My journey to become a certified school bus driver — part 5

Bill Lehman is a school bus driver for Queen Creek (Ariz.) Unified School District #95. In this five-part series, he shares his longtime desire to become a bus driver and the path that brought him to the industry. In this final segment of the series, Lehman writes about taking the commercial driver’s license test, and the emotions he felt upon passing and returning to the district’s bus yard.

My journey to become a certified school bus driver — part 3

Bill Lehman is a school bus driver for Queen Creek (Ariz.) Unified School District #95. In this five-part series, he shares his longtime desire to become a bus driver and the path that brought him to the industry. In this segment, Lehman writes about passing the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division air brake test, obtaining his CDL permit and undergoing behind-the-wheel training.

My journey to become a certified school bus driver — part 2

Bill Lehman is a school bus driver for Queen Creek (Ariz.) Unified School District #95. In this five-part series, he shares his longtime desire to become a bus driver and the path that brought him to the industry. In this segment of the series, Lehman writes about interviewing for a position at the district and the preliminary steps needed to become a school bus driver.

ASBC launches recognition program

Officials say the School Bus Champion Award recognizes individuals and entities who have displayed exceptional support for the advancement of the school bus industry through leadership in safety, access to education, environmental benefits/stewardship and community impact. The EPA and the state of Utah are the first honorees for their work in “greening” school buses.

Bill aimed at protecting students on private roads approved

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signs into law House Bill 2170, which amends the current law to state that school bus drivers must engage their bus’ stop arm and flashing lights while students are boarding or disembarking on a private road or driveway. Officials say the bill will take effect 90 days after the current legislative session ends.

Man boards bus, leaves loaded gun magazine

Jeremy West follows a student on the Arizona district’s bus, and he convinces an adult bus aide that he is accompanying the student. After West leaves the bus, another student finds a fully loaded 9 mm magazine on the seat where West had been sitting. Police arrest him on Thursday, and the district is making changes to its policy on allowing parents on school buses.

Blue Bird’s Roger Howsmon to retire

Howsmon led the school bus manufacturer’s sales and marketing team and then served as senior advisor to Blue Bird. Company officials credit him for his work with dealers and industry associations, and for playing a key leadership role in increasing international sales.

Love the Bus 2013

Pupil transporters, communities celebrate ‘Love the Bus’

From Texas to Illinois to Virginia and beyond, the industry and the communities they serve are recognizing school bus drivers and others involved in transporting students to and from school. Here’s a roundup of some of this year’s events.

LaHood celebrates ‘Love the Bus’ in Virginia

Outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood visits Tuckahoe Elementary School in Arlington on Tuesday, where students sing and rap for him. LaHood tells the children, “I want you kids to thank your drivers when you go home today. They care a lot about getting you to and from school safely.”