Top 5 Likes/Reactions on <i>SBF</i> Facebook Page in 2016
Stories on stop arms, a school bus driver’s retirement after 52 years, and another driver’s tragic death in a crash in Colorado were among the most popular this year.

A story on McKinney ISD in Texas testing stop-arm extensions on its school buses received the most likes and reactions on SBF's Facebook in 2016.

A Texas school district’s test of an extended stop arm and an Indiana district’s award of $50,000 to use for stop-arm cameras were among the most popular stories on School Bus Fleet magazine’s Facebook page in 2016.
1. Texas District Tests School Bus Stop-Arm Extension
201 likes/reactions
Bus Crossing Guard, an extra stop sign that extends 6 feet from the side of the bus, was installed on 10 buses that transport McKinney Independent School District students.
2. Indiana District Awarded $50K for Stop-Arm Cameras
134 likes/reactions
East Noble School Corp. received a grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for windshield and exterior stop-arm cameras for all of its 55 school buses.

3. School Bus Driver Retires After 52-Year Career
100 likes/reactions
Brenda Thoman, who drove a bus for the same Missouri school district for 52 years, officially retired on Nov. 18. She was accident-free her entire driving career.
4. School Bus Driver Killed, 15 Students Injured in Crash at Airport
94 likes/reactions
Kari Chopper was preparing to leave the Denver International Airport when she apparently made a wrong turn, crashed into a pillar, and was killed. Fifteen students and three coaches were injured in the crash.
5. Districts Put a Dent in Bus Passing With Stop-Arm Cameras
83 likes/reactions
Combined with public education efforts, the camera systems have helped enhance student safety by deterring stop-arm running. Some school districts have cut violations by 50% or more.
More Management

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Nearly 90 Years of Safely Transporting Wisconsin Students
From one farmer's act of service to a fourth-generation family business, Kobussen Buses reflects on nearly 90 years of earning the trust of Wisconsin families.
Read More →
Changing Lanes: AMF Bruns, Pro-Vision, CALSTART, HopSkipDrive, & Kooner
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and nonprofits.
Read More →
NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees
The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.
Read More →
Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City
From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support
The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners
See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.
Read More →
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Student Transportation
Learn the five key elements that bus drivers and transportation directors can use to stay calm in any situation.
Read More →
2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report
Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners
Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.
Read More →
School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells
Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.
Read More →

