Related: Dean Transportation School Bus Drivers Deliver Over 300K Meals to Students
Dean Transportation, Independent Bookstore Launch Virtual ‘Story Time’
The Michigan-based school bus company partners with Schuler Books to present the Dean Transportation Story Time Series. Bus drivers read children’s books in videos on the school bus company’s Facebook page.
May 27, 2020
1 min to read
Deb Jacobs, a bus driver for Dean Transportation, serving Bay Arenac Independent School District in Bay City, Mich., reads “It Came in the Mail” as part of the story time series. Screenshot courtesy Dean Transportation
LANSING, Mich. — Dean Transportation has partnered with a local independent bookstore to produce a virtual story series in an effort to help give students consistency and connection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Dean Transportation Story Time Series premiered on Dean Transportation’s Facebook page on May 20. Bus drivers from around the state read popular children’s books, provided by Schuler Books, to students. The school bus company will post new videos on Mondays and Wednesdays for the remainder of the summer.
“COVID-19 has uprooted the schedules and daily lives of children across the state, which can cause a lot of confusion and stress for kids,” said Dean Transportation President and CEO Kellie Dean. “We created the Dean Transportation Story Time series to give students some consistency and positivity through weekly facetime with their favorite bus drivers.”
“This story time partnership allows us to put our passions for reading and community involvement into practice,” said Samantha Hendricks, events coordinator for Schuler Books. “The pandemic has been an overwhelmingly difficult time for families everywhere, and we’re proud to partner with Dean Transportation to promote normalcy and healing through books for children throughout the state.”
Visit Dean Transportation’s Facebook page to watch videos in the series.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 2, 2026
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 1, 2026
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →