SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Art teacher turns school bus into mobile classroom

Amelia Rabroker, owner and instructor of Tap Tap Art School, teaches art and cultural classes at venues in central Texas in the repurposed bus. She was inspired by the tap tap buses on the roads in Haiti — brightly colored school buses that are used for public transportation.

January 2, 2014
1 min to read


HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — An elementary school art teacher has transformed a school bus into a classroom on wheels, and she now teaches art and cultural classes at venues in central Texas, Killeen Daily Herald reports.

Amelia Rabroker, owner and instructor of Tap Tap Art School, began her teaching career at Clear Creek Elementary School at Killeen Independent School District. After 10 years, she decided that she wanted to reach out to more people in advocating for visual arts.  

Rabroker came up with the idea for Tap Tap Art School after teaching a lesson on the tap tap buses of Haiti. Tap tap buses are brightly painted school buses used as a common mode of transportation in the country. (Passengers tap on the ceiling of the bus to request to be dropped off.) Rabroker’s bus is a bright shade of green and features airbrushed images created by children and donors.

To read the full story, click here.


More on repurposed school buses:

Ad Loading...

More Management

School Bus Fleet leadership update graphic announcing Lewis Nelson as president of Stertil-Koni. The graphic features the Stertil-Koni logo and a portrait of Nelson standing with folded arms against a yellow and orange background.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 19, 2026

Stertil-Koni Announces New Company President

Lewis Nelson joins the heavy-duty vehicle lift provider, succeeding Scott Steinhardt in the lead role.

Read More →
Frances Theiring stands with three other people holding an award
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 19, 2026

Tennessee Hall of Fame Honors Drivers for Decades of Service

Frances Theiring, a school bus driver for Wilson County Schools, retires this year after almost 50 years on the road. She is one of two long-time drivers honored for their service in the state.

Read More →
A school bus driver wearing a safety vest exchanges a high-five with a smiling young student near the front of a school bus. Sunlight streams through the windows as another adult stands nearby.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer

Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
School Bus Fleet leadership update graphic featuring the School Bus Logistics logo and headshots of three newly hired software data analysts: CJ Merrill, Jake Nulick, and Valorie Ashburn.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 18, 2026

School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities

Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.

Read More →
Cover page of an NSTA (National School Transportation Association) whitepaper titled "Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit: Benefits of Contracting Transportation Services." The design features a blue and gold color scheme with a yellow school bus graphic at the top. The subtitle reads, "Discover the value and benefits of converting to contracted student transportation services, a proven road to cost reduction and service enhancement." Contact information for NSTA appears at the bottom, including the website YellowBuses.org and email address info@yellowbuses.org
SponsoredJune 18, 2026

Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit

Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.

Read More →
Illustration of a laptop displaying the EverDriven logo against a blue background, with the text "New AI-Powered Transportation Operations Hub" and the School Bus Fleet logo.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 17, 2026

EverDriven Debuts TripCentral as New District Transportation Portal

The new transportation management hub takes over the district portal to power trip planning, operations, visibility, and intelligence for school district transportation needs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Promotional graphic for School Bus Fleet's "Five Questions" series featuring Craig Beaver of Beaverton School District. The image shows Beaver smiling in an office setting alongside text reading "Five Questions with Craig Beaver." School Bus Fleet logo appears at the bottom.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJune 17, 2026

Lessons Learned from 4 Decades in Transportation: 5 Questions with Craig Beaver

Sit down with longtime transportation leader Craig Beaver moments before he retires, as he reflects on his career leading up to his role at Beaverton School District in Oregon and the secrets to leading great teams.

Read More →
Three people pose in front of a line of school buses.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 16, 2026

BusRight Honors Texas Driver With Inaugural Behind The Wheel Award

Selected from more than 300 nominations, Lawson Crook earned BusRight’s inaugural award for his dedication to students and safety.

Read More →
Promotional graphic for The Route podcast by School Bus Fleet. On a bright yellow background with light circular accents, large text reads "4 Decades of Leadership Lessons." Featured guest Craig Beaver of Beaverton School District is shown smiling in a suit and tie on the right side of the image. The School Bus Fleet logo and The Route branding appear at the top left, with sponsorship by IC Bus displayed near the top center.
Sponsoredby Amanda HuggettJune 15, 2026

Craig Beaver’s Final Stop: Lessons from 43 Years in Transportation

After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District director Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The Route thumbnail with school bus fleet logo
ManagementJune 15, 2026

What 43 Years in Transportation Taught Craig Beaver About Leadership

After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District admin Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next.

Read More →