Best Schoolbus Podcasts (2024)

1
Next-Level Safety: Exclusive Interview – Seatbelts Standard on Blue Bird Buses 48:57

1d ago48:57

48:57

In an exclusive interview, Blue Bird President Britton Smith discusses the manufacturer’s industry-shaking announcement that lap/shoulder seatbelts, driver side airbags, and other safety technology will come standard on all its school buses. Ryan and Tony examine the move as well. Read more about safety.…

1
From Green Buses to Hypnosis: Recap School Bus Convos at STN EXPO Indy 43:15

9d ago43:15

43:15

Ryan, Tony and Taylor recap the discussions, training, and technology hosted at STN EXPO Indianapolis last week. Attendees saw new clean buses on the market, toured Cummins facilities, were hypnotized by keynote speaker Wayne Lee, participated in student safety discussions, and more. Read more about STN EXPO.…

1
Onsite at STN EXPO Indy: Driver Shortage & School Bus Safety Convos 34:53

16d ago34:53

34:53

Kristi Hartzel, driver trainer and lead dispatcher for Campbell County Schools in Kentucky and a 2023 Rising SuperStar, joins us at STN EXPO Indy to discuss driver coaching and technology implementation with regard to student safety. STN Senior Editor Taylor Ekbatani also interviews Zach McKinney, director of transportation for Indiana’s Hamilton S…

1
On the Horizon: Technology Showcases & Clean Bus Discussions at ACT Expo 39:33

23d ago39:33

39:33

Tony, Ryan and Taylor report on the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas this past week, the clean school bus manufacturers and suppliers who showed up, the industry conversations on evolving clean transportation, and what districts are seeing in their green bus operations. Read more about green buses.…

1
Future-Facing: State of School Bus Sustainability, Electric Buses Travel Michigan’s Dirt Roads 37:45

30d ago37:45

37:45

Ryan and Tony dive into the State of Sustainability report released ahead of the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo being held this week. Transportation Supervisor Kenni Jean Schrader from Three Rivers Community Schools in rural Michigan, a 2022 Green Fleet Award winner, discusses end-of-school-year operations, driver retention challenges, electric…

1
Keeping the Wheels Turning: Top Transportation Secrets of a Small New York District 1:05:27

1M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Learn more about the captivating speakers planned for STN EXPO Indy, the closure of a New York stop arm camera law loophole, the “great debate” over school bus lap/shoulder seatbelts in Ohio, and positive business updates from industry suppliers. Transportation Supervisor Andrew Krokowski pulls back the curtain on operations, driver retention, tech…

1
Let’s Get Into It: NY Organization Tackles Nitty Gritty of Fleet Electrification 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

Get the latest on federal developments that affect school transportation, including a legal battle over E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi, the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Final Rule on automatic emergency braking in buses, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s push to relax marijuana classification. Nina Haiman and…

1
Bright Side: Clean Fuel Comparisons & “How To Stay Inspired When You’re So Darn Tired!” 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

Ryan and Tony discuss the new $1B Clean Heavy Duty Vehicles Grant Program, use cases of renewable diesel vs. battery electric, and a video of student abuse by a Colorado bus aid. Speaker, author and cancer survivor Christine Cashen discusses the role of humor in dealing with hardships and de-escalating work or personal situations. See her STN EXPO …

1
Shaman the Goat: Training & Technology to Keep Students Safe On & Around Buses 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

Safety technology and training are forefront after a fatal Texas rollover crash and a bus striking a bicyclist. Join us at STN EXPO this summer to learn and discuss more. “Goats are like kindergarteners!” Valerie Higley, school bus driver for First Student at East Lyme Public Schools in Connecticut, wrote a children’s book on school bus safety feat…

1
Security Training, 25 Years After Columbine + Top Transportation Teams Time 1:00:05

2M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

How will the increasingly popular four-day school week affect student transportation operations? Also, learn more about opportunities to recognize your innovative, hardworking peers in the school bus industry. Bret Brooks, senior consultant at Gray Ram Tactical and frequent STN EXPO presenter, looks at lessons learned (or not learned) on the 25th a…

1
Adopt & Adapt: National Perspectives on Clean School Bus Choices 46:55

2M ago46:55

46:55

Mobile electric school bus charging solutions, and more details on the EPA GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) regulations. Get a detailed look into the state of clean student transportation, perspectives from school bus manufacturers, legislature to watch, and more with Nate Springer, vice president of market development at TRC Companies, the producer …

1
Superintendent Snapshot 4/4: Dublin City Schools, Georgia 1:00:22

3M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Ryan and Tony analyze the impact of new stringent EPA greenhouse gas emissions regulations on the school bus industry, as well as aspects of a fatal Texas rollover crash involving a school bus not equipped with seatbelts being hit by a concrete truck whose driver had taken cocaine. “There’s no I in ‘team’ but there’s an I in ‘win,’ and when you wan…

1
Superintendent Snapshot 3/4: Saint Paul Public Schools, Minnesota 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

This week’s headlines include updated EPA regulations for light- and medium-duty vehicles. Will McDermott, head of student services for First Student, shares how the FirstServes program aims to bridge the gap between the ride to school and the classroom experience. “There were some wet, heavy flakes coming down, kind of that picturesque city snowfa…

1
Superintendent Snapshot 2/4: Contoocook Valley School District, New Hampshire 42:40

3M ago42:40

42:40

The NTSB is investigating a tragic crash that killed a school bus driver and 3 preschool passengers. Meanwhile, the District of Columbia is in legal hot water over the busing of students with disabilities. Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, another AASA finalist for Superintendent of the Year, and Business Administrator Brian Cisneros shar…

1
Superintendent Snapshot 1/4: Tomball Independent School District, Texas 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Ryan & Tony analyze New York’s aggressive electrification push, as well as an uptick in school bus driver DUIs and arrests. “Districts take the flavor of their superintendent.” Superintendent Dr. Martha “Dr. Z” Salazar-Zamora, COO Dr. Steven Gutierrez, and Director of Transportation Sandy Dillman from rapidly growing Tomball Independent School Dist…

1
Hypnosis & School Bus Extrication: Upcoming STN EXPO Speaker Previews 1:06:04

4M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Concerning business updates and new federal resources in the ever-shifting world of school bus electrification. Hypnosis, mind expansion, and trance-formation! Speaker and entertainer Wayne Lee previews his keynote session at STN EXPO Indy on elevating performance in both one’s personal life and workplace. Paul Hasenmeier, fire chief for Hernando C…

1
Managerial Perspectives: From Dairy Farming to Black History Month 57:27

4M ago57:27

57:27

Conversations on the role bus drivers can play in student safety reopen after a missing Texas student rider was found murdered and several students were struck and killed by their buses. From working on a dairy farm to becoming transportation and logistics administrator for Cache County and Logan City School Districts in Utah, Wayne Reese looks at …

1
Talk About It: School Bus vs. Tesla in Super Bowl Ad & Top-Level Superintendent Convos 30:57

4M ago30:57

30:57

Transportation lighting and safety company Clarience Technologies acquired safety technology company Safe Fleet and a Super Bowl ad slammed Tesla’s full-self driving mode used around school buses. Tony and Taylor share highlights from the School Superintendents Association’s National Conference on Education, where top level student transportation c…

1
The Person in the Front Seat: Retaining Drivers & Going Green in Las Vegas 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

We analyze the latest, including Blue Bird’s earnings report, green energy opportunities, a student killed in the Danger Zone, and a change in CDL regulations. Clark County School District in Las Vegas has more unique features than just being down the street from Super Bowl LVIII. Executive Director of Transportation Jennifer Vobis, also the winner…

1
Safety Envelope: Ohio Safety Group Findings, Seatbelts & Technology 37:20

5M ago37:20

37:20

Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the Collins Bus acquisition by Forest River. The safety conversation intensifies around recommendations but no seatbelt mandate from the Ohio school bus safety group following a fatal crash last August. Read the STN February issue all about safety at stnonline.com/go/feb24. Keep updated on industry headlines & analysis…

1
How We Get Better: Security Lessons From Uvalde, Ukeru Student Management System 46:12

5M ago46:12

46:12

Tony gives updates from the National School Transportation Association midwinter meeting and Ryan shares what a new Department of Justice report on the Uvalde shooting can teach the industry about emergency response. Shelly Hall, senior vice president of health and safety for national pupil transportation contractor Student Transportation of Americ…

1
Take a Pause: Student Fatalities, Utah District’s Electrification Journey 38:06

5M ago38:06

38:06

Danger Zone safety and training are forefront after a Florida student ran back under his school bus and was killed. There’s also a lot of focus on and controversy in federal electrification efforts. Ken Martinez, transportation manager for Salt Lake City School District in Utah, discusses various aspects of electric school bus implementation, inclu…

1
Change Everywhere: Electric Funding & Critique, IC Bus Supports ESB Adoption 53:06

5M ago53:06

53:06

The Clean School Bus Program shifts in response to feedback and electric buses continue to roll out. But it’s an election year and what will the future hold? Trish Reed, vice president of zero emissions for IC Bus parent company Navistar, takes a holistic look at supporting school districts through applying for funding, receiving electric buses, an…

1
Extension of the Classroom: New Federal Funds for School Bus Wi-Fi 1:01:25

6M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

We break down industry trends as reported in the all-new 2024 STN Buyer’s Guide and special needs transportation analysis from our new January issue. Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking, delves into what districts need to know about the Federal Communications Commission ruling allowing E-Rate funds to be used for school bus W…

1
From Christmas Trees to Technology: A Year-End Conversation with Transfinder 41:10

6M ago41:10

41:10

CEO Antonio Civitella joins the podcast to discuss holiday preparations, reflect on Transfinder’s accomplishments, including recognizing 6 Top Transportation Teams from school districts nationwide and winning best Hardware and Software at STN EXPO Reno, and talk about exciting new projects. Get your updates & analysis on the school transportation i…

1
2023 in Review: Top Student Transportation Stories of the Year 52:56

6M ago52:56

52:56

Tony, Ryan and Taylor review the top news stories of 2022 and what the tragic or shocking tales can teach us about operational management, student safety, staff training, parent relations, industry trends, and more. Get your updates & analysis on the school transportation industry at stnonline.com.By School Transportation News

1
Future of Fuel: School Bus Energy Options, Electric Updates From NY District 51:20

7M ago51:20

51:20

Senate conversations on emissions, clean fuel developments from bus manufacturers, and what that means for the student transportation industry. We also recap interesting sessions and conversations from the TSD Conference. Alfred Karam, director of transportation for Shenendehowa Central School District in New York, gives insights on translating his…

1
Onsite at the TSD Conference, Part 2/2: Contracting, Safety & Leadership 34:02

7M ago34:02

34:02

Tony and Ryan caught up with several friends at the TSD Conference, who shared about the latest and greatest in transporting students with special needs. Gregg Prettyman, vice president of FirstAlt by First Student, shares how tailored transportation contracting assists districts serving students with special needs. Clint Bryer, director of sales i…

1
Onsite at the TSD Conference, Part 1/2: Technology, Cameras & Special Needs 28:22

7M ago28:22

28:22

Tony and Ryan caught up with several friends at the TSD Conference, who shared about the latest and greatest in transporting students with special needs. John Daniels, vice president of marketing for Transfinder, shares how the company’s “One Partner, One Solution” school bus technology suite helps school districts better serve student riders. (Tim…

1
And the Data Says...: Insights on Danger Zone Safety, Electric School Bus Funding 35:46

7M ago35:46

35:46

The new National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services underscores lessons on student safety. CEO Duncan McIntyre shares how Highland Electric Fleets supports school districts in electrifying their bus fleets and what they should consider in terms of funding. Read m…

1
Defining Your Why: Industry Vet of 35 Years, Live From the NAPT Conference 48:49

8M ago48:49

48:49

Tony and Taylor discuss putting together the November issue cover story on Transportation Director of the Year Teresa Fleming of the School District of Philadelphia, as well as takeaways from the recent National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Conference & Trade Show. Live at the NAPT Conference, John Hennessey, director of transportatio…

1
New in November: Leadership Awards & Special Needs Training 36:09

8M ago36:09

36:09

A preview of upcoming conferences, a rundown of Transportation Director of the Year award winners & more. Bus Monitor Irma O'Connell (also a 2023 STN Rising Superstar) and Operations Manager Jason Schwartz from Widefield School District #3 in Colorado delve meticulously into necessary staff training for transporting students with special needs. Rea…

1
Making Progress: Wyoming Rising Star + Propane, Non-Yellow Bus Convos 1:04:36

8M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

We break down the FCC’s approval of school bus WiFi funding through the E-Rate program and an Ohio safety group’s discussion on lap-shoulder belts. Director of Transportation and 2023 STN Rising Superstar Colby Stevens gives a peek into challenges and operations at Teton County School District #1 in a beautiful, cold, rural part of Wyoming. Daniel …

1
Getting Clarity: Official Mandates + Portland Public Schools Update 52:30

8M ago52:30

52:30

Headlines include a new California electric school bus mandate and how it could be fulfilled, as well as the National Congress on School Transportation weighing in on alternative student transportation. Brandon Coonrod delves into serving as assistant director and now interim director of transportation for Portland Public Schools, discussing the dr…

1
Concerning: Bus Driver Killer Released + Handling Problematic Student Sexual Behavior 47:30

9M ago47:30

47:30

An upcoming Federal Communication Commission vote may provide more school bus Wi-Fi funding and the Tennessee murderer of a school bus driver was released. Shelley Rutledge, a school psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker with the Salem-Keizer School District in Oregon, delves into the touchy topic of problematic sexual behavior in stud…

1
Moving Toward EVs: Clean School Bus Program, Green NY Contractor Conversation 57:58

9M ago57:58

57:58

Tony and Ryan discuss a new round of Clean School Bus Program funding, the need for infrastructure, and a government shutdown. School bus contractor Suffolk Bus Corporation is located in New York, which is mandating electric school buses by 2035, and won a Green Fleet Award at the Green Bus Summit during this year’s STN EXPO Reno. Thomas Smith, vic…

1
Huge Difference: TX Transportation Team Improves Culture + NY Illegal Passing Strategy 45:31

9M ago45:31

45:31

Analysis on economic trends, including what rising fuel prices and a California electric school bus mandate means for the industry. Annamarie Banner, director of transportation for Garland ISD in Texas, a winner of Transfinder’s Top Transportation Teams award, talks school startup, technology and teambuilding. Director of Emergency Services Patrick…

1
Our Role Here: Dedication & Collaboration Leads to Successful Transportation Team 44:21

9M ago44:21

44:21

Discussions on safety equipment for school buses, economic trends and autonomous vehicles. We talk bus operations and department collaboration with Todd Livesay, director of transportation of Franklin Township Community School Corporation in Indiana, a winner of Transfinder’s Top Transportation Teams award. Read more at stnonline.com/tag/teamwork.…

1
Support Everybody: Expert Talks Special Education and Transportation 49:06

9M ago49:06

49:06

Headlines on EV battery production, school bus TV segments, a COVID-19 spike, and a study on data collection. Nationally certified school psychologist Dr. Ben Springer delves into the intersection of special education and transportation, as well as his TSD Conference keynote on managing aggressive student behaviors on the bus. Read more at stnonlin…

1
The Reason Why: Michigan Top Transportation Team + Susavage v. Bucks Revisited 43:07

10M ago43:07

43:07

The STN September issue is out and the federal E-rate plan to add Wi-Fi to school buses has hit a snag. Special education attorney and TSD keynote speaker Betsey Helfrich lends insights on the case of a wheelchair-bound New Jersey student who choked to death on the bus, how it is reminiscent of the 2002 Susavage v. Bucks case, and what districts sh…

1
High Standards: The #1 Top Transportation Team + Safety Tech for Illegal Passing 59:01

10M ago59:01

59:01

Student fatalities in Ohio and Kansas reignite conversations on seatbelts on school buses. Transportation Supervisor Donna Hackett shares the service, leadership and partnership secrets behind the cohesive team at New York’s Pembroke Central School District, which won first place in Transfinder’s Top Transportation Team competition this summer. Dou…

1
School’s Back: Garage Star & Green Fleet Award Winner Perspective 48:04

10M ago48:04

48:04

A school startup disaster in Kentucky, OEM updates, the move of STN EXPO East, and what’s new at the upcoming TSD Conference. 2023 STN Garage Star Grant Treesh is the lead transportation technician and co-director of transportation for DeKalb Central Schools, which won a Green Fleet Award at the Green Bus Summit during STN EXPO Reno. He brings his …

1
Removing Barriers: Teenage Colorado School Bus Driver Experience 45:47

10M ago45:47

45:47

Analysis on the Hawaii wildfires’ impact on school transportation, industry business updates, and conversations planned for the TSD conference in November. It all started with a school project on student transportation for 20-year-old Tyson Decluette, who shares his experience training for and serving as the youngest bus driver in Fountain-Fort Car…

1
Hall of Famer: “King of School Bus” Shares Cook-Illinois Corp. Legacy 35:19

11M ago35:19

35:19

The STN August issue, newly released TSD Conference agenda, and federal clean school bus funding top today’s headlines. John Benish, Jr., chief operating officer of Cook-Illinois Corporation, joins us to discuss his family’s trailblazing legacy through the largest school bus provider in Chicagoland, as well as his recent induction into the National…

1
Recognizing Top Players: Award Season + Female Garage Star Perspective 33:49

11M ago33:49

33:49

Learn more about awards and recognitions for leading organizations and members of the school bus industry. We also recap security & weapons training from STN EXPO Reno. Heather Schnitker-Blume with contractor Petermann Bus, also a 2023 STN Garage Star who appears in the STN August issue, talks entering a male-dominated field and using technology in…

1
Meet the Innovator of the Year: Maintaining a Fast-Growing Bus Fleet 49:27

11M ago49:27

49:27

Recap the insightful and forward-thinking conversations and experiences at STN EXPO in Reno. Listen as attendees and vendors share their thoughts! Bill Griffiths, named the Innovator of the Year by School Transportation News and the National School Transportation Association, discusses directing fleet management & maintenance at fast-growing transp…

1
Onsite at STN EXPO Reno: Oregon Going Zero-Emissions + Safety Tech with Rosco 40:57

11M ago40:57

40:57

Chris Ellison, the new director of transportation and fleet services for Reynolds School District in Oregon, talks co-leading the “So You Want to be a Transportation Supervisor” class at STN EXPO Reno and analyzes challenges ahead for district electrification plans after Oregon adopted California Air Resources Board guidelines curtailing diesel bus…

1
High Scoring: Trust & Leadership Make for Top Transportation Teams 36:59

12M ago36:59

36:59

The World Resources Institute releases a tool tracking clean school bus adoption. Klein ISD in Texas was a winner of Transfinder’s inaugural Top Transportation Teams challenge. Director of Transportation John Fergerson and Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella highlight the importance of workplace culture as an effective recruitment strat…

1
Popcorn Machine: Expert Talks Handling Student Behavior on the School Bus 42:47

12M ago42:47

42:47

Ryan and Tony break down governmental interest in school bus Wi-Fi, road safety via automated braking systems and cleaner school buses. “They’re like kernels ready to pop.” School psychologist and safety/security expert John Van Dreal discusses challenging student behavior and the school bus as an extension of the classroom. He previews his keynote…

1
Shifting: The Move Away From Diesel + Successes, Challenges in Oregon Districts 42:04

12M ago42:04

42:04

Tony and Taylor discuss the rising prices of diesel school buses in the shift toward zero-emissions and electric. Director of Transportation Kim Crabtree shares how Bend-La Pine School District in Oregon is fully staffed with drivers and mechanics, discusses EV integration and challenges in the state, and previews the electrification panel she’ll b…

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Schoolbus Podcasts

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