For nearly 30 years, you've known School Transportation News magazine and STNonline.com as the premier sources of pupil transportation news and analysis. Now, join the School Transportation Nation podcast, as STN Publisher Tony Corpin and Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gray discuss the day's pertinent issues and talk with guests about the business of getting children safely to and from school and related activities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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Back to school safety is forefront as an illegal passing PSA features a retired Detroit Lions offensive lineman; meanwhile, a South Carolina student was fatally shot at a school bus stop. Plus, send your best school bus photos to taylor@stnmedia.com . Special education attorney Julie Weatherly discusses how recent federal changes to the U.S. Department of Education affect school transportation and…
Taylor sits down for a special extended conversation with STN's 2025 Transportation Director of the Year Keba Baldwin, director of transportation and fleet services at Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland. He talks school startup operations, parent and media communication, AI and autonomous technology, leading STN EXPO sessions, alternative transportation and more. Read more about…
We discuss the postponement of the New York state electric mandate, feedback on the annual NASDPTS illegal passing survey, the impact of Daylight Savings Time conversations on students, and accolades for former STN Transportation Director of the Year Teresa Fleming of the School District of Philadelphia at Zum's Mobility Summit. See how mentorship and teamwork star in the noteworthy career of…
We analyze the conversations at the National School Transportation Association's annual convention, an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study on autonomous vehicle safety, and how student transporters can respond to the evolving trends of AI and new technology. Cameron Wood, the lead electric vehicle performance analyst for school bus contractor Student Transportation of America, shares how…
Tony, Ryan and Taylor go over the highlights from STN EXPO West last week which focused on not only skills, technology and training but also teambuilding, workplace culture and making emotional connections. Highlights included focused inspection and special needs trainings, a musical keynote, Great Gatsby and Alice in Wonderland themed networking events, multiple awards given, a Mr. Bus Driver…
Nicole Wheeldon, North American general manager of buses for Cummins, and Matt McGinn, senior director of e-mobility sales for Accelera by Cummins, examine exciting product innovations and meeting customer needs amid school bus energy options, rising costs and tightened budgets. Enterprise Account Manager Chase Cloyd shares how Netradyne's AI-driven cameras and technology take a proactive approach…
Communications came in #3 on procurement lists created by Transportation Director Summit attendees at STN EXPO West . Business Development Manager David Weber discusses how School Radio supports reliable communication for the professionals transporting precious cargo on school buses. Joel Stutheit, former transportation director who now serves as senior manager of Autogas business development for…
Transfinder announced its annual Top Transportation Teams award winners, the industry is concerned about autonomous vehicles ignoring school bus stop arms, and two federal grants provide opportunities for school transportation emergency training. Veteran transportation leader Jim Schiffler draws on his personal and family experience in the school bus industry to offer thoughtful advice on building…
Summer plans, school bus driver fatigue, diesel dominance and a student transportation safety reminder after an elephant killed a mother walking to school with her kids in India. Director of Transportation Richard Jimenez shares why AI is not something to fear and how he leverages it in his operations at Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in Southern California. He will participate in a…
Tony and Taylor are back with their recommendations on sessions you must attend at STN EXPO West in July. It's a packed conference and trade show including an in-demand mentorship program, CEO Tech Talks, military-inspired leadership and the Best of the Dick & Pete Show. Dr. Michael Hout, professor of psychology and kinesiology at New Mexico State University, joins Ryan to discuss research into…
We examine a school bus shooting in Pennsylvania, how the federal BUILD 250 Act would cut Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, and transportation's role in student absenteeism. Speaker, author and branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why it's important for school bus operations to build a brand in an age of increasing multi-modality, discusses leveraging emotions over facts to reach the right…
Summer break is upon us but student transporters are already ramping up for the new school year amid financial challenges. Plus, the June issue of School Transportation News magazine is out, and a camera caught a scary illegal passing incident that injured a student in Florida. Ryan Hahn, owner of Strategic School Consultants and a former transportation director, sheds light on current school…
We analyze what 188 school districts shared in a survey about fuel prices, the impact of world events and the upcoming Clean School Bus Program, timely discussion planned for STN EXPO West in July, and a California school bus driver recognized by the state. With 10 years' experience in the industry, Griffin Scott, supervisor of fleet advisory and analytics at RTA: The Fleet Success Company,…
We discuss fuel cost anxiety and the impact of a proposed federal fuel tax suspension, plus safety lessons to learn from the latest student pedestrian fatality in New York City. What should you consider before buying a bus? Isaac Linson, CEO of BusesForSale.com, joins us to discuss current school bus market trends and tips for buying or selling buses remotely. Read more about operations. Episode…
Tony and Ryan discuss takeaways from the ACT EXPO this past week in Las Vegas, which took a deep dive into clean fuel choices, autonomous vehicles, robotics in manufacturing, electrification interest and more. Director of Transportation Anthony Jackson joins us to discuss the operational, cost and health benefits of propane usage at Bibb County School District in Georgia. Read more about green…
More U.S. Environmental Protection Agency news and webinars on funding, plus how clean energy demand intersects with AI's need for resources. Conversations continue at ACT EXPO this week and the Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West in July. "The tragedy will never leave you." Shocking real-life stories abound in this special extended episode as 91-year-old industry legend and consultant Richard…
Safety and training are forefront as the NTSB is investigating a Tennessee school bus crash that killed two teenage girls and an Oregon school bus driver was arrested for allegedly transporting students while intoxicated. Plus, new Clean School Bus program details are incoming, just in time for STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada this July. Jim Levine, founder of the School Transportation Active Threat…
We cover industry shoutouts, conference connections, a terrifying bus vs. train encounter and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act updates. "One thing about transportation [is] it's never boring."Transportation Supervisor Melody Best offers a behind-the-scenes look at how operations are handled in Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in Alaska amid adverse weather, multiple school closures, budget…
Conversations on a fatal Texas school bus crash that killed two girls last month, a new funding strategies playbook that includes transportation opportunities, and the National School Bus Inspection Training Program offered at STN EXPO East and STN EXPO West . Keith Corso identified operational challenges while riding his high school bus, then went on to co-found technology provider BusRight. Now…
Tony and Taylor review the most compelling takeaways from STN EXPO East in Charlotte, Noth Carolina this past week. From rock star leadership and workplace culture advice, to a bus mirror training that went viral, to the latest in cutting edge tech shown on the Trade Show floor, attendees and vendors connected in meaningful ways. Last year, bus window and glass provider Lippert acquired seating…
Christopher Faust, transportation director for Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 in Illinois and John Daniels, vice president of marketing for Transfinder, discuss utilizing multiple "finder" technologies to assist in operational and procurement challenges at the district. They also share how and why to participate in the Top Transportation Teams challenge, which is led by Transfinder and currently…
Learn more about our upcoming April magazine, inflation and fuel prices, internet for school buses, record revenue for Zum, district efforts amid ICE enforcement, and a driver dressing to impress. Michael Signer, chief policy and legal officer for EverDriven, discusses the evolution of alternative student transportation from safety and regulatory perspectives to help school districts meet student…
We examine the impact of the war in Iran and Clean School Bus program updates on district fuel choices, as well as a Pennsylvania school bus driver arrested after driving over 50 students while intoxicated. We are joined by Nate Springer, vice president of market development at TRC Companies, the presenter of the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) EXPO. He unpacks the reasoning behind…
We unpack the National Action Plan for School Bus Safety which sheds light on the non-fatal effects of illegal passing, as well as transportation director comments on green buses during a recent EPA Clean School Bus webinar. Denise Donaldson, the editor and publisher of Safe Ride News Publications and a frequent trainer at STN EXPO and the TSD Conference , previews her STN EXPO East workshop on…
More updates on green bus funding from the EPA via the Clean School Bus Program. Plus, we dive into our March issue on optimization and efficiency, whose cover features the smiling school bus team from Loudoun County in Virginia. We see mirrors on school buses every day, but how much have you thought about the decisions behind their placement? Dave McDonald, president of Safe Bus Consulting and…
We consider what recent headlines mean to the school transportation industry: proposed updates to the Clean School Bus Program, Blue Bird fully acquiring Micro Bird, Trump tariffs being struck down and safety conversations at STN EXPO East this March. Mike Ippolito, chief operating officer of School Radio, discusses the future of bus communications – including multi-carrier SIM cards and…
We discuss the potential impact of the national jobs report on school district budgets, the DOT's non-domiciled CDL final rule and cutting-edge technology takeaways from the Geotab Connect conference. "It's all about service: I went from servicing my country to now servicing my community." Bernando Brown, director of student transportation for DeKalb County School District in Georgia, shares how…
Insights on national school bus contractor First Student's purchase of Chicago area contractor Cook Illinois Corp., the Blue Bird 2026 Q1 earnings report, and a California study on lap/shoulder seatbelt efficacy. "Make sure the right people are on the right seats on the bus." Heather Perry, superintendent of Schools for Maine's Gorham Public Schools, was named as one of four finalists for the 2026…
The February edition of STN magazine is out, where we continue discussions on the oversight of autonomous vehicles and alternative student transportation. Plus, sign up for school bus inspection training and many more learning opportunities at STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, this March. In the aftermath of a high-profile school bus rollover last August at Leander Independent School…
We cover a harsh winter ice storm, takeaways from the 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting, updates to the U.S. EPA's Clean School Bus Program and illegal passing by Waymo autonomous vehicles. Industry consultant Tim Ammon gives tips for transportation budgeting and business efficiency while maximizing educational access for students. He will lead sessions at STN EXPO East this March in Charlotte-Concord,…
Ryan and Taylor discuss upcoming student transportation awards, the NTSB investigation of a fatal school bus dragging, and a Florida bus aide arrested for child abuse. "Education, engineering and enforcement." Student safety is a passion of Derek Graham, an industry consultant and former state director of pupil transportation with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as well as past…
Back-from-break headlines cover winter weather conditions, rockstars and leadership at STN EXPO East, updates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and what impact recent developments in Venezuela could have on the school bus industry. Keynote speaker and best-selling author Jim Knight, who rubbed shoulders with musicians and celebrities during his tenure with Hard Rock International,…
Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read online articles from stnonline.com during 2025, which focused on illegal passing incidents, school bus driver misconduct and students injured or killed. Training is needed for students, parents and drivers. Read all our latest news . Episode sponsor: Transfinder.
Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read School Transportation News magazine articles from 2025, which focused on student safety, operational efficiency and technological advancement. STN also recognized outstanding individuals and teams in the industry through programs like Innovator of the Year, Garage Stars, Rising Stars and Transportation Director of the Year. Read all our digital editions…
The school bus industry focuses on safety and service amidst students killed by both passing motorists and their own school buses as well as federal shifts in funding and changes to the Department of Education. Plus, we revisit the 2021 murder of a school bus driver and school bus security. From routing to training, Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella talks top technology trends of…
Analysis on the annual National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey which found six students were killed by school buses over the 2024-2025 school year, a safety PSA in the works around the upcoming Super Bowl, and new plans to dismantle the Department of Education. We are joined by the two youngest transportation directors in Washington state, Cassidy Miller (22) of Cashmere School District,…
Tony, Ryan and Taylor recap the lessons, experiences and takeaways from the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show last week. It covered evacuation training in a smoke-filled school bus, legal issues like onboard sexual assaults or objectionable clothing, tips to promote good student behavior, an in-depth session on deafness and much more. Read more…
EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling reviews how the alternative transportation company prioritizes safety standards and promotes collaborative brainstorming to provide safe service to the ever-growing population of students with special needs. AlphaRoute CEO John Hanlon shares real-life stories about districts that have optimized daily operations by leveraging routing technology and discusses how the…
Marty Savino, national account manager for School-Radio, shares how reliable bus radios support student safety and provide dependable communication services for school bus operations. For the three-year anniversary of the founding of FirstAlt by First Student, Vice President Gregg Prettyman addresses common misconceptions about alternative transportation safety standards, as well as a Samsara…
Discover the new STN Transportation Director of the Year featured on our November issue cover. Other headlines include a NHTSA investigation after a driverless Waymo car illegally passed a stopped school bus and NTSB recommendations on seatbelts following a Texas school bus crash. Frank Girardot, senior communications director for RIDE, discusses the electric school bus manufacturer's School Bus…
After a year of being STN's Transportation Director of the Year , Craig Beaver of Beaverton School District in Oregon joins us to discuss the ins and outs of running a large mixed-fleet school bus operation, pushing the limits with technology and data, navigating current federal changes, and looking to the future of the industry. Read more about operations . Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School…
Headlines on "The Lost Bus" movie set during recent California wildfires, a school bus Wi-Fi solution for fiscal year 2025, a $10 million Ohio safety grant for seatbelts, and a Maryland school bus driver union sending flyers home with students to gain parental support of a strike. Gregg Fox, transportation director for Franklin Square Union Free School District in New York and a 2025 Top…
Headlines include federal restrictions on undocumented workers obtaining CDLs and an investment into education technology. Transfinder President and CEO Antionio Civitella shares how the company's technology tools support students with special needs and discusses the value in participating in the free annual Top Transportation Teams program. Special education attorney and returning TSD Conference…
Analysis on upcoming TSD Conference education, National Association for Pupil Transportation election results, the Federal Brake for Kids Act and the Federal Communications Commission revoking E-Rate eligibility of school bus Wi-Fi. Jeff Cassell, president of the School Bus Safety Company, discusses the need for safety leadership training, removing risk and reducing accidents in student…
More federal and legal wrangling over school bus Wi-Fi and emissions regulations, plus bus manufacturing updates. Read the new October issue of School Transportation News magazine and watch our recent webinars . Jeremy Stowe, director of transportation for Buncombe County Schools in North Carolina, transports us into the story of when Hurricane Helene hit last September and how student…
The struggle continues over E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi, the NCST addresses the omission of alternative transportation in its national specs manual, and NASCAR star power boosts a school bus illegal passing PSA in Michigan. Just announced: the Zonar Bus Suite, an all-in-one routing ecosystem. During July's STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin caught up…
Headlines on tragic violent incidents, electric endeavors, drug testing, a bus fire and more. Sean Hollas, interim transportation director for Goddard Public Schools in Kansas and a 2025 Top Transportation Teams Award winner, discusses fostering positive workplace culture and leveraging technology for efficiency. Take a look behind the operational curtain with Brenda Boyd, transportation director…
Dive into school bus safety, technology and data security in the new STN September issue . We also analyze a Canadian study on electric bus equity and the school bus industry's lobbying efforts in the U.S. Lisa Navarra, certified child behavior specialist, author and upcoming TSD Conference keynote speaker, discusses bringing together education and transportation personnel to support good behavior…
Headlines on the 2025 National Association for Pupil Transportation award winners, a new study on the financial savings of electric school buses, and the clean fuel choices districts are making. "Our work is nowhere near done." Mother and educator Michele Gay joins us for a heartfelt conversation about her daughter with special needs, losing her in the 2014 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in…
Tony and Ryan discuss regulatory updates, the importance of vendor partnerships, a sensationalized incident involving a Texas school bus, and this year's Garage Stars. Charles Chilton, vice president and general manager of IC Bus, discusses his engineering and school bus driver background, navigating the uncertain clean bus market, and supporting IC Bus customers. Read more about OEMs . Episode…
