Veteran Calif. supervisor Charles Bednar to retire

Bednar began his career in the industry 41 years ago as a special-needs school bus driver for Taylor Bus Service in Orange County. He rose to vice president of the company before transitioning to the public sector, where he has spent the last 17 years at Corona-Norco Unified School District.

Former bus driver gets probation for abusing girl

Marjorie Jones places tape over the mouth of a 7-year-old student who is unable to speak, but says at trial that she was "entertaining" the girl. She is sentenced to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service, and she is also facing a lawsuit from the girl's family.

New school bus seat, ownership shift at SynTec

SynTec Seating Solutions’ new S3C seat, which can be converted between belted and non-belted options, will be available on school buses starting this fall. The company is now fully owned by global seat belt and air bag maker Takata.

Nominate a great administrator

Do you know an exemplary school transportation director who deserves some recognition for his or her efforts? We’re getting ready to select a recipient for our 2012 Administrator of the Year award, and we’re accepting nominations.

Law aims to protect adult bus riders with disabilities

Under the legislation signed by acting N.J. Gov. Kim Guadagno, when a school bus is picking up or discharging any person with disabilities, including adults, the bus driver is required to use the flashing red lights and other motorists must stop. The legislation also establishes penalties for violators.

2012 Photo Contest

1st Kan. special-needs safety roadeo is personal

Eight teams compete at the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association’s inaugural Special Needs Team Safety Competition in Salina, Kan. The event’s organizer, association board member Rick Smith, tells SBF he wanted to put on a roadeo to honor a former colleague who taught him about the compassion and empathy side of special-needs transportation.

Pamela Layral completes NAPT special-needs program

The training supervisor for Student Transportation of America in Riverside, Calif., earns the Special Needs Transportation Training Endorsement, which includes six special-needs courses in such settings as a roadeo and a trade show.

Special-needs student left on bus

The student reportedly falls asleep on the bus and is not visible to the driver when she returns to the transportation facility. A maintenance worker finds the girl, who is uninjured, an hour later.

Special-needs bus driver arrested for DUI

Police say Erik Paulik is transporting four students and two adult monitors when he rear-ends a small minivan carrying students. He is charged with operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor — he reportedly has a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit — child endangerment while operating under the influence and failing to slow when approaching an intersection.