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.
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.
More Management

CalAmp Launches Next-Generation Parent App
CalAmp’s updated Here Comes The Bus app introduces enhanced safety controls, streamlined parent onboarding, and expanded features to improve visibility and communication around student transportation.
Read More →70 Years, 100 Episodes: The Stories Behind Decades of School Busing
It’s a celebration and a blast from the past in this special anniversary episode of The Route. Take a walk through major industry moments, milestones, and the people who shaped it with some faces you haven’t seen in a while! The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: Stop-Arm Cameras, Safety Retrofits & Driver Shortage Fixes
From Maine bus safety upgrades to stop-arm camera bills, electric bus funding, and an Alabama workforce solution, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →Safety Stories, State Legislation, OEM Moves & Love the Bus: January 2026 School Bus News Recap
Missed any of last month’s industry news? We got you. Reporting from Minneapolis, here’s your quick recap of updates from Waymo's controversy, technology, and safety legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
How Supplemental Transportation Helps Close Driver Gaps
Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.
Read More →
School Bus Business Briefs: School Grants, New Contracts & Revenue Growth
In school bus tech and vendor updates, check in on news from EverDriven, Gatekeeper, Fleetio, Transfinder, RIDE, and new district partnerships.
Read More →
Changing Lanes: EverDriven, ADROIT, DeVivo Companies, School Bus Logistics, Zum, & Dorman
Check out some of the latest personnel moves from across the school bus industry, including new leadership appointments, various promotions, and major restructuring.
Read More →
From Damage Control to Decision Partner: Transportation's Role in School Closures & Redistricting
School closures are inevitable, but transportation chaos doesn’t have to be. Learn how modern routing technology helps districts model closure scenarios before board votes turn into crises.
Read More →
School Bus Fleet, Refreshed: New Website, New Look, Same Commitment
A cleaner layout, improved organization, and a better reading experience are here. Explore what’s new on schoolbusfleet.com!
Read More →
Why Representation Matters in Transportation Leadership
In honor of Black History Month, a firsthand look at how diverse leadership in school transportation builds trust and drives stronger systems.
Read More →
