Richard Tackett, Author at School BUSRide


A Lasting Influence on the Community: The Story of Chante Coad

This story was initially covered by WIS News 10 in South Carolina, titled Finding More Than One Way to Serve Your Community: From Fighting Fires to Caring for Midlands Children. Chante Coad works as a school bus driver at Lexington/Richland School District 5, a district which is to be a member of the National Association […]

Downingtown Area School District Keeps Dispatch, Parents, and Administrators in the Loop with Transfinder

The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) in Pennsylvania has significantly enhanced its transportation operations by implementing Transfinder’s advanced technology solutions. By adopting Routefinder PLUS, Infofinder i, and Viewfinder, the district has improved bus routing efficiency and increased transparency for parents, administrators, and contractors. Optimizing Bus Routing At the core of DASD’s transportation routing is Routefinder […]

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Gardella, CTPTO, CSPT

School BUSRide spoke with Jennifer Gardella, CTPTO, CSPT, director of transportation for Rockwall Independent School District in Texas. She spoke about her district and the benefits of mentorship. Tell us about your career in education and transportation. I’ve been in the education field for 22 years. Before joining the school district, I ran a preschool, […]

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Enhances Bus Visibility with First Light Safety Products

Visibility is critical for school bus safety. For the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), which operates a unique and expansive transportation system, ensuring the safety of students and staff on the road is a top priority. Enter First Light Safety Products, whose illuminated signage and stop-arm technology are helping AIDB make their fleet […]

Interview: 2025 NAPT Statement On Seat Belts & School Buses

    An interview with Molly McGee-Hewitt: What can you tell us about the new NAPT statement on seat belts? Our new statement, which was recommended by the members of our Public Policy Committee and adopted unanimously by our Board, relies on our belief that our members must be empowered and enabled to make decisions […]

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Christy Zukowski

School BUSRide spoke to Christy Zukowski, Sr. Marketing Communications Manager for IC Bus. She discussed the importance of being a business partner to NAPT, and shared what she finds most exciting about pupil transportation in 2025. Can you tell us about your career and what led you to your position at IC Bus? I’m a […]

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Athena Bartz

School BUSRide spoke with Athena Bartz, assistant director of Natrona County School District in Wyoming and the NAPT Region 5 Board Member. Bartz discussed her district’s challenges, and offered her seasoned advice to NAPT members. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your district. I am currently serving as the Assistant Director of Transportation for […]

Saratoga Springs City School District Bridges the Gaps with busHive

  The Saratoga Springs City School District in New York is transforming its transportation operations with the help of busHive, a software solution streamlining critical processes and reducing inefficiencies. For Dave Gonzalez, dispatcher for the district, busHive has become an invaluable tool for navigating these challenges.   Bridging the Gaps Each day, Saratoga Springs requires […]

RIDE helps WJUSD Move Toward Full Electrification

In a significant move toward sustainable student transportation, the Woodland Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) in Woodland, California, has embarked on an ambitious project to integrate electric school buses into its fleet. This initiative, in partnership with RIDE, the California manufacturer and supplier of the new buses, underscores the district’s commitment to environmental stewardship and […]

Protecting Our Children with Innovative Solutions

  Presented by BusGates The trip to and from school is a part of daily life for millions of children across the United States. It is also the most dangerous part of a student’s school day according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite the vital role school buses play in safely transporting […]