For the second time since a four-year pandemic hiatus, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) hosted its School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) from June 28-29, 2025, in Austin, Texas. 

Hays CISD’s transportation facility in Uhland, Texas, served as the host site for the competition once again. In 2023, NSTA announced it would be the permanent host.

The SBDISC offers school bus drivers from across the United States and Canada the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills, allowing them to vie for an international title. To be eligible, drivers must win or place in a state or provincial competition in their designated school bus category within the past year. Drivers must enter the competition in the same bus class in which they won at the state, regional, or provincial level. 

To start the 51^st SBDISC, drivers went through an orientation class, followed by a written knowledge test done on tablets thanks to title sponsor Beacon Mobility. Then, contestants got behind the wheel to complete a rigorous road course. Drivers competed in one of three bus categories based on school bus type.

The highest scores in each category determined the winners. The Bill Loshbough Grand Champion Award was handed out for the first time to the driver who achieved the overall top score of the entire competition. 

The following winners were acknowledged on June 29 at the Awards Reception & Dinner at the Austin Marriott Downtown.

Small Bus (Type A)

• First Place: Claudia Christen, Prairie Bus Lines – Alberta, Canada

• Second Place: Kathleen Graham, Montgomery County Public Schools – Virginia

• Third Place: Erika Gaines, Montgomery County Schools – Tennessee

Conventional Bus (Type C)

• First Place: Betty Nelson, Dean Transportation – Michigan

• Second Place: Philip Purvis, North East ISD – Texas

• Third Place: Jered Winnestaffer, Community Bus Services - Groveport-Madison Schools – Ohio

Transit Bus (Type D)

• First Place: Brian Rickmann, Beaverton School District – Oregon

• Second Place: Danelle Adams, Roseville Joint Union High School District - California

• Third Place: Doralie Cervantes, Cypress Fairbanks ISD – Texas

Bill Loshbough Grand Champion Award

• First Place: Brian Rickmann, Beaverton School District - Oregon

We checked in with the Type D and overall winner to find out what he thought of the experience. “It's my hope that more people want to participate in driving competitions because it will instill more confidence in their driving ability and will create a safer environment for the students that we transport every day,” Brian Rickmann said. “It's not about scoring the highest, but truly knowing what the safest practices are when we are interacting with the kids and other drivers on the road. The (SBDISC) was a very welcoming environment of friendly people, and it definitely takes a special breed of human to do this job. I hope to see more competitors next year and we can all share our stories of the crazy things that we see every day!”

Betty Nelson, the conventional category winner, made it to the finals for the third time. She says she became hooked after her first regional roadeo in 2008. “Every year since then, I do what I can to encourage other drivers to compete,” she said. I think it is such a great thing for drivers. I love the connections you make, driving the actual bus, and getting to know reference points.

Nelson placed 13^th last year, and her goal this time was to make it in the top 10. Mission accomplished! To prepare, Nelson set up a practice course and went through it with the help of another driver with whom she engages in friendly competition. “It's something I've been working toward for such a long time,” she said. “[Roadeos] make you a better driver, a safer driver, it builds your confidence. I can't talk about it enough”!

Patrick Dean, president of Dean Transportation, added: "We are incredibly proud to celebrate Betty’s outstanding accomplishment—earning 1st place ... Betty’s exceptional driving skill, deep knowledge, and unwavering focus on student safety earned her this top honor. She is a true professional who sets the bar for excellence and is a passionate advocate for school bus rodeo competitions. Betty believes these events are powerful platforms for transportation professionals to demonstrate the skill, care, and expertise they bring to their work every single day. Beyond her personal success, Betty is a leader who teaches, mentors, and inspires others to continually grow. She has made a lasting impact on countless students and families throughout her career, and we are proud to have her as a valued member of the Dean Transportation team."

“Transporting students in the yellow bus remains the safest way to get our students to school each day,” NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn added. “The School Bus Driver International Safety Competition highlights the professionalism of our school bus drivers that combines a driving competition within an enjoyable atmosphere. This yearly event celebrates the cornerstone of pupil transportation – our drivers, who continue to inspire us every day. On behalf of NSTA, I want to extend our thanks to Hays CISD for their support, and we look forward to hosting our competition here next year.” 

With incredible skill, community spirit, and dedication, this year’s SBDISC proved once again that school bus drivers are passionate, precise, and powerful. 

Save the date for next year: June 27-28, 2026, back at Hays CISD.