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.”

Bill would require motorists to stop for buses on private roads

Current Arizona law requires motorists to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students on public highways. A bill under consideration in the state Legislature would amend the law for it to apply to private roads and driveways as well, but it would not apply to a bus that is stopped in a parking lot.

LaHood to speak at 'Love the Bus' event

Outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood accepts an invitation to serve as the lead speaker at the American School Bus Council’s main “Love the Bus” event at an elementary school in Arlington, Va., on Feb. 12. It will mark the second time he has participated in a Love the Bus celebration — the first was in 2011 in Takoma Park, Md.

Letter: Reactions to the school bus shooting, abduction

After the Jan. 29 incident in Alabama in which a man boarded a school bus, fatally shot the driver and took a 5-year-old student hostage, a director of transportation in Arizona wrote this letter to his staff to address any concerns about their safety.