That's right, it's our annual best of the web. Welcome back! It feels like everyone has their own "wrapped" now, even YouTube and Amazon (still nodding to you, Spotify), but we're not just joining the ranks this time.

Every year, we take a look at our Google Analytics and compile a list of the posts that you, SBFreaders, read more than anything else this year.

What rises to the top often says a lot about the challenges, trends, and conversations defining the industry. So, let's review the biggest stories of 2025!

Top 10 Articles of the Year

1. Announcing the 2025 School Bus Driver Hero: Jackie Wilkerson Brown 

Meet our inaugural Driver Hero, who has become attuned to the needs of students, stepping in to support Dean Transportation and the Lansing School District in ways that go far beyond her role. 

2. The State of School Bus Contracting [2025 Survey Results] 

Discover North America’s largest contractors, their fleet fuel makeup, average pay, plans, and top challenges in this annual report. 

3. 2025 Administrator of the Year: Kimberly Jones’ Servant Leadership in Action in Chicago 

Learn more about the 2025 School Bus Fleet Administrator of the Year, who takes a holistic, student-centered approach to student transportation in the Windy City. 

4. Preparing the Future: Programs to Train the Next Generation of School Bus Mechanics 

See how school districts are tackling the mechanic shortage with work-based learning programs and internships. 

5. Tips for Managing Angry Parents 

Follow these tips for handling conflict with parents amid emotionally charged situations on the school bus. 

6. The Science Behind Improving Student Behavior on the School Bus 

Here’s what you need to know about child development to better understand the riders on your bus. 

7. 5 Inspiring Women in School Transportation

Learn about five standout women shaping pupil transportation, each with a unique story and message for the industry’s future. 

8. 5 Questions: First Student on Driver Recruitment, Retention & Contracting 

Join us for a conversation with First Student’s COO as we talk all things student transportation drivers. 

9. Electric Buses in The Shop: How to Be Prepared for EV Maintenance 

Electric buses may resemble their diesel counterparts, but their maintenance is a different story.  

10. The Role of Accountability in Retaining School Bus Drivers 

Driver disengagement and lack of accountability fuel vacancies — here are eight ways to strengthen accountability across your team. 

Top News Stories of the Year

1. No Train, No Stop? FMCSA Considers Rule Change for School Buses 

A new federal proposal would end the requirement for school buses to stop at inactive railroad crossings, aiming to improve traffic flow and reduce costs. 

2. Convicted Student Who Killed Tennessee Bus Driver Has Record Expunged 

The first U.S. bus driver killed by a student, Joyce Gregory, is remembered as her shooter’s conviction is overturned and the record wiped. 

3. Tariffs & the School Bus: What We Know So Far 

Newly imposed U.S. tariffs on neighboring countries raised concerns that school buses and supplies could soon become more expensive. 

4. Grant Uncertainty: Clean School Bus Funds in Limbo 

Earlier this year, districts were unable to access Clean School Bus and Heavy-Duty Vehicle funds despite the federal funding pause being lifted. 

5. Texas Student Dies After Being Hit by School Bus 

A 5-year-old boy attending Granbury ISD was struck by the front of the bus while trying to load. 

6. Cummins Unveils Two New School Bus Engines 

The newest gasoline-powered B6.7 Octane engine is fuel-efficient and EPA-certified for 2027, and the B7.2 offers an additional diesel option. 

7. National Express Acquired by Investment Firm 

All brands under National Express' portfolio were included in the agreement, including Durham School Services, Petermann Bus, and Stock Transportation. 

8. New NTSB Investigation Report and Safety Alert Addresses Distracted Driving 

The final investigative report found that texting behind the wheel led to a fatal school bus crash in 2023.

9. Videos Show Close Calls from Illegal Stop-Arm Passings 

BusPatrol and other recent video footage show too many close calls from illegal school bus passings.  

10. Student Transportation of America Announces 6 New Acquisitions 

The contractor's expanded footprint adds more than 1,000 employees and almost 900 vehicles to its national fleet. 

Photo Gallery of the Year

School Bus Fleet’s 2025 Photo Contest 

Winning images in the 21st edition of School Bus Fleet’s Photo Contest were selected by SBF staff from dozens of entries. 

Most-Read Blogs 

1. What’s Behind the Rise in Special Needs Transportation? 

Special-needs transportation is evolving to better support individuals with autism, mental health needs, and social development. 

2. NSTA Alarmed by NHTSA Illegal Passing Study Results 

A national survey reveals the reasons for illegal school bus passing, sparking renewed efforts for a public awareness campaign. 

3. What’s Next for School Transportation? Challenges and Opportunities in 2025 

Driver shortages, EVs, safety, and budget pressures were forecasted to test the industry in 2025.

What do you want to see from us in 2026? What topics matter to you? Please don't hesitate to send in your hot takes, news tips, feedback, and suggestions. Email SBF Executive Editor Amanda Huggett at amanda.huggett@bobit.com to connect.

From the bottom of our yellow hearts, thank you for reading!