SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

John Goss remembered for dedication to training

Goss, a former school transportation director and a longtime industry expert for Q’Straint, died on Jan. 3. Q’Straint will dedicate its training facility in his name.

January 11, 2016
John Goss remembered for dedication to training

Goss started his career in the school bus industry after retiring from the U.S. Air Force.

2 min to read


John Goss, a former school transportation director and a longtime industry expert for Q’Straint, died on Jan. 3. He was 84.

Goss, a Vietnam War veteran, started his career in the school bus industry after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a chief master sergeant. He became director of transportation and facilities for Marana (Ariz.) Unified School District (USD), a position he held for 15 years.

Ad Loading...

During his tenure with Marana USD, Goss established a strong relationship with Jim Reaume, director of sales at Q'Straint. Reaume said that he was always impressed by Goss’ knowledge of wheelchair securement products and regulations.

When Goss retired from Marana USD in 1989, Reaume offered him a contract job as Q’Straint’s first outside sales and technical expert. In that role, he assisted with specifications and regulations, worked trade shows, trained the sales team and shared his industry knowledge.

One of Goss’ key accomplishments was the development of the Q'Straint National Training Seminar, which company officials said has evolved into a unique and highly regarded industry program. As a tribute to Goss’ passion for training, Q’Straint will dedicate its training facility in his name.

“John will be deeply missed by the entire Q'Straint family, but fortunately his legacy will live on,” company officials said.

Goss is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janine; two sons; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Ad Loading...

Goss’ obituary and memorial service information are available here.

More Special Needs Transportation

Graphic showing a school bus with a wheelchair lift deployed and the headline “Special Needs Ridership Rises & More Trends,” highlighting 2026 School Bus Fleet special-needs survey results.

Special-Needs Transportation Shifts in 2026: More Riders, More Tech, New Pressures [Survey Report]

What’s changing in special-needs transportation? Operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and emerging challenges. Details here! Survey sponsor: AMF Bruns of America.

Read More →
An aerial photograph of Jersey City, New Jersey, during the day.
Special Needs TransportationJanuary 20, 2026

New Jersey Legislature Approves Special Education Transportation Task Force

The state moves to review special education transportation policies following safety concerns raised by families and advocates.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black and white graphic with an image of a female student getting into an alternative transportation vehicle. Text reads "Student Privacy & Special Needs: Legal, Ethical, and Practical Guidance."

Why Student Privacy Matters in Special-Needs School Transportation

Learn more about what federal law really allows when sharing special-needs information with bus drivers and aides while protecting student privacy.

Read More →

AMF Bruns Celebrates 2025 Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year

Julio Ospina, a SPED driver and safety trainer at Wylie ISD in Texas, was named the national winner in AMF's annual driver award series.

Read More →
SponsoredDecember 1, 2025

Safety Leadership for School Bus Operations

The most important factor in operating as safely as possible is leadership. Learn about an innovative new training course that teaches all levels of leadership the many practices to instill a safety culture in the drivers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Special Needs Transportationby StaffNovember 11, 2025

Your Insights Needed: 2026 Special Needs Survey Now Open

Help shape the 2026 state of Special-Needs Transportation report! School district and contractor leaders — share your notes on ridership, equipment, and staffing by Dec. 31, 2025.

Read More →
SponsoredNovember 7, 2025

eBook: Good for the Fleet, Good for the Community

Learn how modern telematics helps pupil transportation fleets operate more safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while proving measurable value to their communities. See how real fleets are reducing idling, improving driver safety, and using video data to protect budgets and passengers alike.

Read More →

Survey: Homeless Student Identification Rises for Third Consecutive Year

New data reveals frontline perspectives on supporting some of America’s most vulnerable students, detailing transportation challenges and possible solutions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Kala Henkensiefken poses for a photo in the driver's seat of a school bus. Text reads: "From Driver to Mentor: Kala Henkensiefken."
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 11, 2025

From Driver to Mentor: Kala Henkensiefken's Legacy in Special Education Transportation

For decades, Henkensiefken has been a cornerstone of special education transportation in Minnesota. As she prepares for retirement, her career reflects on the industry's evolution and her unwavering commitment to its advancement.

Read More →