2025 Minnesota School Bus Operators Association Summer Conference Highlights [PHOTOS]

A panel on alternative fuel options brought in Shane Johnson of Palmer Bus, John Benish Jr of Cook-Illinois Corp, Mario Genovese of ROUSH CleanTech, and Russell Schindler of Ingevity to talk about electric buses, CNG, and propane, and emissions requirements. Of note: Ingevity and Palmer Bus piloted the state’s first RNG modification.

Genovese also talked about a new push for renewable propane that comes from biodegradables and makes the fuel that’s already clean even cleaner.

Benish encouraged all contractors to get up to speed on alt-fuels sooner than later; even for those who aren’t running any yet, he suspects all districts will start adding green components to their contracts in the future, and you want to ahead of the curve.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) opened the conference with an overview of the Brake for Kids Act, noting that it was inspired by NHTSA’s study that looked at which factors affect drivers making illegal stop-arm passings. The act is part of the Surface Reauthorization and intends to enact a PSA similar to the “Click it or Ticket” campaign. The timeline is “as soon as practical.” Stauber said that the Minnesota Broadcasters Association assured that if it gets signed into law, that they will lead it across the nation.

Stauber recommended attendees apply “gentle pressure, relentlessly” to advocate for what issues affect them.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Minnesota’s state director Lt. Brian Reu from the state patrol, took the stage to present highlights and updates from the recent NCST and what changes to the NSTSP manual that will affect bus specs, standards, inspections, and operations.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Bethany Bertram of Trobec’s Bus and MSBOA president, stands with new association executive director Curt Macysyn of Enterprise Public Affairs.

“I am proud and pleased to take over as the executive director ... in a state where private operators account for 68% of school transportation services overall," Macysyn said. "The organization has been in existence for almost 80 years, and it has remained a focal point for school bus operators who provide safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation in Minnesota. The Summer Convention was a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the recently concluded school year through the awards banquet, as well as showcase MSBOA vendor members in an outdoor showcase. We also had Rep. Pete Stauber and Kendall Qualls provide timely and insightful keynote messages, as well as several other professional developments sessions to support our members. All in all, it was a great event and experience for me, and I hope members share that sentiment too.”

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Brent Ingvalson of Express Pressure Washers, Inc., demonstrates the company’s undercarriage cleaner — perfect for getting the salt and dirt washed out after a Minnesota winter and year-round maintenance.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

The vendor show took place outside on a sunny Minnesota afternoon on the final day. Attendees could check out buses, visit with suppliers and dealerships, and network with each other with refreshing drinks and swag thanks to various sponsors.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Kicking off day 2 was Bradley Peterson of Flaherty & Hood, MSBOA’s lobbyist, for a legislative update. He said that Minnesota’s last legislative session featured an unusually equally divided House, and covered both favorable and unfavorable outcomes for contractors’ operations. The good news: No reduction or elimination of non-public pupil transportation aid. The bad news: A reduction in district’s special education initial aid.

He also discussed the new Blue Ribbon Commission, which will be established next year and develop an action plan for transforming special education, and key bills introduced or supported by MSBOA.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

First Light Safety Products was one of approximately 20 sponsors who participated in the vendor show to meet customers and showcase its solutions. At the table is Corrina Bollegraf.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Gordy Hoglund was honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Hoglund Bus was named one of our Great Fleets Across America in the inaugural year in 1999.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

The day’s keynote address was delivered by Kendall Qualls, a U.S. Army veteran, business executive, and founder of TakeCharge, an organization committed to inspiring a new vision for America. He challenged attendees to question the narrative and look deeper at the messages being delivered. Among the inspiring takeaways: “Where you start in life is not where you have to stay for the rest of your life. And the formula for this country works.”

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Tom Revnew of Littler Mendelson, MSBOA’s legal counsel, presented a legal update, covering how the industry can get involved.

“Get into politics or get out of business,” he said, noting the importance of getting in front of legislators.

He also updated on highlights from the latest state legislative session affecting school bus contractors, including employee breaks, sick and safe time, job postings, and paid leave.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Bethany Bertram hosts the annual business meeting over the final lunch to elect the association’s officers and offer association updates, including a new bylaws committee.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

A “State of the Industry” OEM panel was moderated by Curt Macysyn and featured Blue Bird’s Brad Beauchamp, IC Bus’ Randy Ray, and Thomas Built’s Steve Burkett. Each took a turn offering updates on their buses, future plans, safety features, tariff impact, take on electrification, and more.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Roxanne Godejahn from Hicks Bus Line was recognized for her cheerful and hardworking nature in a special presentation over lunch.

Photo: Amanda Huggett

Members of the Minnesota Women in Student Transportation (MN.WiST) got together for a photo as the group continues to form.

Photo: Amanda Huggett