School Bus Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Last Chowchilla school bus kidnapper denied parole

A state panel denied Frederick Woods parole for the 14th time due to disciplinary infractions that demonstrate continued criminal thinking, authorities say. He will be able to seek parole again in three years.

November 20, 2015
2 min to read


SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — On Thursday, the last of three convicted kidnappers who was involved in the notorious Chowchilla school bus kidnapping nearly 40 years ago was denied parole again, the Associated Press reports.

A state Board of Parole Hearings panel denied parole to Frederick Woods for the 14th time, according to The Daily Journal. Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Jill Klinge told the newspaper that the board rejected Woods’ request because of his continued criminal thinking, which she said was demonstrated by his disciplinary infractions at the California Men’s Colony prison in San Luis Obispo. (Woods received three infractions for possession of pornography in 2002 and 2003, and two infractions for possessing contraband phones in 2013 and 2014, Klinge told The Daily Journal.)

Madera County District Attorney David Linn told the Associated Press that several victims of the kidnapping spoke against granting Woods parole at the hearing, though several other victims testified that, after 39 years in prison, he should be released. Parole for Woods was backed by prominent supporters such as state Rep. Anna Eshoo of Palo Alto, the news source reports.

Woods, along with brothers Richard Schoenfeld, hijacked a school bus in Chowchilla and imprisoned the 26 children and bus driver aboard in a buried moving van on July 15, 1976. The three planned to demand a $5 million ransom from the state board of education. However, after 16 hours, the bus driver, Ed Ray, and some of the students were able to break through a covered opening in the van's ceiling and get everyone to safety.

Woods will be able to seek parole again in three years.

More Management

Collage of NAPT ACTS 2026 highlights, including a speaker at the podium, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees networking, and exhibitors demonstrating technology on the trade show floor.
Management•by Amanda Huggett•October 12, 2026

Inside NAPT ACTS 2026: Highlights from Louisville

From federal updates and student behavior strategies to new school bus technology and industry awards, see highlights from NAPT ACTS 2026 in Louisville.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet video thumbnail featuring 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Annette Brown smiling beside a yellow school bus, with the headline “Why School Bus Drivers Are Underrated Heroes” and the School Bus Driver Hero Award logo.
Management•by Staff•October 9, 2026

Meet the 2025 School Bus Driver Hero Winner: Annette Brown

We caught up with Wa-Nee Community Schools' Annette Brown on site at SBFX, where she was named the 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award winner. Hear about her reaction, what she loves most about being a school bus driver, and more!

Read More →
School Bus Fleet graphic featuring three illustrated yellow school buses carrying students beneath the headline “The Comfort of Consistency,” with a red bottle of ketchup drawing a line across the upper left corner.
Management•October 9, 2026

Predictability Is Like Ketchup (According to 6-Year-Olds)

To students, a different school bus can feel like a full-blown crisis. One driver reflects on why familiar routines, showing up on time, and being reliably boring matter more than we think.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A professional driver stands in front of a bus beside text reading “Samsara Driver Perks.”
Management•by Staff and News Reports•October 7, 2026

Samsara Launches Free Driver Rewards Program

The new Driver Perks program gives eligible professional drivers access to discounts and offers without adding a cost for participating fleets.

Read More →
Graphic showing hands counting $100 bills with text reading, “How to Finance Your Next School Bus: Municipal Leases, VPAs, Residuals.”
Management•October 7, 2026

How Tax-Exempt Municipal Leases Can Help Finance School Buses

Let’s explore school bus financing options, including municipal leases, vendor payable accounts, and balloon payments, and how they can help stretch fleet budgets.

Read More →
Group of School Bus Fleet 2026 Trailblazers above a graphic announcing that nominations are open for the 2027 SBF Trailblazers, with submissions due Dec. 14, 2026.
Management•by Staff•October 6, 2026

Nominate Rising School Transportation Pros Under 40!

We’re searching for the next generation of leaders making an impact across the K-12 student transportation industry to recognize as SBF’s 2027 Trailblazers. Nominations are open now!

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic for School Bus Fleet’s September 2026 “Changing Lanes” personnel roundup featuring headshots of seven school transportation industry professionals who recently changed roles.
Management•by Staff and News Reports•October 2, 2026

Changing Lanes: BusWhere, EverDriven, InterMotive, Summit School Services, Switzer-Carty & Thomas Built Buses

Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation suppliers, contractors, and manufacturers.

Read More →
Graphic featuring several yellow school buses with the headline, “The Most Expensive School Bus Resale Mistake,” and images representing maintenance, auctions, and resale value.
Management•by Steve Mitchell•October 1, 2026

The Most Expensive Thing You Do Before Selling a School Bus: Wait

When should you sell an aging school bus? Learn how maintenance, mileage, corrosion, specifications, and timing can affect resale value long before the auction.

Read More →
A lineup of Krise Transportation vehicles, including Type A and conventional school buses and passenger vans, with one wheelchair-accessible van shown with its lift extended.
Management•by Staff and News Reports•September 30, 2026

American Student Transportation Partners Acquires AJ Myers and Sons

A new deal brings a 75-year Pennsylvania student transportation provider into one of the nation’s largest private school bus contracting groups.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Bernando Brown of DeKalb County Schools speaks during a session at the 2026 School Bus Fleet ConneX in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Management•September 29, 2026

What I Brought Home From SBFX: Relationships, Leadership, and Preparing What's Next

Who could lead your transportation operation tomorrow if you couldn't? Bernando Brown explores succession planning, mentorship, and preparing emerging leaders to step up.

Read More →