Know a school bus contractor who is a shining example of efficiency, safety, and knowledge? Someone who is inspiring, innovative, and dedicated to the reliable transportation of students? Tell us about them! 

School Bus Fleet’s Contractor of the Year award recognizes individual leaders who have made remarkable contributions to the pupil transportation industry through their own companies or involvement in industry associations. It represents those who go above and beyond and define the best of the best.

Winners Package

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

Additionally, the recipient will 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 celebrated and presented with a trophy.

Contractor of the Year Award History 

While SBF has been giving this award for over 55 years(!), get inspired by reading about the recipients from the last five years:

• 2025: Michael Brown, Michael’s Transportation Service, Inc.
• 2024: Donald Storer, Storer Transportation 
• 2023: Aaron Silverman, ABC Transit 
• 2022: Jacob Iverson, Harlow’s Bus Service 
• 2021: Paul Vellani, VAT Inc. 

Notes for Nominations

• Self-nominations are eligible. 
• Multiple nominations for the same person are allowed, but quantity will have no bearing on the decision. The selection process assesses the individual strength and story of each nominee. We prefer one comprehensive submission! 
• 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 Contractor of the Year will be considered.
• The evaluation and selection process will happen in April 2026; a SBF editor will notify both the nominator and winner by the middle of the month.

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 with others, inspire their teams, and go above and beyond. Include testimonials from district partners, peers, or colleagues if you can.
• Include attachments – Photos, documentation, and letters of recommendation are not required but do strengthen nomination quality. Share news stories where they’ve been featured if you have them. 
• Provide a full career narrative – Share their journey, company history, 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!

How to Nominate

To submit a nomination, fill out the form online HERE. For more information, contact Amanda Huggett at amanda.huggett@bobit.com.

Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026.