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School Transportation News Published by STN Media Group
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Heather Handschin, supervisor of bus operations for Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia, explained in episode 250 of the School Transportation Nation podcast why, “The driver shortage isn’t an excuse.” She discussed tools, processes and training to retain drivers and run operations more smoothly. Listen to the full episode at
stnonline.com/go/lz.
Other than better pay, there needs to be a better disciplinary policy for students that have habitual behavior issues. Drivers should have more say on the kids they transport. They need to add retention bonuses. We can’t seem to keep any new drivers for an entire school year. Facebook/Joy Gilmore
With the behavior of the kids these days, it should be mandatory for every bus to have a bus monitor or aide. Our job is taken for granted by so many [that] think it’s easy and that we’re just a bus driver. Our job entails so much, and we’re not backed up by employers or the
district...lack of discipline, lack of compensation, lack of employer or school administration “back up,” etc. We have cameras and it’s very rare they’re even looked at. Facebook/Tracy Willow
It should be the responsibility of bus drivers to safely transport students to and from school. Students who distract the driver by their behavior need to be dealt with. Some districts hire another adult to deal with discipline. This is an extra expense, but how do you put a price on safety? There needs to be an effort to remove student discipline problems from the driver so that he/she can concentrate on driving. Facebook/Jerome Bean
I love being a bus driver but it’s a financial struggle with all the unpaid, unpredictable snow days, as well as planned breaks and vacations. The pay needs to be increased to offset the losses. Facebook/ Jackie Garner
A New York school bus driver was killed after a crash with another school bus in snowy weather conditions. Read the full story at
stnonline.com/go/m0.
Sincerest condolences to the driver’s family and her transportation family. All of us in student transportation are extremely saddened by this tragic loss. Facebook/Texas Association for Pupil Transportation
This is in one of our neighboring districts. So very sad when we are forced to drive in horrific weather and road conditions. Facebook/Becky Hughes-Jiles
Tel: 310-792-2226 Fax: 310-792-2231
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President & Publisher Tony Corpin
Editor Ryan Gray
Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani
Social Media Coord. Ruth Ashmore
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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
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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:
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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.
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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