MENU
SEARCHLori Partee and Sandy James, both special-needs bus drivers for Henry County (Ga.) Schools, advance to next year’s National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo.
Sandy James (left) and Lori Partee of Henry County Schools hold the trophy for their win in the Georgia Special Needs Bus Roadeo. Behind them are Murry Chambers (left), assistant director of transportation, Cliff Shearouse, director of transportation, and Rosalyn Gibby, route supervisor and trainer for special-needs buses.
MCDONOUGH, Ga. — Two local school bus drivers recently captured a state title at the Georgia Special Needs Bus Roadeo, earning a chance to compete at the national level.
The duo of Lori Partee and Sandy James, both special-needs bus drivers for Henry County Schools, won their division’s competition at the state level. They will go on to represent Georgia at the National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo in Louisville, Kentucky, in March.
“These two ladies are excellent examples of the outstanding drivers we have here in Henry County,” said Cliff Shearouse, director of transportation for Henry County Schools. “We are very pleased to have them represent us and the state at the national competition.”
The Georgia competition covered a wide array of tasks and skills, including wheelchair loading and securement, car-seat securement, special-needs evacuation and managing student behavior.
Partee is a 21-year veteran in transportation and has worked for the Henry County Schools transportation department since 2008. She made her first trip to the National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo in 2013.
James has been a bus driver since 2008. She joined the Henry County Schools driver ranks in 2013. Her experience in a previous school district’s competition included a finish in first place.
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 →
The state moves to review special education transportation policies following safety concerns raised by families and advocates.
Read More →
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 →
Learn more about what federal law really allows when sharing special-needs information with bus drivers and aides while protecting student privacy.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
New data reveals frontline perspectives on supporting some of America’s most vulnerable students, detailing transportation challenges and possible solutions.
Read More →
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 →
