MAILBAG
IT CLICKS I was happy to read your well-written editorial on seat belts in school
buses in the October issue (“Getting the Word Out on New Seat Belt Tech- nology,” page 14). I agree that it is often a communications problem. As hard as we work to get information out, it is frustrating to note how much more is needed to reach everyone — and really get through to them.
Denise Donaldson, Editor Safe Ride News in Edmonds, Wash.
A WARM FEELING I just saw your article on bus heaters in the October issue of STN (“Do Bus
Heaters Pay Off in the Long Run?” page 48). Author John Whelan’s writing is a comprehensive overview with information about customer experience, quotes and ways that the customers use the heaters. Tank you for all of the time you took to research the facts for the article and for a job well done.
Paula Bishop, Transportation Safety and Environment Mgr., Espar Heaters
HEARD AROUND THE WEB Comment on Nov. 4, Web story “FMCSA: Final Rule Updates Commercial
Driver’s License Manual for States” Long overdue for all states to be able to track people holding any type
of federal licenses. Most of us realize putting together such a program is not an easy task; yet, it is the carrot in front of the horse that gets states on board, unfortunately by withholding federal highway monies for non- compliance. Now we just need people to follow up on individuals who fail to comply with their own individual requirements to operate commercial vehicles. If the employer does not process reporting and maintaining indi- vidual commercial driver’s licenses per employee, then the federal auditors should have an easier way of tracking fleet owner/operators who are not in compliance with employer requirements. We’ve all seen some big-rig op- erators whose equipment does not appear to be safe enough to be out on the roadways. Some operators will usually run at the nighttime hours when less DOT law enforcement officials are on the roads. Time will tell if the new rulings accomplish many good things to make our roadways safer.
Dan Luttrell, Senior Tech/Trainer North Lawrence Community Schools Corporation in Bedford, Ind.
Comment on Nov. 11 Web story “Nevada State Director Says School Buses
Are Already Fire-Safe, Dismisses New Law as Unnecessary” Tis difference of opinion at a high level within a state perhaps shows
why the USA should only have one set of well-thought-out national school bus and motorcoach safety rules, which all the states (and the school dis- tricts) have to abide by.
John Ashmore, Former Exec. VP of Engineering & Maintenance
FirstGroup America “Frankly, I agree with Mrs. (Diana) Hollander…and I applaud her stance.”
Brian J. Whitta, Transportation Director Bowling Green (Ohio) Public Schools
10 School Transportation News Magazine January 2012
The views and opinions in SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION NEWS are those of the editorial staff. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the members of the Editorial Advisory Board or their organizations. Individuals serving on the board are advisors only and are not responsible for the editorial content.
For permission to reuse materials in this publication contact STN editor Ryan Gray, at
ryan@stnonline.com, or by phone at 310/792-2226 or by fax at 310- 792-2231. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.
School Transportation News Magazine is published by: STN
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www.stnonline.com
Publisher: Tony Corpin Editor: Ryan Gray
Associate Editor: Sylvia Arroyo Technical Editor: Robert Pudlewski Senior Designer: Kimber Horne Graphic Designer: Maria Molina Copy Editor: Michelle Fisher
Contributing Editors:
Linda Bluth, Peggy Burns, Michelle Fisher, John Whelan, Dick Fischer, Denny Coughlin, Ned Einstein, Glen Moyer, Art Gissendaner, Anson Stewart, Shanna Thompson Zareski
Vice President: Colette Paul
General Manager: Branden Smeltzer Editorial Director: Ryan Gray
Director of Marketing: Chris Berry Ad Sales: Tony Corpin
Circulation: Andrea Hernandez Event Manager: Janna Smeltzer
Chairman of the Board: Bill Paul, STN Media Group Editorial Advisory Board:
Denny Coughlin, Consultant; Judith Dupille, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles; Dick Fischer, Trans-Consult; Ron Love, Delaware DOE; Randy McLerran, National Bus Sales; Pete Meslin, Newport-Mesa Unified; Nancy Netherland, Migrant-Seasonal Head Start; Robert Pudlewski, Consultant; Alexandra Robinson, NAPT; Launi Schmutz, Washington County Schools
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