EDITOR’S TAKE


Fleming Latest Add to Impressive List of Transportation Leaders


Written by Ryan Gray | ryan@stnonline.com A


s the editorial and graphics staff finalized this month’s edition, which celebrates Teresa Fleming of The School District of Philadel- phia as Transportation Director of the Year, I


revisited the list of her predecessors. The award orig- inated in 2006, at the time jointly presented by STN and NAPT, to recognize exemplary leadership in the industry. STN renamed the award to focus specifically on transportation directors in 2018 when Nicole Portee, then the executive director for Denver Public Schools, graced the cover. She has since moved on to serve as an assistant superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina. Fleming is also a shooting star. Before the magazine staff selected her earlier this year, she had already been tapped as Philadelphia’s deputy chief operations officer. This after serving as executive director of transporta- tion for barely a year. Kudos to the Philadelphia district administration for recognizing her leadership and expertise and elevating her to a position of even greater influence. It is only fitting that Fleming continues the long tradition of who’s who in the industry. In reviewing the list of 18 years’ worth of winners, I’m struck by how much each individual has not only contributed to the safe transportation of schoolchildren but also the magazine, conferences and me personally. If any of the following names are unfamiliar to you, I encourage you to do some reading. Each winner (his- torically featured on the November cover) dating back to 2009 is chronicled at stnonline.com/digital-editions.


To Denny Coughlin, the inaugural winner, you have


provided me with invaluable mentorship and friend- ship. There are many STN EXPOs we literally could not have done without you, and I hope you make many, many more. Peter Lawrence, a former magazine editorial advisor,


your scholarly approach to student transportation has pushed me to increase my industry knowledge via re- search. One of many truly good people on this list. Kanoe Cockett, your aloha spirit has always been near


and dear to my heart, your kindness translating into a lifelong love of students and advocacy for their safety. Brian Weisinger, you are the dean of school bus mainte- nance and specifications with unparalleled expertise. One


10 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2023


of these days I’ll successfully tease you out of “retirement.” Don Carnahan, I know you are looking down upon us,


cigar in hand, imploring us to continue to make a pos- itive difference by focusing on what is truly important. God doesn’t make them like you anymore. Pete Meslin, another magazine TSD Conference


advisor, we have shared so many great times over the decades. Thank you for your integrity, friendship and mentorship as together (alongside many others). Charley Kennington, the consummate teacher, you


proved to me the absolute necessity of training student transporters on proper child securement in school buses. John Benish, my big brother, salmon-colored power


pants and all, you make every industry conference the place to be because of your knowledge and sense of humor. Kenny Mulder, always so giving of your time to make


events like the roadeo at TSD Conference a success. Charmane White, one of these days we’ll get you to the


conference. Just say the word. Shannon Evans, the consummate professional, thank


you for always making the time (and for handpicking Jennifer Vobis as your successor). Rick Grisham, congratulations as your NAPT presi-


dential term comes to completion. Thank you for always advocating for student transportation safety and STN’s place in reporting it. Nicole Portee, we will see each other in March 2025—if not sooner—as STN EXPO East comes to Charlotte. Greg Jackson, my valued friend, I’m excited for you and the new chapter in your career. Todd Watkins, your positivity and faith in the face of


adversity is truly inspiring. Your story will be told! Kayne Smith, what fun I have each time we get togeth- er, the laughs supplemented by what I learn from you. Jennifer Vobis, our second winner from Las Vegas, the past two years have been far from easy for you person- ally but in the long run they will make you even stronger than you already are. And finally, Teresa, you are as regal and gracious as you


are gifted. Your perspectives are welcomed and much needed in magazine and conference discourse. ●


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76