ST. PAUL — Minnesota has a new state pupil transportation director, following the retirement of Lt. Ed Carroll.

Lt. Brian Reu (pronounced "ROO") was named director of the state Office of Pupil Transportation Safety, effective Feb. 29. Carroll retired from the position on Feb. 14.

Reu, who had been serving as a road trooper for close to 12 years, told SBF that he's looking forward to growing in his new role.

Although he was promoted after Carroll's retirement and didn't get a chance to work with him, Reu said that the sergeants in his unit have been very helpful in getting him up to speed.

In the state director position, Reu will oversee Minnesota's school bus inspection program, deal with school bus-related legislative issues and work closely with pupil transportation operations and associations.

"I'll be meeting monthly and quarterly with different groups," he said, "making sure that we're working together for the safety of the kids."

Reu noted that he has already gotten a good impression of the school bus community and its commitment to safe transportation.

"Everyone seems to have the main common goals in place," he said. "There's a good working relationship, and I'm looking forward to continuing that."