Texas district honored for hiring military
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization, a U.S. Department of Defense office, presents an award to Houston Independent School District for its efforts to recruit and retain military personnel.
Houston Independent School District board member Manuel Rodriguez Jr. (center right) accepts an award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Also among those pictured are district fleet personnel who have served in the military.
HOUSTON — Houston Independent School District (HISD) was recently recognized for its efforts to recruit and retain military personnel.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization, a U.S. Department of Defense office, presented an “Above and Beyond Award” to the district at its board meeting last week.
The award is given in limited numbers by state committees to employers who have had at least one of their managers recognized with a Patriot Award.
Spc. Benjamin Lytle, an HISD transportation employee and U.S. Army reservist currently serving in Afghanistan, nominated HISD Senior Manager of Fleet Operations Mark Swackhamer for a Patriot Award. Swackhamer was recognized for providing direct support to Lytle and his family during Lytle’s recent deployment.
Other recent news on Houston Independent School District:
More Management
Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints
The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →
Zum Reaches 19 States With New York Expansion
The addition of the Empire State to the student transportation company's roster marks a growing expansion in the Northeast as it scales its tech and school bus services.
Read More →
First Student Updates Its Parent App
First View connects both yellow bus and alternative transportation, giving families one platform to track student trips for the new school year, with 15 languages supported.
Read More →
The Back-to-School Checklist Every Director Should Complete Before the First Bell
Help your transportation team start the school year strong with these tips for contingency planning, communication, fleet visibility, technology, and trip management.
Read More →
How a New York District Cut Nearly $1M in Transportation Costs While Expanding Bus Access
A data-driven overhaul with BusRight reduced Poughkeepsie City School District's planned routes from 26 to 17 while extending school bus service to about 1,200 additional students.
Read More →
Budgets Down, Enrollment Shifting: What the Data Says Districts Should Watch
School transportation departments face two converging challenges this year: tightening budgets and shifting enrollment. Most districts still address these issues separately, but the assumption that either trend will simplify operations is proving incorrect.
Read More →
These 8 School Transportation Companies Made the 2026 Inc. 5000 List
Find out which school transportation contractors, technology providers, and suppliers ranked among America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Read More →
The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and School Bus Safety
How can emotional intelligence help transportation pros navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships? Listen to find out.
Read More →