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School Transportation News Published by STN Media Group
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking to permanently remove a federal testing requirement for school bus driver applicants. The National School Transportation Association says removing engine component identification during the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test could potentially make it easier for individuals to become school bus drivers. Read more at
stnonline.com/go/mj.
I’m a bit on the fence with this one. On one hand, it’s important for drivers like myself to have a basic understanding of engine components and be able to clearly communicate what we see or hear to the garage or mechanic. That part is definitely useful. On the other hand, with today’s advanced diagnostics and telematics systems, a lot of that information is captured electronically while we’re on the road. Our primary focus has to remain on safety and student supervision, not crawling under the hood, especially with a full bus of kids. Maybe a balanced approach would be best: Give us the foundational knowledge so we can report issues effectively, but keep the hands-on mechanical expectations realistic given our day-to-day responsibilities. Facebook/Amanda Gassaway Rigsby
I think it’s fair to say as drivers our main concern is getting our students to and from point A to B. That being said, at the school I drive for we have a checklist to do before our routes. If we see or hear something that’s not sounding or looking correct, we have the mechanic come out to our bus. Any mechanic has gone to school to learn about the buses just like the mechanic that looks at your car or truck. Facebook/Kay Adams
The 17th National Congress on School Transportation was held in Des Moines, Iowa, after a 10-year hiatus due. STN was onsite May 4-6 to report on the proposed and accepted changes as well as the debates about specifications. Discussions and analysis followed on the School Transportation Nation Podcast. Catch up on what transpired at
stnonline.com/tag/ncst.
A big thank you to the Steering Committee, Charlie Hood, Ronna Weber, the Writing Committee Chairs, and all participants! Another successful NCST helping to ensure the safe transportation of America’s children to and from school! Facebook/Dave McDonald
STN Publisher Tony Corpin’s column in the April 2025 issue outlined the key components needed to build a successful transportation team, including leadership, communication, collaboration and a good workplace culture. Read the blog at
stnonline.com/go/mk.
Many may understand this concept. Fewer are able to execute on the principles. School transportation is uniquely positioned to provide purpose to employees becoming burned out in transactional career paths. LinkedIn/Greg Miller, North America Central School Bus
12 School Transportation News • JULY 2025
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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 Debbie Curtis S.Z. Estavillo 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 Coordinator Trynne Fournier
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:
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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.
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