Recognize Excellence: Nominations Open for 2026 Administrator of the Year

It's time to nominate the transportation directors who exemplify excellence in district or state-level school bus operations!

Amanda Huggett・Executive Editor

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December 15, 2025

Recognize Excellence: Nominations Open for 2026 Administrator of the Year — The *School Bus Fleet* Administrator of the Year will be profiled in the magazine and website, receive a trophy, and an expenses-paid trip to SBFX in Arizona in September.
Photo: School Bus Fleet

3 min to read

Do you know a district or state-level transportation director who exemplifies excellence in leadership, safety, and dedication? We want to hear about them!

Each year, School Bus Fleet (SBF) looks for candidates who have made a significant contribution to pupil transportation through innovative ideas and positive impact on their department, their community, and through state and national associations.

Ultimately, one will be chosen and named the 2026 School Bus Fleet 2026 Administrator of the Year.

Winners Package

The selected 2026 Administrator of the Year will be profiled in School Bus Fleet’s April/May issue with a photo on the cover, and on www.schoolbusfleet.com.

They will also be invited to attend an all-expense paid 3-day, 2-night trip to attend School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX), from Sept. 21-23 2026,at the Scottsdale Resort in Arizona, where they will be honored and presented with a trophy at the awards ceremony.

Administrator of the Year Award History

While SBF has been giving this award for over 50 years(!), get inspired by reading about the recipients from the last five years:

Notes for Nominations

Self-nominations are eligible (go ahead, brag on yourself!).
District- and state-level directors are eligible.
Multiple nominations for the same person are allowed, but quantity of nominations per person will have no bearing on the decision. The selection process assesses the individual strength and story of each nominee. We prefer one comprehensive submission for each nominee!
Start early and take your time filling out the nomination form. Present a compelling narrative about the nominee.
Only individuals who have not previously won SBF’s Administrator of the Year title will be considered.
The evaluation and selection process will happen in early February; a SBF editor will notify both the nominator and winner shortly after.

Tips for a Winning Nomination/What We’re Looking For

Highlight measurable successes – Share examples of barriers overcome and results of wins the nominee championed in technology implementation, process improvements, efficiency gains, or cost savings.
Tell their leadership story – Beyond personality traits (although we want to know those, too!), describe their leadership style, how they partner, inspire teams, and go above and beyond. Include testimonials from other administrators, peers, and colleagues if you can.
Include attachments – Photos, documentation, and letters of recommendation are not required but do strengthen nomination quality. Share news stories or district website posts where they’ve been featured. We love seeing their thought leadership!
Provide a full career narrative – Share their journey, early roles, and growth in the industry that led them to where they are now.
Showcase community and industry impact – Tell us about leadership positions in any associations, conferences, boards, committees, clubs, or regional groups they participate in.
Be detailed and be specific. The more you can share, the better!