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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
As a child in India, Ritu Narayan watched her mother leave her job to ensure her children got to school safely. Decades later, as a mother herself in the U.S., Ritu faced the same challenge. “I could track my pizza and packages, but I had no idea if my kids had made it to school […]
School BUSRide spoke with Melissa Garton, director of transportation for Dickson County School District in Dickson, Tennessee. Garton recently renewed her Certification as a Director of Pupil Transportation (CDPT) in 2024. She spoke with us about why she pursued certification, and the importance of professional development in pupil transportation. Please introduce yourself and provide a […]