MENU
SEARCHKrapf School Bus's longtime CEO is remembered for his business acumen, industry advocacy, and commitment to his family.
The former NSTA award winner, president, and SBF award winner, served on both the NSTA and Pennsylvania association's boards until his passing.
Photo: NSTA/School Bus Fleet
On Oct. 21, 2025, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) shared that its former president and chairman of the Krapf Group, Blake Krapf, died at his Pennsylvania home Oct. 18 at age 55.
Krapf started working at the family business as his grandfather's apprentice at age 12, learning the industry first by cleaning buses. Throughout school and after, he remained active in sports and enjoying the great outdoors.
In 1995, he began his role as CEO of Krapf School Bus, which he held onto for 25 years. His work is credited for the company's growth and expansion, which now is one of the 10 largest school bus contractors in the country.
Krapf was an active member of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association (PSBA) and the National School Transportation Association (NSTA), serving as PSBA president from 2014–2016 and NSTA president from 2017–2019. He continued to serve on the boards of both organizations until his passing.
He was inducted into the NSTA Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry, and received the NSTA Go Yellow Award, Go Green Award, and the NSTA Contractor of the Year award.
Krapf also was named School Bus Fleet's Contractor of the Year in 2010.
Blake Krapf served as CEO of Krapf School Bus for 25 years.
Photo by Time Inc., courtesy of IC Bus
Deeply passionate about the industry, Krapf was a tireless advocate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., often testifying on behalf of contractors and writing to legislators in support of policies that strengthened the school bus community, NSTA wrote about him. "His leadership, integrity, and willingness to mentor others earned him the respect of colleagues nationwide. Many contractors turned to Blake for his insight, guidance, and friendship. He especially enjoyed attending meetings and conventions — not only to support the industry he loved, but to share in the camaraderie that defined it."
Krapf is survived by his wife, parents, five children, two brothers, and extended family members.
Services will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
The Georgia-based OEM is set to take on Girardin Group’s stake in the 50/50 Micro Bird joint venture. The change will consolidate the two businesses under one brand, one team, and one approach.
Read More →
School bus contractors and alternative transportation providers, your insights are crucial; please help us report on the state of contracting in this survey. Answers close March 31.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
In school bus tech and vendor updates, check in on news from EverDriven, Gatekeeper, Fleetio, Transfinder, RIDE, and new district partnerships.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
