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.