and the driver shortage. Read more about operations.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor report on the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas this past week, the clean school bus manufacturers and suppliers who showed up, the industry conversations on evolving clean transportation, and what districts are seeing in their green bus operations. Read more about green buses.

Ryan and Tony dive into the State of Sustainability report released ahead of the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo being held this week.  Transportation Supervisor Kenni Jean Schrader from Three Rivers Community Schools in rural Michigan, a 2022 Green Fleet Award winner, discusses end-of-school-year operations, driver retention challenges, electric school bus implementation, and the STN EXPO Indy Green Bus Summit panel she will be on. Read more about green buses.

Learn more about the captivating speakers planned for STN EXPO Indy, the closure of a New York stop arm camera law loophole, the “great debate” over school bus lap/shoulder seatbelts in Ohio, and positive business updates from industry suppliers. Transportation Supervisor Andrew Krokowski pulls back the curtain on operations, driver retention, technology, electrification and more at the small but mighty South Lewis Central School District in rural New York, a 2023 Top Transportation Teams award winner. Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella shares how employee feedback through the Top Transportation Teams process can enlighten and strengthen work teams. Read more about teamwork.

Get the latest on federal developments that affect school transportation, including a legal battle over E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi, the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Final Rule on automatic emergency braking in buses, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's push to relax marijuana classification.  Nina Haiman and Vinny Riscica from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) take a deep dive into clean school bus funding, helpful aides for electric bus implementation, and more. Read more about electric buses.