SUMMIT ®
STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada last month fostered conversations on student safety, technology adoption and more. Find a recap of articles and galleries at
stnonline.com/tag/stn-expo.
The following is a recap of takeaways based on AI notetaking from live session transcripts. (Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.)
Elements of School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training Tone of Voice Matters More Than Words in De-escalation. A calm, measured tone used during confrontations significantly impacts outcomes by mirroring behavior, where agitated individuals eventually match the calm output they receive. Meanwhile, an aggressive tone escalates situations regardless of the words being spoken. So advised law enforcement experts with Levin Security Solutions
Consuming Information from Propane Education & Research Council Finding the Right Propane Partner is Critical to Success The relationship with your propane marketer is fundamental to successful infrastructure implementation. A good partner will handle permitting and site preparation, and it will provide ongoing support including 24/7 availability. Districts should start conversations with potential suppliers early in the exploratory phase, even before making a final decision.
The Mental Fatigue of Driving School Buses
Two-Way Communication Prevents Crises Both drivers and supervisors share responsibility for communicating about fatigue. Drivers shouldn’t be afraid to say they’re tired, even if they’re the go-to person. Supervisors should regularly check in with drivers, asking if they’re being overworked or facing challenges. Simple conversations like, “If I’m working you too much, let me know,” show drivers that leadership cares about their wellbeing.
General Session: Military Inspired Leadership in Student Transportation Employees Don’t Work for You— You Work for Them
A fundamental shift in leadership mindset is recognizing that as a leader, your job is to ensure employees have the tools and resources they need to succeed. Three former U.S. Armed Forces veterans shared that when leaders fail their employees, they ultimately fail the students they serve.
Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution in Student Transportation Start Small, Smart to Build Adoption Encourage staff adoption by demonstrating AI’s capabilities through simple wins like writing emails or memos. Most transportation professionals aren’t writers, so AI assistance with communication is an easy entry point that builds confidence before tackling more complex applications. First and foremost, work internally within your organization to develop a policy on AI usage.
16 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2026
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