Take a look at some of the speakers and sessions at the California Association of School Transportation Officials' annual conference. There was even a special appointment of school bus "royalty."
PHOTOS: CASTO 2019 Highlights
Pam McDonald, president of CASTO, honored a male and female driver in the audience who have the longest school bus driving careers with crowns. Here, Donald Hain from San Marcos Unified School District takes his crown and accepts the title of "king" for the day.
McDonald also honored the drivers in the audience newest to the profession (two months) as "princess" and "prince" for the day. Those crowns went to Christie Anthony of Kern County Superintendent of Schools and Jason Cannon of Apple Valley Unified School District.
Keynote speaker Vicki Sanderson energized the audience with humorous insights on the variety of personality types, communication styles, and how they mix in the workplace.
Konrad requested that attendees stand for a moment of silence in honor of the five students who were killed by motorists in illegal passing incidents or at their bus stop in late 2018.
The show floor was packed as attendees checked out products and services from a variety of industry suppliers.
On display were several new school buses, including the Collins Low-Floor Bus, which features a ramp that can serve students using wheelchairs and ambulatory students.
Showgoers had a chance to check out The Lion Electric Co.'s LionC electric bus.
Nico Chavez, the legislative advocate for the School Transportation Coalition, highlighted the state’s contributions in school bus replacement funding as well as the push for legislation to require camera systems on buses.
Dr. LaFaye Platter, the deputy superintendent for Hemet Unified School District (now retired), discussed with attendees strategies for how to give and receive constructive feedback for transportation personnel.
Representatives from three state agencies conducted a Q&A session with attendees. Shown here is David Birchman (left) with California's Department of Motor Vehicles, Jantze Douglas-Bowie (middle) with California Highway Patrol, and Dano Rybar (right) with California's Department of Education’s Office of Transportation.
The California Association of School Transportation Officials (CASTO) annual conference took place from April 13 to 15 in Anaheim.
Music was provided during the first morning of the conference by a band from John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, California.
Patricia Morales of Los Angeles Unified School District is anointed "queen" for the day for her longtime bus driving career of 47 years.
Tony Peregrina, CASTO's first vice president, joined Sanderson onstage for a role-playing exercise.
Attendees Sandra Davidson and Frank Espinoza network as they wait for a session to begin.
Sabine Konrad of Visalia Unified School District conducted a powerful and informative session on proper loading and unloading procedures.
Alex Robinson, executive director of the New York City Department of Education Office of Pupil Transportation shared the challenges and triumphs in the career of a transportation director.
Rick Weaver, who had been an officer with the California Highway Patrol for 27 years, talked to attendees about crucial steps to take in case of an accident.
Micro Bird showed off its new Chevy G5 Gasoline bus, which can accommodate six wheelchairs and three passengers.
Attendees mingled and enjoyed delicious chocolate refreshments in between sessions.
Ron Kinney, longtime CASTO member and president of QET Management Services, concluded the conference by presenting data on the state’s school bus collisions before and after implementing lap-shoulder belts.