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School Transportation News Published by STN Media Group


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A Maine school bus driver was placed on administrative leave


after a student who had just exited the bus, was struck and later died. Read more at stnonline.com/go/o0.


This is heartbreaking news, but it’s also a call to review safety


protocols and make sure we’re doing everything possible to prevent tragedies like this in the future. LinkedIn/Eric Trench, Sales Representative at Pathwise


I think children should have a lesson on school bus safety every


year on the first day of school. I bet they don’t know what the arm means on the front of the bus. The lesson might help save a life. Their little minds are running 90 mph and all over the place and [they are] excited and don’t think about safety. Facebook/Debbie Cromwell


I was at a training class with this exact lesson being taught.


Always, always check all your mirrors. Have a system if the students are crossing the streets, like giving a thumbs up so they know and you know they can cross. This was a completely avoidable accident. Facebook/Heather Lynn Maxwell


At the TSD Conference in November, Keba Baldwin, director


of transportation at Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, was honored as with the STN 2025 Transportation Director of the Year for outstanding leadership, focus on open communication, and dedication to safe service for student. Listen to Episode 283 of the School Transportation Nation podcast to hear Baldwin’s on-site interview at stnpodcast.com and follow STN on social media for more coverage.


Great to see Keba Baldwin featured! His insights and leadership in school transportation are truly inspiring. Excited to hear more about his journey and contributions to the industry. LinkedIn/Kurt Claussner, CEO at Fleetsoft


It was a great honor to present the Transportation Director of the


Year Award to you, Keba Baldwin! Congratulations to you and the en- tire team at Prince George’s County on this well-deserved recognition! LinkedIn/Blue Bird Corportation


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 the Record Page 40 of the article “Back to Basics” in the November issue was updated online to clarify that air disc brakes can offer extended service intervals and lower maintenance costs when compared to drum brakes that can cost less upfront to purchase.


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.


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CONTRIBUTORS: Linda F. Bluth, Ed. D. Carol Brzozowski Debbie Curtis S.Z. Estavillo Kari Lydersen


Amada Pampuro Jim Romeo Mark Rowh David Volz Eric Woolson


President & Publisher Tony Corpin


Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gray


Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani


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Graphic Design Maria Molina


Circulation Andrea Dugmore


Chairman of the Board Bill Paul


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10 School Transportation News • JANUARY 2026


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