SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

6 Minnesota bus drivers win Transportation Specialist Awards

The drivers were nominated by their supervisors as people who exemplify the “best of the best” in school transportation. In addition to the award, a $1,000 check was awarded in each driver’s name to go toward a scholarship fund for deserving youth.

July 3, 2013
1 min to read


The 2013 Transportation Specialists are (from left) Brian Salmela, Mark Schjenken, Tracey Walker, Josh Pensak, Annie Knapp and Kyle Brown.

Six school bus drivers from around the state received the 2013 Transportation Specialist Awards last month.

The honors were presented at the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association’s annual summer conference on June 10 in Grand Rapids, Minn.

Ad Loading...

The drivers were nominated by their supervisors as people who exemplify the “best of the best” in school transportation. The applications were judged on criteria such as years of service, dedication to safety, community service achievements, communication with school staff, and letters of recommendation from parents, co-workers, students and school staff.

Here are the 2013 Transportation Specialists:

• Annie Knapp, Faribault Transportation, Faribault
• Josh Pensak, Voyageur Bus Co., Duluth
• Brian Salmela, NorTran Inc., Deer River
• Mark Schjenken, NorTran Inc., Deer River
• Tracey Walker, Bluff Country School Bus Service Inc., Lake City
• Kyle Brown, Vision of Elk River Inc., Elk River

In addition to the award, a $1,000 check was awarded in each driver’s name to go toward a scholarship fund for deserving youth in the school district he or she serves.

This was the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association’s 21st annual awards ceremony.

More Management

Buyers Guide and Directory thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide

Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.

Read More →
HopSkipDrive dashcam in a car.
Managementby StaffMarch 13, 2026

HopSkipDrive Launches In-App Ride Recording and Real-Time Student Trip Tracking Tool

New software features add smartphone-based ride recording and web trip tracking to boost safety, transparency, and caregiver visibility.

Read More →
An orange and red graphic with an image of a school bus parked at the curb in the background, and text reading "Union Momentum Continues in Alaska, Ontario & New York."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 12, 2026

School Bus Labor Disputes and Union Organizing Continue Across North America

School bus drivers and monitors in New York joined Teamsters, while others in Alaska and Ontario face ongoing strikes over wages and contracts.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Headshots of Shelby Noakes, Rob Consoli, Rachel Trindade, and Michael Chase featured in a Zonar leadership update graphic from School Bus Fleet.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 11, 2026

Zonar Announces New Executive Leadership Appointments

After a recent merger and another acquisition, Zonar looks to the future with its four new executive team leads.

Read More →
Graphic promoting Kajeet Connected Communities, a program offering managed internet connectivity solutions for schools, libraries and nonprofits to support digital access initiatives.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 11, 2026

Kajeet Launches Low-Cost Internet Program for Schools and Buses

In the wake of federal funding cuts to the e-rate program and on-board WiFi, Kajeet offers a new option for Internet connectivity where it matters most for students.

Read More →
Graphic announcing Forest River Bus & Van’s 2025 Top Dealer awards alongside a plaque recognizing The Bus Center as a Top 4 Dealer of the Year for sales performance and customer service.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 10, 2026

The Bus Center Named a 2025 Top 4 Forest River Dealer

The Bus Center was named a Top 4 Dealer for Forest River Bus & Van for 2025, marking its second consecutive year receiving recognition from the manufacturer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Model 1 Commercial Vehicles facility in Elgin, Illinois with a lineup of commercial vans and shuttle buses parked outside the dealership and service center supporting fleet customers in the Chicago area.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Model1 Opens New Illinois Location, Joins Sourcewell

The dealership's new Elgin location will serve commercial fleets across the Chicago area.

Read More →
a photo of a row of school buses parked and text boxes overlaid that read "two new district installs" with the transfinder logo
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 6, 2026

Two Midwest Districts Turn to Transfinder

Two separate school districts in Illinois and Ohio have rolled out Transfinder's Routefinder and Tripfinder solutions, respectively.

Read More →
An orange, white, and red graphic with an image of buses lined up in white/red duotone and text reading "How GPS Helps Buses Stay On-Time."
ManagementMarch 6, 2026

How GPS Tracking Helps School Bus Fleets Improve On-Time Performance Without Adding Routes

Struggling with late buses? GPS data can help fleets cut delays, fix route bottlenecks, and improve on-time performance without adding routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black Zonar V4 telematics device shown on an orange background, a rectangular fleet telematics unit with status indicator lights and connection ports used in commercial vehicles to collect operational and emissions data.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Zonar Becomes First CARB-Approved OEM Telematics Provider

Zonar received CARB certification allowing fleets with factory-installed V4 telematics devices to automatically submit emissions data for Clean Truck Check compliance.

Read More →