Where does the time go? Here we are in July, barreling right through the calendar, with the return to school just over the horizon for many districts. 

As the summer days fly by, School Bus Fleet continues to strive to keep its readers informed and prepared for what's next. But what's caught our readers' attention during the first six months of 2023? Check out this rundown.

Blazing Trails and Setting Shining Examples in School Transportation

• SBF Trailblazers: Invigorating the School Transportation Industry: Our inaugural class of School Bus Fleet Trailblazers comes from across the student transportation industry, from behind the wheel to vehicle manufacturers to alternative transportation providers.

• SBF Administrator of the Year: Turning to Technology in Challenging Times: School Bus Fleet’s Administrator of the Year for 2023 is a longtime devotee of the “Cheese Bus” who has kept electronic evolution and cleaner vehicles front of mind for his New York school district.

• The Bus Boy Returns: Making Loading and Unloading Safer: Two-plus decades after being featured in an issue of School Bus Fleet magazine for his love of the big yellow bus, a business owner is using his passion and expertise to keep children safe as they get on and off the school bus.

• Working Animals: Service Dogs and the School Bus: School buses are going to the dogs! No, not like that; for students with disabilities, service animals are critical support and are permitted both in schools and on the big yellow bus. Here’s how school districts can plan and prepare for a new furry passenger.

• Driving the Displaced: Transporting America's Homeless Students: In a day and age where an education can prove transformative for youth in vulnerable environments, finding solutions to transport them is crucial.

Tragedies, Scandals, and Leadership Updates in the School Transportation Industry

• School Faculty Member Killed in Alabama School Bus Incident: Jefferson County teacher and school bus driver Mark Ridgeway was killed when a school bus he was performing standard checks on rolled forward, striking him.

• Familiar Face Returns to Guide Blue Bird Onward: The company announced that Phil Horlock, who led Blue Bird between 2011 and 2021, is now back as president and CEO, replacing Matthew Stevenson.

• 2nd Grade Student Struck, Killed by School Bus in Illinois: The student was seriously injured after being hit in Park Forest. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.

• School Bus Company at Center of Scandal Awarded New Contracts: In New Jersey, Paterson Public Schools awarded contracts to American Star Transportion after that company's manager pleaded guilty to using unqualified drivers and operating unsafe vehicles.

• National Express Names New North America CEO: Tim Wertner succeeds Gary Waits as National Express Group's CEO of Student Transportation.

With the new school year fast approaching, School Bus Fleet will keep eyes on the road ahead, watching for further advancements, inspiring stories, and thought-provoking discussions in the vital field of school transportation.