Ga. team takes top honors at special-needs roadeo

Bus driver Kenny Moss and attendant Laura Lietch of Fulton County Schools in Fairburn, Ga., place first in the 15th National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo, scoring 885 points out of a possible 1,002 points. Teams from Syracuse, N.Y., and Canton, Ga., take second and third place, respectively.

First Student honored for hiring military vets

The school bus contractor receives a Flag of Freedom Award as part of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s “Show-Me Heroes” initiative. Since the initiative began in 2010, officials say First Student has welcomed veterans returning from overseas into the ranks at locations in Columbia, Parkville, Kansas City and St. Joseph.

Burtwistle: District funding pressures not expected to ease

As president of the largest school bus contractor in the U.S. and Canada, First Student’s Linda Burtwistle has a keen perspective on the range of issues impacting the pupil transportation industry. She recently shared her insights with SBF Executive Editor Thomas McMahon.

Carey Paster joins National Express Corp.

The school bus contracting veteran has been appointed to the newly created role of vice president of mergers and acquisitions, where he will be responsible for furthering National Express’ presence in the passenger transportation market. Paster previously held roles with FirstGroup America and First Student.

Bus driver praised for actions during shooting

Police say the driver told the students on his bus to get down out of the line of fire, he was able to leave the scene of the incident and he then called dispatchers to notify police. Although one bullet reportedly hit the bus, no one was injured.

Heroes in school transportation 2012

In the second edition of this series, we highlight school bus drivers who saved lives with their quick thinking and vital skills. When danger arose, their training — and their instincts — came through.

First Student subsidiary buys Quebec bus company

With the $8.5 million deal, Autobus Transco begins operating Transport St. Leonard's 150 schools buses. As part of the transition, the experienced drivers will participate in 20 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training.

Snapshots — Fall 2011/Winter 2012

Bus company requests dismissal of lawsuit from former driver

The contractor is being sued by Ken Webber, who was fired for refusing to take a Confederate flag with the word "redneck" on it off of his pickup truck, which was parked in a lot owned by a school district that the contractor serves. The company says that Webber considered the flag to be an expression of his identity and lifestyle, and that therefore, his flag is not constitutionally protected speech because its message is not a matter of public concern.

Who’s behind the wheel?: optimizing driver background checks

Officials say it is important to conduct both federal and state checks, as well as monitor applicants’ driving records. Pupil transporters discuss their operations’ hiring policies and procedures, which include contacting previous employers, and also share suggestions on ways the industry could protect itself against undesirable candidates who move from state to state.