Bus purchases deferred for Massachusetts Head Start programs
The purchases will be put off this year due to anticipated budget cuts stemming from the federal sequester. Officials at two agencies that run Head Start programs in the state say that they don’t yet know the extent to which their budgets will be impacted. The Patriot Ledger reports that the sequester reduced the budget for Head Start by 5%.
Spending for new school buses for several Head Start programs in Massachusetts will be deferred this year due to anticipated funding cuts stemming from the federal sequester, The Patriot Ledger reports.
Officials at Quincy Community Action Programs and the South Shore Community Action Council, which both operate Head Start programs in the state, said they are preparing for the reductions, but they don’t yet know the extent to which their budgets will be impacted. According to the newspaper, the sequester cut the budget for Head Start by 5%.
“To have a cut in a program like Head Start is completely unprecedented,” Ann Strollo, executive director of Quincy Community Action Programs, told The Patriot Ledger. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a cut. This will hurt communities; there’s no doubt about it. It was just an outrageous way to deal with our budget deficit.”
To read the full story, click here.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
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, Hall of Fame Inductee
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, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
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 →