Lewiston Public Schools in Maine stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. With a student body of nearly 6,000 (of which roughly 4,500 rely on some form of school transportation), the district faces logistical complexities magnified by urban density, linguistic diversity, contracted services, and a growing population of newly arrived families. Alisa Roman, […]
By Bella Ma, RIDE In my role as an account manager for RIDE, I frequently work with school transportation teams who are new to EV technology and looking for answers about what it really means to operate battery-powered school buses. From my eight years at RIDE (where I’ve worked in purchasing, supply chain, project […]
By Joe Jenkins With 16 years in the alternative fuels space, including electric, hybrid, propane, and natural gas, I have worked through the evolution of vehicle technology from early aftermarket conversions to today’s purpose-built, factory-designed electric school buses. At IC Bus, I focus specifically on supporting customers through the transition from internal combustion to […]
By Brad Beauchamp As EV Product Segment Leader at Blue Bird, I work closely with customers across the U.S. and Canada to ensure that our electric school buses not only meet performance expectations, but also the highest safety standards. With more than three decades of experience in the alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies […]
Each year, the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) shines a spotlight on the professionals who set the standard for excellence in student transportation. As someone who has spent years covering this industry, I’m always inspired by the stories behind these awards — the innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving students and communities. […]
For school districts navigating the challenges of accessible student transportation, the task of securing wheelchair passengers safely, quickly, and consistently is often one of the most demanding responsibilities that drivers face. Between training, time constraints, equipment variability, and physical strain, traditional four-point securement systems (though reliable) can become operational challenges. Recognizing this need for innovation, […]
School BUSRide spoke with Kara Arundel, senior reporter for K-12 Dive (www.k12dive.com), about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) marking its 50th anniversary. She spoke about the milestone’s significance, the impact of IDEA on transportation, and how transportation professionals can continue to stay involved and enhance services for students with disabilities. We are marking […]
School BUSRide spoke with Stephanie Clark, Transportation Supervisor at City Schools of Decatur in Georgia. She discussed her recent certifications, and the role they have played in her professional development. Please tell us about your history in pupil transportation. My name is Stephanie Clark, and I am currently employed with the City Schools of Decatur. […]
By Shauna Seaver The Idaho district transports more than 20,000 students to a wide variety of educational programs. Parents are kept up to date on their students’ locations through Tyler Technologies’ Student Transportation solutions. For K-12 transportation departments, the first month of school is notoriously hectic. Drivers are getting to know their students and routes, […]
As student transportation professionals across the country prepare to gather for the 2025 NAPT ACTS Conference and Trade Show, one critical session promises to tackle an increasingly urgent issue: how districts are evolving to meet the transportation needs of vulnerable student populations. Leading the session are two longtime leaders in pupil transportation: Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, MBA, […]