SPECIAL REPORT
Planning the Perfect Rollout: Secrets for Successful Software, Hardware Upgrades
Written by Carol Brzozowski M
any school transportation departments throughout the U.S. are currently engaged in software and hardware upgrades—from exploration to implementation—with goals
to make the process as smooth as possible while reaping top-level returns on that investment. Habersham County Schools in Clarkesville, Georgia
transports some 4,000 of its approximately 7,000 stu- dents throughout the district’s 350 square miles. Stephanie Walker, director of transportation for the
district, noted Habersham is in the final stage of a complete bus radio replacement, which entails all new equipment and installation. “This upgrade was a result of our 911 emergency ser-
vices upgrading their radio system, and we wanted to remain on the same system as we have always been,” she said. “This project has been a long process, and we are excited to see our radio coverage increase significantly throughout our school district. “This has always been a safety concern because our existing coverage included portions of our district that had little or no coverage due to terrain and older equipment,” she continued. “We are thankful to be on the same radio network as our emergency services as it relates to safety and monitoring by our emergency management services.” Walker noted the district is currently considering new
software for routing to replace its existing program. “With this replacement, we are considering the addition
of student tracking, parent app and live GPS,” she said. “We have evaluated several options and are moving forward with recommendations soon. I believe the additions of student tracking and live GPS will bolster our continuing efforts to maintain high levels of safety for our students.” Meanwhile, Lamar Consolidated Independent School
District in Rosenberg, Texas, which serves approximately 48,000 students, with an average of a little more than 22,000 students transported daily by school bus. Lamar CISD is also the home of the 2026 AASA Superintendent of the Year Roosevelt Nivens. “Providing safe, reliable transportation at this scale
16 School Transportation News • JUNE 2026
requires a strong operational foundation supported by technology, communication and collaboration,” said Mi- chelle Summers, the assistant director of transportation at the district’s Rosenberg location. Regarding software and hardware updates, Summers noted the district currently utilizes student monitoring technology that allows students to scan on and off the bus. “This provides parents with visibility into where their
student is and adds an additional layer of safety and accountability,” she added. The district’s school buses also are equipped with tablets, enabling drivers to operate their routes in a hands-free environment, eliminating the need to handle paper route sheets while driving. “Additionally, we have a parent app that allows families to track their child’s bus in real time and view student scan activity,” said Summers. “Together, these tools enhance communication, situational awareness and overall safety for students, drivers and families.” Newport News Public Schools in Virginia recently
completed the RFP process to purchase updated routing software. “We are migrating to a new field trip software as our
current software by App Garden is being absorbed by Pathwise,” said Sharon L. Moore, transportation opera- tions manager for the district that transports 19,000 of its district’s 25,500 students via school bus. “There are plans to have our student referral process become digital. We are currently exploring different software to assist us in this goal.” Addressing challenges and lessons learned, Moore noted it can be challenging during the RFP process to identify software that encompasses all district wish-list items. “There must be concessions made by both sides to
come to the point of making a purchasing decision,” she added. “In the past, we have had to understand that proposals put forth by vendors need to be looked at as a used car sales approach, where everything looks shiny and new. But when we get to implementation, that is
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