2-Year Prison Term for Driver
The California school bus driver who was convicted of running over and killing 15-year-old Brian Burdett last year has been sentenced to two years in ...
The California school bus driver who was convicted of running over and killing 15-year-old Brian Burdett last year has been sentenced to two years in prison. The verdict angered Brian’s parents, James and Terry, who contend that the driver, Irene Haley, should have received the maximum six-year penalty. (See “Q&A” beginning on page 5 for an interview with James Burdett). Haley pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter in the fatal accident, which took place Feb. 7, 2001, in Twentynine Palms, Calif. Brian bent down for an unknown reason after getting off the bus and was run over as the bus was pulling away. Haley was terminated by Laidlaw Education Services following the incident. In addition to the prison sentence, she was ordered to pay $7,000 restitution to Laidlaw and an unspecified amount to the Burdett family In a short statement to the family during the sentencing hearing, Haley said, “I want you guys to know how sorry I am. If I could trade places with Brian, I would.” “I know the Lord wants me to forgive her, but in my heart I’m having a hard time with it,” Terry told the Desert Trail.
More Management

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
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.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
Changing Lanes: Executive Moves at Summit School Services, Zum, STA, Cummins, Transit Technologies, Driventic, & Cadex
See who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and private contractors.
Read More →
Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints
The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Zum Reaches 19 States With New York Expansion
The addition of the Empire State to the student transportation company's roster marks a growing expansion in the Northeast as it scales its tech and school bus services.
Read More →


