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The Route presented by School Bus Fleet
By School Bus FleetEducation
The Route presented by School Bus Fleet episodes
- Beyond Discipline: A Different Approach to Student Behavior on the School Bus
What happens when school transportation takes a more hands-on approach to student behavior?
Sam Freshner, dean of transportation at North Clackamas Schools, joins us live from SBFX 2026 to share how a pilot program is changing the way his district handles school bus discipline, supports drivers, and builds relationships with students and school administrators. Hear lessons learned, strategies for addressing the root causes of behavior, and ideas other districts can put into practice.
The Route is sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
30 min - How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
What's the difference between a great school bus driver and a great driver trainer?
According to Bret E. Brooks of Gray Ram Tactical, they're not always the same person.
In this conversation with School Bus Fleet, Brooks shares the biggest mistakes he sees districts make when selecting trainers, why adult learning principles matter, and the six most common challenges affecting driver training programs across the country. He also discusses state training requirements, measuring program effectiveness, driver retention, and how transportation leaders can strengthen their training programs heading into the new school year.
The Route is sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
30 min - What Emotional Intelligence Has to Do With School Bus Safety
School bus drivers perform a pre-trip inspection before every route. But what if there's another safety check that's just as important?
It’s time to look inward! In this episode of The Route, School Bus Fleet Executive Editor Amanda Huggett sits down with emotional intelligence educator and author Kellie Doyle Bailey to discuss the connection between driver well-being, student behavior, and transportation safety.
Drawing on her work from a transportation pilot in Maine, Doyle Bailey explains how simple practices like "pre-tripping yourself," emotional regulation, and self-awareness can help drivers navigate stress, build stronger relationships with students, and create calmer rides.
Learn more at this link👉 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Student Transportation: https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/digital-cover-features/why-emotional-intelligence-matters-in-student-transportation
Topics include:
- Emotional intelligence for transportationprofessionals
- Why bus drivers are often students' first school connection
- The "Pre-Trip Yourself" concept
- How to practice radical self-care
- Managing stress, change, and workplace conflict
- Leadership lessons for transportation directors
- Practical strategies drivers can use immediately
The Route is sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
51 min - How the School Bus Helped Build America & New Industry Legislation
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, what can the history of student transportation tell us about the future?
In this episode of The Route, School Bus Fleet Editor Amanda Huggett sits down with National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Executive Director Curt Macysyn for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of the school bus industry, current legislative priorities, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the years ahead.
Topics include:
- Student transportation's place in American history
- The evolution of school bus technology
- NSTA's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill
- The Driving Forward Act and school bus driver shortages
- Illegal school bus passing and national awareness campaigns
- The Clean School Bus Program
- Artificial intelligence in student transportation
- Why community-minded leadership still matters
The Route is sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
37 min - The Fascinating History of the American School Bus
Why are school buses yellow? When did students first start riding buses to school? How did the school bus become one of the most recognizable symbols in America?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Brad Beauchamp from school bus manufacturer Blue Bird explores the surprising history of the American school bus, from horse drawn wagons to today's connected, technology-driven vehicles, and how it differs from the American transit bus system.
We discuss the rise of the suburbs, school consolidation, safety innovations, National School Bus Yellow, and the role transportation played in expanding educational access across the United States.
Whether you're a transportation professional, history buff, or lifelong school bus enthusiast, this conversation offers a unique perspective on one of America's most recognizable vehicles —and where it’s headed next.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
46 min - What 43 Years in Transportation Taught Craig Beaver About Leadership
From trucking to school busing, Craig Beaver is retiring after 43 years in transportation, but not before sharing some hard-earned lessons from one of Oregon’s largest school districts.
In this episode of The Route, the soon-to-be-former Beaverton School District transportation director sits down with School Bus Fleet to reflect on the evolution of student transportation, his experience with alternative fuels and EVs, the rise of AI, and the leadership philosophy that helped shape his department’s culture.
Together, we cover:
- Building a strong transportation team culture
- Driver recruitment and retention strategies
- Electric buses vs. propane and diesel
- How AI could reshape routing and operations
- Leadership lessons from 43 years in the industry
- Managing organizational change successfully andmapping out how not to fail
- Working with unions and resolving grievances
- Preparing the next generation of transportationleaders
- Why kindness and consistency still matter most
The Route is sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
37 min - He Built School Bus Tech After His Driver Changed His Life
Let’s sit down with a true trailblazer! In this episode of The Route, BusRight co-founder and CEO Keith Corso shares how the BusRight platform is transforming student transportation with smarter routing, real-time GPS tracking, and seamless communication between drivers, parents, and transportation teams.
But this isn’t just about technology. Corso shares the personal story that inspired BusRight, how a single bus route can change a student’s life, and why “magical hospitality” is at the core of building better solutions for schools and communities.
Learn more at these links:
👉 https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/news/busright-raises-30m-to-enhance-platform-features
👉 https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/articles/2026-trailblazer-keith-corso-of-busright
👉 2027Trailblazer nominations: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8645507/2027-SBF-Trailblazers-Award-Nomination-Form-copy
👉 Learn more and apply to attend SBFX: https://www.schoolbusfleetconnex.com
The Route is sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
34 min - Why Culture Matters: Lessons from an Award-Winning Transportation Leader
Kathy Calkins didn’t plan on becoming a transportation director, but her journey from school bus driver to Administrator of the Year is a powerful example of what can happen when someone leads with heart.
In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with our 2026 district transportation award winner from North Clackamas Schools in Oregon. Calkins shares how positive behavior strategies, strong relationships, and a hands-on leadership style helped her build a culture where drivers feel valued and students thrive.
In this discussion, you’ll learn:
- Kathy Calkins' leadership story
- How PBIS shifted her entire approach
- The power of listening and building fun intotheir culture
- Tips for learning (and remembering) people’snames
- Navigating change and managing relationships
- Advice for aspiring leaders
This episode is sponsored by IC Bus.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
36 min - Alternative Turns Yellow: EverDriven’s Move Into School Bus Routing
EverDriven is expanding beyond alternative transportation and into school bus routing. In this interview, Greg Jackson shares how the company’s new Consolidated Routing Services division is designed to support transportation teams facing driver shortages, tighter budgets, and increasingly complex student needs.
What you’ll learn in this interview:
- What prompted EverDriven’s move from alternative transportation to the yellow bus
- Who qualifies to use their consolidated routing services
- What EverDriven’s new service is, and what it isn’t
- The expertise Greg and EverDriven bring to the new division
- What costs are involved and how little it can take to get to a budget surplus
- Examples of route efficiencies EverDriven can help identify and why it matters
- What the process and implementation for customers will look like
- How success for the division will be measured
- Where school bus routing is headed and AI’s place in the puzzle
- How to be a part of the pilot service
This video is sponsored by EverDriven, which provides safe, small-vehicle student transportation that works alongside district bus fleets, supporting students who need specialized routes or more flexible solutions, including special education, foster care, and McKinney-Vento students.
To learn more and get started with EverDriven’s consolidated routing services, visit everdriven.com or contact Jackson at [email protected] or 945-227-8300.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
36 min - Stop Bidding Everything: A Smarter Way to Buy for School Transportation
If you’re a transportation director tired of bidding everything year after year or wondering whether your district is leaving opportunities on the table, we’ve got just the conversation for you.
In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with Andy Campbell and Steph Eckes from Sourcewell to talk about all things cooperative purchasing. We cover how group purchasing power can help school transportation departments save time, reduce administrative burden, and protect limited budgets.
In this discussion, you’ll learn:
• What cooperative purchasing actually means and what product categories it includes
• How it compares to traditional bids and state contracts
• Why “low bid” isn’t always the best value
• How districts can maintain compliance while gaining flexibility
• Common misconceptions about cooperative contracts and how to get started
This episode is sponsored by IC Bus.
🚌 Stay up to date on all industry news and trends at https://www.schoolbusfleet.com
Follow and connect with SCHOOL BUS FLEET on social media:
- Connect with SBF on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/school-bus-fleet/
- Like SBF on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/schoolbusfleet
- Follow SBF on X ➡️ https://x.com/SchoolBusFleet
- Subscribe to our videos on YouTube ➡️https://www.youtube.com/@Schoolbusfleet
-Follow us on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/schoolbusfleet/
42 min
About The Route presented by School Bus Fleet
From the publisher's feed
The Route podcast from School Bus Fleet magazine covers news and explores issues related to pupil transportation, including new technology, safety features, driver staffing, and industry trends.