Inside COVER STORY 58


Foot on the Gas This year’s transportation director of the year, Kayne Smith, would never ask his staff to do something


he wouldn’t do himself … like driving a route during the unprecedented driver shortage. The director of transportation for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Texas leads by example and is pushing change, such as introducing propane into the fleet with a recent large order.


FEATURES


NOVEMBER 2021 Volume 31 Issue 11


34


School Bus Purchasing


Considerations Even though yellow buses look similar, transportation directors share how they research everything from manufacturers to fuel-type before making their financial decisions.


46 Are You


Prepared? While COVID-19 may have taken the industry by surprise, directors discuss the importance of having crises plans for other foreseen crises such as natural disasters.


72


Back to Reno The conference the industry


has been waiting for, STN EXPO Reno, returns to Nevada next month. Browse the agenda, speakers and exhibitors scheduled for the trade show.


On the Cover Kayne Smith of Cypress-Fair- banks ISD in Texas. Cover photo by Taylor Hannon


6 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2021


PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR HANNON


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