FEEDBACK


School Transportation News Published by STN Media Group


Following the dissolution of the American School Bus Council last year, the National Association for Pupil Transportation now holds the sole rights to the annual Love the Bus Month in February. Districts shared different ways they are showing their appreciation for the yellow school bus and celebrating their staff. Read more at stnonline.com/tag/love-the-bus.


We’re [at] the bottom of the list, but I sure feel like we’re the heart of the school! Yes, I’m a driver and I appreciate and respect all school bus drivers. Keep up the good work and roll on! Facebook/ Susie Hamilton


Thank you, Parkview High School in Springfield [Missouri] for appreciating your drivers. The SPED kids and staff gave out donuts and coffee. The bus barn is making pancakes. Facebook/ Tracy Square-Gray


It would be nice if districts recognized what we do and how important we are to the district and the children. Facebook/ Donna Kluge Viau


My district is doing this also and I had my students make me a heart with positive words and why they love the bus! My students loved it. Maybe within the next couple years my bus will be full of hearts. Being new to the district, and just coming into this group of wonderful students they are starting to warm up to me. Hoping I can score this run next year also. Facebook/ Stephanie Morgan


A January magazine article by Belinda Govich, assistant director of transportation for Shenendehowa Central School District in New York, detailed how transportation departments can manage challenging student behaviors on the school bus with strategies such as positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing the necessary support and training. Read more at stnonline.com/go/ik.


I’ve been at this for 40 years. What sounds great on paper and what in actuality happens is two different things. Not once does it mention an uncooperative parent, a parent that uses ‘but so and so did it first,’ a parent who has an angel and everyone is to blame for the child’s behaviors, a child with an IEP that should be on a special ED bus but isn’t, rules that make no sense. Facebook/ Paula Lehrer


A feature in the February magazine highlighted how technology can play an important role in professional development and mentorship for school bus drivers. The article explained how embracing technology can lead to an environment where transportation staff can review performance and make positive changes. Read the full feature, “Put Me In, Coach” at stnonline.com/go/il.


One hundred percent this. Teachable moments every day! Facebook/Jennifer Gardella


5334 Torrance Blvd. 3rd Floor Torrance, CA 90503


Tel: 310-792-2226 Fax: 310-792-2231 stnonline.com


President & Publisher Tony Corpin


Editor Ryan Gray


Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani


Social Media Coord. Ruth Ashmore


Technical Editor Robert T. Pudlewski


Editorial Intern Merari Acevedo


Senior Designer Kimber Horne


Graphic Design Maria Molina


Circulation Andrea Dugmore


CONTRIBUTORS: Carol Brzozowski Linda F. Bluth, Ed. D. Debbie Curtis Art Gissendaner Kari Lydersen


Chairman of the Board Bill Paul


Vice President Colette Paul


Client Services/ Digital Media Coord. Claudia Newton


Event Manager Alice Hung Sabedra


Sr. Event Coordinator Amy Yamakawa


Event Services Coordinator Trynne Lilleskare


Accounting Lisa Douglas


Creative Consultant Vincent Rios Creative, Inc.


Amanda Pampuro Jim Romeo Mark Rowh David Volz Eric Woolson


EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Mike Bullman, South Carolina Department of Education Denny Coughlin, Consultant Michael Dorn, Safe Havens International Ned Einstein, Transportation Alternatives Launi Harden, Consultant Pete Meslin, Consultant Alexandra Robinson, Consultant Michael Shields, Consultant


HOW TO CONTACT STN: School Transportation News welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and are subject to editing for grammar, style and space. Submissions must be legible, include a signature, job title/employer name, valid mailing and/or email address, and telephone number. Unsigned letters or letters signed only with a pseudonym or initials will not be used. Email letters to: ryan@stnmedia.com or send via U.S. mail to:


School Transportation News P.O. Box 789 Redondo Beach, CA 90277


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. Printed in the U.S.A.


Publication Mail Agreement No. 40065374 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Station A, P.O. Box 54, Winsor, ON N9A 6J5 Canada


10 School Transportation News • APRIL 2024


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52