Ryan and Tony talk March Madness picks, new stats from NSTA that shed light on the driver shortage, and the EPA's comment period on new emissions standards.

School bus driver trainer Chris Rinesmith and driver Sherry Barnes discuss the impact of the Camp Fire of 2018 and then the COVID-19 pandemic on Paradise Unified School District in California, as well as how staff stepped up to help the community recover. Read about more outstanding women in the school bus industry at stnonline.com/tag/women.

Additionally, CleanSpray USA's Chief Science Officer Dr. Richard Cooper and COO Roger McElwrath discuss the science of proper cleaning practices to keep students and drivers healthy as masks come off.

In celebration of women's month, we highlight Carina Noble's leadership as president at contractor National Express and via the National School Transportation Association (NSTA). She discusses advocating for school transportation, fleet electrification, coming out of COVID-19, recognizing bus drivers' sacrifices, and the embrace of technology.

Read about more outstanding women in the school bus industry at stnonline.com/tag/women.

Mask requirements are being relaxed by the CDC as well as state and local governments as the pandemic becomes endemic. Additionally, international events continue to affect fuel choices and the supply chain.

Wendy Moore serves as the superintendent as well as a school bus driver at Genesee Joint School District No. 282 in Idaho. She shares how involvement and support among both district staff and community members is helping improve the driver shortage and resulting in better relationships with students. Read about more outstanding women in the school bus industry at stnonline.com/tag/women.

Amy Tiedens, transportation manager at Intermediate District 287 in Minnesota, talks about her passion for students with special needs. She discusses using vans, working with contractors and training staff to transport them with care even amid COVID-19 and a driver shortage. Read more at stnonline.com/tag/special-needs.

Thanks for being with us for 100 episodes of our podcast! Join us for some stats on our journey since March 2020, as well as analysis on conversations still happening two years later, such as onboard masking and the driver shortage.

Starting school bus driver pay going from $17.50/hour to $25/hour? Better believe it. Josh Rice, president for the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation, discusses taking over transportation and fleet services at Barbers Hill Independent School District in Texas, including proper technology implementation, unique solutions for hiring and retaining drivers, and fleet makeup and upkeep.

General Manager Fin Livingston shares how Scraper Systems by Rite-Hite makes it easier for drivers to remove snow from bus roofs.

Read more at stnonline.com/tag/operations.

Additionally, Pam Caro, director of sales at Nuvve, talks fleet electrification, vehicle-to-grid charging and funding opportunities. Read more at stnonline.com/tag/electric-bus.

Our podcast guest got hit with some winter weather, so Ryan & Taylor hold down the episode and talk about February highlights like incoming snowfalls, the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day and Love the Bus month. There are some exciting keynotes for STN EXPO Indy, STN is conducting research into school bus driver training & compensation, and a California bill proposes universal school transportation. Get all the details at stnonline.com.

Tony and Taylor discuss the latest headlines: STN's February magazine release, new online articles, the Feb. 7 ELDT deadline, federal clean transportation funding and new mask recommendations.

Matthew Stevenson, the new president & CEO of school bus manufacturer Blue Bird, talks people-focused leadership, opportunities amid COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions, future predictions, and alternative fuels.

Read more at stnonline.com/tag/leadership.

Schools are closing due to COVID while the federal government is distributing 400 million free N95 masks which are actually not designed for students. Meanwhile, districts will soon be able to use ESSER funds for bus cleaning and student health.

Tony speaks with Transfinder CEO Antonio Civitella on technology trends for 2022, such as increased student tracking for parent peace of mind.

"Take the situation seriously and take yourself lightly," advises humorist Tim Gard. He shares more on making attitude choices and using humor to deal with difficult or uncertain times, as well as conflict resolution on the bus or with a work team.

Read more at stnonline.com/tag/management.

Conversations continue on how wages and the CDL process affect the driver shortage. Districts are struggling with a new wave of school closures and reduced bus ridership because of COVID-19, but is this an endemic rather than a pandemic?

Tony and Steve Whaley, Director of Autogas Business Development for the Propane Education & Research Council, discuss propane school buses, infrastructure, implementation plans and available funding.

Read more at stnonline.com/tag/coronavirus and stnonline.com/tag/propane.